Computer Science
Subject Leader: Mr K Bhutia
Subject Leader Email Address: kesang.bhutia@swale.at
Computers themselves, and software yet to be developed, will revolutionize the way we learn.
STEVE JOBS
Subject Overview
In computing, students will learn how computer systems work, from the physical components (the hardware) to the apps and programs that users interact with (the software). They will also learn how to create and manipulate computer systems and how to apply the skills and approaches that they pick up in computing to tackle real-life problems creatively.
Computing gives students a wide range of skills that they can apply to other subjects and use in their careers, and opens the doorway to new and emerging career paths. IT companies like Google and Microsoft helped the government to design the course because they want to make sure young people have the digital skills employers look for today.
Computing complements maths because it teaches logical thinking and problem-solving. Students can use the skills they develop in computing to help them analyse and solve maths problems. Computing will help them with any subjects which require a degree of critical thinking.
Year 7
Term 1:
Basic hardware, categorising input and output devices, understanding of internal and external hardware, identifying how and when devices are used.
Enquiry Questions:
What is a PC?
Term 2:
How to use technology safely (e-safety), respectfully and responsibly (best use), modelling how others can use.
Enquiry Questions:
What is safe use of a PC?
Term 3:
Looking at abstraction, decomposition and algorithmic thinking to create flowcharts to solve problems.
Enquiry Questions:
What are algorithms?
Term 4:
Programming in Scratch/Microbit - using and understanding variables, data types, basic functions; comparing use of programming languages.
Enquiry Questions:
What is programming?
Term 5:
Using software to create a digital product (e-Safety advice leaflet), featuring rules on content, contact, conduct and commerce.
Enquiry Questions:
What can I make with a computer?
Term 6:
Looking at using ciphers and codes to crack and understand, leading to creating a simple encryption/decryption program
Enquiry Questions:
What is codebreaking?
Year 8
Term 1:
Understanding how internal hardware communicates and exchanges data, going into more depth regarding hardware following on from Year 7.
Enquiry Questions:
How does a PC work?
Term 2:
Understanding the differences between data and instructions, what a CPU does, using binary to create 4 bit and 8 bit numbers, using logic gates.
Enquiry Questions:
How does a computer work?
Term 3:
Gathering data and researching information; comparing online and offline sources to look at set requirements (e-Safety themed).
Enquiry Questions:
How can we use reliable data?
Term 4:
Identifying and understanding how networks operate, including specific hardware (router, switch, firewall, server), differences and uses of wired vs wireless connections.
Enquiry Questions:
How does a PC communicate?
Term 5:
Creating Python/ PencilCode programming for specific requirements, using input, print, conditionals and loops.
Enquiry Questions:
How can we program for a purpose?
Term 6:
Creating simple web pages using HTML and CSS.
Enquiry Questions:
How can we use HTML?
Year 9
Term 1:
Looking at key hardware within computers and looking at a range of specialist hardware used in different industries and careers, e.g. 3D Printing, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality.
Enquiry Questions:
Why do we need specific hardware?
Term 2:
Creating Python programming for specific requirements, conditionals, loops and 1D Arrays to create a simple software solution.
Enquiry Questions:
Why do we need to identify requirements?
Term 3:
Recap unit on computer hardware, logic and binary, with a focus on understanding their places within a computer system.
Enquiry Questions:
Why do computers do what they do?
Term 4:
Understand a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, including protecting one’s online identity and privacy; recognise inappropriate content, contact, conduct and commerce and know how to report concerns.
Enquiry Questions:
Why do we need to be safe online?
Term 5:
Creating a digital asset for a set purpose, based on target audience and client requirements.
Enquiry Questions:
Why is the target audience so important?
Term 6:
Recap project of prior Year 9 Learning. Create a user interface using Microsoft Powerpoint for a specific audience and purpose.
Enquiry Questions:
Why do we use computers?
Year 10 IT
The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Digital Information Technology gives learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment. The main focus is on four areas of equal importance, which cover the:
- development of key skills that prove your aptitude in digital information technology, such as project planning, designing and creating user interfaces, creating dashboards to present and interpret data
- process that underpins effective ways of working in digital information technology, such as project planning, the iterative design process, cyber security, virtual teams, legal and ethical codes of conduct
- attitudes that are considered most important in digital information technology, including personal management and communication
- knowledge that underpins effective use of skills, process and attitudes in the sector such as how different user interfaces meet user needs, how organisations collect and use data to make decisions, virtual workplaces, cyber security and legal and ethical issues.
Why study this course?
This award is for learners who want to acquire technical knowledge and technical skills through vocational contexts by studying the knowledge, understanding and skills related to data management, data interpretation, data presentation and data protection as part of their Key Stage 4 learning. The qualification recognises the value of learning skills, knowledge and vocational attributes to complement GCSEs. The qualification will broaden the learners’ experience and understanding of the varied progression options available to them.
What does this course lead on to?
Study of the qualification as part of Key Stage 4 learning will help learners to make more informed choices for further learning, either generally or in this sector. The choices that learners can make in the sixth form will depend on their overall level of attainment and their performance in the qualification. Learners who generally achieve at Level 2 across their Key Stage 4 learning might consider progression to A level, as preparation for entry to higher education in a range of subjects; or study a vocational qualification at Level 3, such as a BTEC National in IT, which prepares learners to enter employment or apprenticeships; or move on to higher education by studying for a degree in the digital sector.
Year 10 Computer Science
OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Computer Science will encourage learners to:
- understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation
- analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs
- think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
- understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems
- understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society and apply mathematical skills relevant to computer science.
Why study this course?
This qualification will build on the knowledge, understanding and skills established through the computer science elements of the Key Stage 3 programme of study. The content has been designed not only to allow for a solid basis of understanding, but to engage learners and get them thinking about real world application. This exciting GCSE gives you an excellent opportunity to investigate how computers work and how they’re used, and to develop computer programming and problem-solving skills. You’ll also do some fascinating in-depth research and practical work. For example, some of the current investigations look at Python coding, encryption and assembly language programming.
What does this course lead on to?
OCR’s GCSE (9–1) Computer Science specification encourages learners to be inspired and challenged through completing a coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. The specification will help learners to gain an insight into related sectors. It will prepare learners to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices.
Term 1 and 2:
Include a general overview of the skills and knowledge taught throughout the term.
Systems architecture: Architecture of the CPU, CPU performance, Embedded systems, Memory and storage, Primary storage (Memory), Secondary storage units. Programming fundamentals: Programming fundamentals, Data types, Additional programming techniques.
Enquiry Questions:
Why are there so many different types of computing devices?
How can we program a robot to behave like a human?
Term 3 and 4:
Units and binary numbers; Binary arithmetic and hexadecimal; Characters, Images, Sound, Compression; Computer networks, connections and protocols; Networks and topologies; Wired and wireless networks, protocols and layers; Computer networks, connections and protocols; Networks and topologies; Wired and wireless networks, protocols and layers. Programming - Sequence and selection; Iteration; Arrays. Start Python programming software project in term 3 (one lesson a week).
Enquiry Questions:
What language does the computer understand?
How does the Internet connect all the devices across the world?
Term 5 and 6:
Network security - identifying and preventing vulnerabilities, systems software, operating systems, utility software. Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology. Programming advanced - functions, arrays, file handling, SQL programming. Producing robust programs - defensive design, testing, continue working on the Python programming project.
Enquiry Questions:
How can you keep your data safe?
How do I read program code and predict what it does?
Year 11 IT
The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Digital Information Technology gives learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment. The main focus is on four areas of equal importance, which cover the:
- development of key skills that prove your aptitude in digital information technology, such as project planning, designing and creating user interfaces, creating dashboards to present and interpret data
- process that underpins effective ways of working in digital information technology, such as project planning, the iterative design process, cyber security, virtual teams, legal and ethical codes of conduct
- attitudes that are considered most important in digital information technology, including personal management and communication
- knowledge that underpins effective use of skills, process and attitudes in the sector such as how different user interfaces meet user needs, how organisations collect and use data to make decisions, virtual workplaces, cyber security and legal and ethical issues.
Why study this course?
This award is for learners who want to acquire technical knowledge and technical skills through vocational contexts by studying the knowledge, understanding and skills related to data management, data interpretation, data presentation and data protection as part of their Key Stage 4 learning. The qualification recognises the value of learning skills, knowledge and vocational attributes to complement GCSEs. The qualification will broaden the learners’ experience and understanding of the varied progression options available to them.
What does this course lead on to?
Study of the qualification as part of Key Stage 4 learning will help learners to make more informed choices for further learning, either generally or in this sector. The choices that learners can make in the sixth form will depend on their overall level of attainment and their performance in the qualification. Learners who generally achieve at Level 2 across their Key Stage 4 learning might consider progression to A level, as preparation for entry to higher education in a range of subjects; or study a vocational qualification at Level 3, such as a BTEC National in IT, which prepares learners to enter employment or apprenticeships; or move on to higher education by studying for a degree in the digital sector.
Year 11 Computer Science
OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Computer Science will encourage learners to:
- understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation
- analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs
- think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
- understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems
- understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society and apply mathematical skills relevant to computer science.
Why study this course?
This qualification will build on the knowledge, understanding and skills established through the
computer science elements of the Key Stage 3 programme of study. The content has been designed
not only to allow for a solid basis of understanding, but to engage learners and get them thinking about real world application. This exciting GCSE gives you an excellent opportunity to investigate how computers work and how they’re used, and to develop computer programming and problem-solving skills. You’ll also do some fascinating in-depth research and practical work. For example, some of the current investigations look at Python coding, encryption and assembly language programming.
What does this course lead on to?
OCR’s GCSE (9–1) Computer Science specification encourages learners to be inspired and challenged through completing a coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. The specification will help learners to gain an insight into related sectors. It will prepare learners to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices.
Term 1 and 2:
1.2.3 Units. 1.2.4 Data storage, 1.2.5 Compression: The need for compression. Types of compression:
Lossy and Lossless. 1.6.1 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impact, Impacts of digital technology on wider society including Ethical issues, Legal issues, Cultural issues, Environmental issues, Privacy issues, Legislation relevant to Computer Science: The Data Protection Act 2018, Computer Misuse Act 1990, Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988, Software licences (i.e. open source and proprietary).
Enquiry Questions:
Why do computer codes need to be converted into binary?
Why does YouTube give "copyright strikes"?
Term 3 and 4:
2.1 Algorithms - 2.1.1 Computational thinking, 2.1.2 Designing, creating and refining algorithms, 2.1.3 Searching and sorting algorithms. 2.3 Producing robust programs - 2.3.1 Defensive design, 2.3.2 Testing. 2.4 Boolean logic - 2.4.1 Boolean logic, 2.5 Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments, 2.5.1 Languages, 2.5.2 The Integrated Development Environment (IDE).
Enquiry Questions:
What's the first step to solving a puzzle?
How do I sort a list of data efficiently?
How can I code the same problem, e.g. "magic 8 ball", two ways?
Term 5:
Revision for FINAL EXAM
J277/01: Unit 1- Computer systems
J277/02: Unit 2 Comp. Thinking, Algorithms & Programming
Past papers
Sixth Form (Year 12)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Computing is designed to support learners who are interested in learning about the computing sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in the computing sector.
You will enjoy this course if you are interested in increasing your knowledge of computer science whilst developing employability skills such as:
- cognitive and problem-solving skills
- intrapersonal skills like communicating, working collaboratively, negotiation
- interpersonal skills like self-management, adaptability, resilience.
Why study this course?
Students study a wide range of computing skills ranging from understanding basic computer hardware to identifying and troubleshooting complex hardware problems. They learn to write computer programs to create websites, games and bespoke software. Students will cover a range of practical content where they will develop employability skills like teamwork, communication, project work, research and assessment skills.
They will become reflective practitioners working to deadlines. A range of topics will be covered within this qualification, such as principles of computer science (software development), computer games development, fundamentals of computer systems (computer hardware) and IT security systems.
What does this course lead on to?
This course prepares students for employment in many areas of IT, as well as qualifying them to study for an HNC/D or Degree such as Computing (Foundation Degree), Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) BSc, Computer Science (Networks) BSc, Computer Science with Games Technology BSc, Business Computing BSc and Forensic Computing BSc.
Term 1 and 2:
Unit 1 – Principles of Computer Science : A Computational thinking - A1 Decomposition, A2 Pattern recognition, A3 Pattern generalisation and abstraction, A4 Algorithm design. B Standard methods and techniques used to develop algorithms - B1 Structured English (pseudocode), B2 Flowcharts using standard symbols. C Programming paradigms (C# Programming) - C1 Handling data within a program, C2 Arithmetic operations, C3 Built-in functions, C4 Validating data, C5 Control structures, C6 Data structures, C7 Common/standard algorithms.
Enquiry Questions:
What are the different phases of software development?
Term 3:
D Types of programming and mark-up languages - D1 Procedural programming, D2 Object oriented programming, D3 Event driven programming, D4 Coding for the web, D5 Translation
Enquiry Questions:
Why are there so many different types of programming languages?
Term 4 and 5:
Recap all the topics learnt in the previous terms and preparation for the final exam.
Sixth Form (Year 13)
The Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Computing is designed to support learners who are interested in learning about the computing sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in the computing sector.
You will enjoy this course if you are interested in increasing your knowledge of computer science whilst developing employability skills such as:
- cognitive and problem-solving skills
- intrapersonal skills like communicating, working collaboratively, negotiation
- interpersonal skills like self-management, adaptability, resilience.
Why study this course?
Students study a wide range of computing skills ranging from understanding basic computer hardware to identifying and troubleshooting complex hardware problems. They learn to write computer programs to create websites, games and bespoke software. Students will cover a range of practical content where they will develop employability skills like teamwork, communication, project work, research and assessment skills.
They will become reflective practitioners working to deadlines. A range of topics will be covered within this qualification, such as principles of computer science (software development), computer games development, fundamentals of computer systems (computer hardware) and IT security systems.
What does this course lead on to?
This course prepares students for employment in many areas of IT, as well as qualifying them to study for an HNC/D or Degree such as Computing (Foundation Degree), Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) BSc, Computer Science (Networks) BSc, Computer Science with Games Technology BSc, Business Computing BSc and Forensic Computing BSc.
Term 1 and 2:
Unit 2 - Fundamentals of Computer Systems - A Hardware and software - A1 Computer hardware within a computer system, A2 Computer software within a computer system, A3 Data processing. B Computer architecture - B1 Approaches to computer architecture, B2 The concepts of microarchitecture, B3 Registers and register handling. C How data is represented by computer systems - C1 Number systems, C2 Text representation, C3 Image representation. D How data is organised on computer systems - D1 Data structures, D2 Indices and matrices.
Enquiry Questions:
Why are there so many different types of computing devices?
Term 3:
E1 Transmitting data systems - E2 Error detection, E3 Error correction. F The use of logic and data flow within computer systems - F1 Boolean logic, F2 Flowcharts and system diagrams.
Enquiry Questions:
How is data organised on computer systems ?
Term 4 and 5:
Recap all the topics learnt in the previous terms and preparation for the final exam.
Coursework submission and sample submission.