Term 1-3: Component 01: Computer systems
In this unit, students will learn about the structure and function of the processor, types of processor and different processor architectures. This unit also covers input, output and storage devices and how these can be applied to the solution of different problems.
Students will sit a written End of Unit assessment. This topic is a component of Unit 1 which 40% of overall qualification.
Develop the individual:
the ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems including writing programs to do
so.
The individual moral, social, ethical and cultural opportunities and risks of digital technology. Legislation
surrounding the use of computers and ethical issues that can or may in the future arise from the use of computers
Create a supportive community:
Term 1-4: Component 3 - Programming Project
Students are expected to apply the principles of computational thinking to a practical coding programming project. They will analyse, design, develop, test, evaluate and document a program written in a suitable programming language. The project is designed to be independently chosen by the student and provides them with the flexibility to investigate projects within the diverse field of computer science. We support a wide and diverse range of languages.
Students will produce a written report.
Develop the individual:
The capacity for thinking creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
The ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems including writing programs to do so
Create a supportive community:
The ability to articulate the individual (moral), social (ethical), legal and cultural opportunities and risks of digital technology.
Term 3-6: Component 02: Algorithms and programming
This builds on component 01 to include computational thinking and problem-solving.
It covers:
-What is meant by computational thinking (thinking abstractly, thinking ahead, thinking procedurally etc.)
-Problem solving and programming – how computers and programs can be used to solve problems .
-Algorithms and how they can be used to describe and solve problems.
Students will sit a written End of Unit Assessment. This topic is a component of Unit 2 which 40% of overall qualification.
Develop the individual:
Critical thinking
Computational thinking
Create a supportive community:
Collaborative working