Computing

At Key Stage 3 we focus on developing a core Computing skills base and understanding of computer systems through the delivery of informative and engaging lessons.

During Year 7, Computing is delivered through a cross-curricular programme which is coordinated by the Computing faculty but delivered and assessed in different subject areas. The focus is on using Computing in order to support the study of different subjects and there are many activities on offer.

In Year 8, students have one Computing lesson per week where they will learn about the fundamentals of computer systems and programming. During Year 8, they can decide whether or not they may wish to pursue Computer Science as a GCSE subject. Students who wish to keep this option open will have three Computing lessons a week in Year 9, whilst all other students will continue to have one lesson per week until their study of the subject finishes at the end of Year 9. In the “Core Computing” classes students will gain confidence in using a variety of office and multimedia applications. In the option classes students will build upon their learning to delve deeper into the technical topics including coding in Python, SQL and JavaScript as preparation for the demands of programming at GCSE level.

KS3 Curriculum Map

At Key Stage 4 we offer OCR’s GCSE in Computer Science.

Component 01: Computer systems

Introduces students to systems architecture, memory and storage, networks, security and system software. It also looks at ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns associated with computer science.

Component 02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

Students develop skills and understanding in computational thinking: algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic, programming languages and Integrated Development Environments.

All students will be given the opportunity to undertake a programming task(s), either to a specification or to solve a problem (or problems), during their course of study. Students may draw on some of the content in both components when engaged in practical programming.

Board: OCR (H446A)

This Computer Science specification has:

• a focus on programming and emphasis on the importance of computational thinking as a discipline
• an expanded maths focus
• chances for students to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand human and machine intelligence.
• plenty of opportunity to apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real world systems in an exciting and engaging manner.

Assessment

Component 01 Computer Systems:

• Assessment – Externally marked question paper
• Weighting – 40%
• Marks/Duration – 140 marks/2hrs 30mins

Component 02 Algorithms and Programming:

• Assessment – Externally marked question paper
• Weighting – 40%
• Marks/Duration – 140 marks/2hrs 30mins

Component 03 Programming Project:

• Assessment – Internally assessed, externally moderated
• Weighting – 20%
• Marks/Duration – 70 marks

Course content

Component 01 Computer Systems

• The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
• Software and software development
• Exchanging data
• Data types, data structures and algorithms
• Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues

Component 02 Algorithms and Programming

• Elements of computational thinking
• Problem-solving and programming
• Algorithms

Component 03 Programming Project

• Candidates and/or centres select their own user-driven problem of an appropriate size and complexity to solve. This will enable them to demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the Assessment Objectives.

Entry requirements

We would expect you to achieve a grade 6 or above in GCSE Mathematics and grade 6 or above in GCSE Computer Science (NB: This must be Computer Science – NOT an ICT qualification). You must have an APS of 4.5 or above.

Computing marking policy

• Weekly Coding Club – students from all year groups are welcome.
• Annual participation in the Bebras Challenge, a computational thinking competition run by the University of Oxford – students compete during their Computing lessons. Students who do well are invited to participate in a follow-up challenge.
• Digital Day is celebrated every November with selected Year 9 students spending a day with industry professionals.
• Students are regularly informed of opportunities to compete in competitions / residential courses on topics such as Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence.