Computing

In computing we want to give the students a broad education in the world of technology, so that they can become confident independent learners, learners that are excited about the subject and want to deepen their understanding of the modern world. We want to encourage students to aspire to be the creators and innovators that go on to shape future technological advances. To support this, students will be given the chance to explore a variety of aspects of Computer Science ranging from hardware fundamentals, programming implementation and complex algorithmic thinking.

Our Staff

Mr Jackson (Head of Department)
Mr Worth

Key Stage 3

Year 7-8: Outline Programme of Study

Students in Year 7 and 8 are taught a two year course in Computer Science with the following structure:

Design, use and evaluate computational abstractions that model the state and behaviour of real-world problems and physical systems – theory of computing and programming.
Understand several key algorithms that reflect computational thinking [for example ones for sorting and searching]; use logical reasoning to compare the utility of alternative algorithms for the same problem – delivered through programming in Python and study of sorting algorithms.
Use two or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual, to solve a variety of computational problems; make appropriate use of data structures [for example, lists, tables or arrays]; design and develop modular programs that use procedures or functions – delivered through programming in Python and web development.
Understand simple Boolean logic [for example, AND, OR and NOT] and some of its uses in circuits and programming; understand how numbers can be represented in binary, and be able to carry out simple operations on binary numbers [for example, binary addition, and conversion between binary and decimal] – Boolean logic and binary is studied in Year 7.
Understand the hardware and software components that make up computer systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems – delivered through studying networking theory.
Understand how instructions are stored and executed within a computer system; understand how data of various types (including text, sounds and pictures) can be represented and manipulated digitally, in the form of binary digits – delivered through study of binary and how this is used to store character, images and sound.
Undertake creative projects that involve selecting, using, and combining multiple applications, preferably across a range of devices, to achieve challenging goals, including collecting and analysing data and meeting the needs of known users – delivered through programming and web development.
Create, re-use, revise and re-purpose digital artefacts for a given audience, with attention to trustworthiness, design and usability – delivered through web development.
Understand a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, including protecting their online identity and privacy; recognise inappropriate content, contact and conduct and know how to report concerns. – keeping safe online is taught at the beginning of Year 7 and enriched through centralised PSHE lessons.

KS3 Core Concepts

1 Theory of computing	EXCEEDING Has an excellent understanding of the theory of computing covered at Key Stage 3 and can confidently apply this knowledge in unfamiliar contexts. Is beginning to engage with concepts typically encountered at GCSE and beyond. SECURE Has a good understanding of the hardware and software components that make up computer systems and how they communicate with one another and other systems. Understands how instructions are stored and executed, how data is represented digitally, and can apply knowledge of binary and Boolean logic to solve problems. DEVELOPING Has a developing understanding of computer systems, data representation, networks and logic. Can explain some key concepts but knowledge is sometimes insecure or incomplete.
2 Algorithms and Programming	EXCEEDING Has an excellent understanding of algorithms and programming and can independently design sophisticated solutions to complex problems. Is able to tackle programming challenges beyond the Key Stage 3 curriculum and may be exploring additional languages, paradigms or advanced algorithms. SECURE Can design, implement, test and evaluate programs that solve a range of computational problems. Understands key algorithms and can compare alternative approaches. Makes effective use of programming constructs, data structures, procedures and functions. DEVELOPING Can create simple algorithms and programs to solve problems but requires support to design, debug and evaluate more complex solutions.
3 Computational Thinking and Problem Solving	EXCEEDING Can confidently apply computational thinking to complex and unfamiliar problems. Compares and justifies alternative solutions, recognises trade-offs, and evaluates the wider implications of technology. Shows creativity, independence and sophistication in designing, testing and improving solutions. SECURE Can apply computational thinking techniques including decomposition, abstraction, pattern recognition and logical reasoning to analyse problems and develop effective solutions. Can evaluate, refine and justify solutions, considering the needs of users as well as issues such as efficiency, usability and security. DEVELOPING Can use some computational thinking techniques, such as decomposition and pattern recognition, to solve familiar problems. Can evaluate simple solutions with guidance.

Key Stage 4

Years 9-11: Outline Programme of Study Outline (Non-examined)

All pupils are given the opportunity to study aspects of information technology and computer science through the Enrichment programme in Year 10.

Students create a website during a series of 9 lessons:

Develop their capability, creativity and knowledge in computer science, digital media and information technology
Develop and apply their analytic, problem-solving, design, and computational thinking skills

PSHE content has been developed which ensures that students understand how changes in technology affect their safety, including new ways to protect their online privacy and identity, and how to identify and report a range of concerns.

Key Stage 4 (Years 9-11)

Examination Board

OCR J277 GCSE course - GCSE - Computer Science (9-1) - J277 (from 2020) - OCR

Component 01: Computer systems

Introduces students to the central processing unit (CPU), computer memory and storage, data representation, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, system 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 apply knowledge and understanding gained in component 01. They develop skills and understanding in computational thinking: algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic and translators.

Practical programming

Students are to be given the opportunity to undertake a programming task(s) during their course of study which allows them to develop their skills to design, write, test and refine programs using a high-level programming language.

Key Stage 5

Examination Board

OCR H046/H446 courses - AS and A Level - Computer Science - H046, H446 - OCR

AS Level Computer Science Qualification
Overview of AS level in Computer Science (H046)
Learners must take both components (01 and 02)

Content overview

The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
Software and software development
Programming
Exchanging data
Data types, data structures and algorithms
Legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues
Elements of computational thinking
Problem solving and programming
Algorithms

A Level Computer Science (2 year course)
Overview of A Level in Computer Science (H446)
Learners must take three components (01, 02 and 03)

Content overview

The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
Software and software development
Exchanging data
Data types, data structures and algorithms
Legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues
Elements of computational thinking
Problem solving and programming
Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms

Departmental Co-Curricular, Trips and enrichment Opportunities

Computer Society is run once a week at lunchtime where students present and discuss areas of interest/developments in the world of computing. This is open to all students from Y9 upwards.
KS3 Coding Club is run once a week at lunchtime.
The BEBRAS competition is run for all KS3, and for KS4/5 students taking Computer Science.
Students that qualify through BEBRAS (top 10% nationally) compete in the Oxford University Computing Challenge (OUCC). This is being replaced by the Bebras Coding Challenge from 2025.
Students compete in the British Informatics Olympiad (BIO), which is a three-hour coding challenge.

Examples of marked work

See below for examples of marked work which demonstrate the level of work and ‘green pen’ engagement required to maximise progress in each Key Stage. Whilst we expect students to engage with this positively and if necessary, seek clarification from teachers, please be assured that in-lesson support is always available.

· KS3

· KS4

· KS5