Computing

A high-quality Computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to prepare them for their future life. Students will become skilled and safe users of computer systems and will develop a deeper understanding of how they work. Computing is a STEM subject and has links with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

All students in years in Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) have Computing each week, including Digital Literacy, ICT and Computer Science. At the end of Year 9, students can select to follow GCSE Computer Science.

For more information please contact our Director of ICT and Digital Learning, Christine Harvey

Course Delivered

 

Term by Term Subject Content

Year 7 Units

  • Getting Started (logging in, strong passwords, text formatting, adding graphics, use of office.com [OneDrive and Word], folder management, saving/opening work, printing, evaluating)

  • Programming (problem-solving, algorithms, programming in Scratch, PRIMM, testing)

  • Cybersecurity (encryption, malware, phishing, ciphers)

  • Data Representation (storage units, binary/decimal conversions)

  • Computer Systems (hardware, peripherals, memory)

  • Programming 2 (event-driven programming in MakeCode on the micro:bit computers)

Year 8 Units
  • Getting Started (logging in, acceptable use agreement, use of office.com [Teams and PowerPoint], recording sound, multimedia video)
  • Programming (problem-solving, algorithms, text-based programming using Ruby in Sonic Pi, PRIMM, testing)
  • Internet vs WWW (understanding the difference, HTML and webpage creation)
  • Data Representation (binary/decimal/hexadecimal conversions, Turing’s Mug escape room, introduction to representing images)
  • Computer Systems (hardware, main memory and storage, creating and sharing an infographic)
  • Programming 2 (using input and outputs on a micro:bit, event-driven programming in MakeCode)

 

Year 9 Units
  • Apps For Good: researching ideas, wireframes design, editing and developing apps in AppLab, teamwork. Presentation of app in a design pitch event (submit into national competition). 
  • Machine Learning and AI: understanding how it works, programming basic AI in Scratch, ethical dilemma and impact on society.
  • Binary Logic (recap data representation/binary then introduce Logic Gates and truth tables)
  • Programming (Introduction to Python)
  • Networks and Cybersecurity

Year 10 Units

GCSE Computer Science

  • Programming (variables, data types, input/output, sequence, selection using IF)

  • Data representation (units, binary/decimal/hex conversions, character sets, images, sounds)

  • Programming (selection using IF ELSE, iteration using FOR, iteration using WHILE)

  • Computer Systems (hardware/software, storage, logic gates)

  • Programming (recap iteration, string handling, 1D arrays)

  • Cybersecurity

Year 11 Units

GCSE Computer

Science
  • Networks (LAN/WAN/PAN, topologies, protocols, TCP/IP stack)
  • Programming (subroutines, pseudocode, trace tables, testing)
  • Databases and SQL
  • Programming (2Darrays and records, sorting and searching algorithms).
  • Revisit and finish Data representation (binary addition and shifts, sound, compression)
  • Revisit and finish Computer Systems (cloud and embedded systems / systems software)
  • Revisit and finish Cybersecurity and add Ethical impact of Technology on Society

 

For further information on the curriculum offered please contact the Academy F.A.O Christine Harvey (Director of ICT and Digital Learning)