Computer Science
Curriculum Vision
Intent
For Computer Science and IT, the Curriculum has been based around the expertise knowledge of various members and experience in the department. It aims to ensure students at all stages can access the curriculum and be supported through each transition between year groups and supply the students with various skill sets which will be needed for their next steps. The start in Year 7 allows students to build knowledge on key topics and knowledge to support them each year and if they decided to choose the subject for KS4, the embedded routines and structures will be consistent Classwork will be differentiated to support those who are disadvantaged/SEND. Due to ongoing disruptions with the pandemic, the curriculum has slightly been adapted to offer more support in KS4 with Examination/Assignment preparation to ensure students are not left behind. During each topic, teachers will use various assessment methods to inform of students’ knowledge and gaps to support them in later stages. Key concepts will be taught regularly to ensure students have long term memory of key facts and key skills
Year Group |
Autumn Term Sept- Oct |
Autumn Term Oct- December |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
---|---|---|---|---|
Year 7 |
E-Safety & Digital Literacy Students will learn the fundamental skills of using Google Classroom and Show My Homework alongside E-Safety topics to prepare them for the terms ahead. |
Computer Crime and Cyber Security Students will know what Cyber Crime is and how computer crime can cause damages to various aspects of life. Key legislations will be taught here. |
HTML Students will create and plan there own webpages using HTML code. More advanced learners will learn the basics of CSS |
Spreadsheets & Programming Introduction Students will learn about Spreadhseets using MS Excel and Google Sheets to pracitce calculations and key numeracy skills. Students will also explore charts and various formuals. Students will also prepare for programming using Python. |
Year 8 |
E-Safety Recap and HCI Students will recap over key e-safety measures and digital literacy and move onto understanding what HCI is and evaluating key software and hardware. |
Programming with Python Turtle Learning how to plan programs using Flowcharts and code from scenarios using Python Turtle |
Lets Communicate/The Bigger Picture Impacts of Technology on the world and the advancements of technoogy such as AI and How tech is used in all indsutries |
Introduction to Computer Science Supporting the students who have doing CS in Year 9 and BTEC IT students by fundamental topics broken down into small impact lessons. Topics such as Data Rep, networks, Computer Arc to get them thinking about next year |
Year 9 Computer Science |
Data Representation Binary Numbers and Calculations. Exploring Logic gates and formulas for Image and Sound Representation
|
Computer Architecture Exploring the key components of a Computer and the different uses for each. Understanding how memory is stored and How operating systems are used in Computers. |
Programming 1/ Problem Solving Theory Introduction to problem solving and computational thinking. Learning how to program using Python and exploring the basics of Data Types, Varibales, Functions, Loops and If Statetments. |
Networks and Programming 2 Understanding key networks theory including what networks are, toplogies and data transmission speeds. Programming will be done alognisde to ensure students are not forgetting the key terms they have learnt. |
Year 9 BTEC IT |
Component 1 - Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques Introduction to course with learning about how important UI are and planning designs on UI. |
Introduction to spreadsheet Using key formulas for Assessments(IF, COUNT, AVERAGE formulas) |
Component 1 - Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques contd. Prep work for Assignment and Assignment briefs |
Continuation of spreadsheets (more advanced formulas i.e. conditional formatting, VLOOKUP, absoulte cell referencese Further complex formauls for students to work on assignment |
Year 10 Computer Science |
Data Rep Recap with Programming Re-visiting Data Representation with focus on calculations and twos compliment. Programming to be done weekly to ensure students grasp content with Paper 2. |
Computational Thinking with Programming Paper 2 selection topics to recap over problem solving alongside programming. |
Issues and Impacts Essay based questions on Issues with Tech and the Impact on the wider world |
Networks Recap with Computer Artchtecture Recapping Networks with focus on Connections and Protocols – Comp Arc to be added as a filler for the 6 marker questions |
Year 10 BTEC IT |
Component 3 - Modern Technologies Looking at(Communication methods/cloud storage/Inclusivity and accessibility around the workplace) |
Component 2 –Coursework, Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data Assignment on collecting data (using existing modules studied) |
Component 2 –Coursework, Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data contd. |
Component 3 - Cyber security Understanding Internal data threats, data level protection, policy backups |
Year 11 Computer Science |
Paper 2 Scenario Programming Practice Scenario based programming for the Paper 2 electornic exam |
Paper 2 Scenario Programming Scenario based programming for Paper 2 Electronics exam |
Exam Questions Specification Support/Revision on Topics Revision on topics which have been covered and spec check to ensure all topics covered with Exam Questions support |
Assessments/Exam Prep Assessments and Exam prep |
Year 11 BTEC IT |
Component 3 - Planning and communcation Creating Flowcharts, data flow diagrams, system diagrams |
Component 3 - Implication of digital systems Theory of Environmental issues, data protection, equal access |
Exam Questions Specification Support/Revision on Topics Prep for Assignments and Exams |
Assessments/Exam Prep Assessments and Exam prep |
Impact
The impact of this curriculum will be that it leads to better assessments results due to reflecting what the students have learnt. Students who are also SEND or disadvantage will acquire skills from Year 7 to use throughout their school life, for example E-Safety and Digital Skills. Various links with other departments such as Mathematics will allow students to distinguish key skills learnt in other subjects and use these regularly. Where possible English Oracy will be promoted with students using communication skills and writing skills to debate, share and partake in discussion for various topics. Students will also learn skills which will help them on their educational journey up until they leave at Post-16 and use these skills for further education, training or employment.