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Computing

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Key Stage 3

Computing at Key Stage 3 gives students a broad experience of both Computer Science and ICT skills, understanding and knowledge to give them a taste of what both subjects entail at GCSE and better inform them of their subject choices at KS4. The curriculum is fun, challenging and relevant to the ever changing world of computing. The KS3 National Curriculum for Computing provides the foundation for our curriculum and includes a range of theory based learning and skills based learning.

Year 7

In Year 7, students begin their KS3 computing journey by learning about online safety and the appropriate use of school technology and school networks. Students then progress to learning about the evolvement and benefits of networks, gaining an understanding of how different our lives would be if there were no networks. Following this, students develop their information technology and digital literacy skills which include creating blog posts and developing their software formatting skills. Two programming units are then introduced for students to expand upon their programming skills covering the main concepts of selection, sequencing, variables and count-controlled iteration. Students will build on their problem solving techniques and focus on more advanced programming concepts such as creating lists and subroutines, in the second programming unit. The final unit takes students from having very little knowledge of spreadsheets to being able to confidently model data with a spreadsheet.

Year 8

Year 8 commences with students exploring the technologies that make up the Internet and World Wide web, finishing the unit with having created a fully functioning website. Students then move into developing the knowledge of binary digits and how they can be used to represent text and numbers. Following this, students will have the opportunity to design and create their own mobile app, building on their previously learned programming concepts. Moving on, students will design graphics using vector graphic editing software, understanding the process involved in creating such graphics and will be provided with the knowledge and tools to create their own. Computing systems are then studied and students are taken on a tour through the different layers of computing systems: from programs and the operating system, to the physical components that store and execute these programs, to the fundamental binary building blocks that these components consist of. The final unit studied in year 8 build on students prior programming knowledge learnt in year 7 and introduces learners to text-based programming with Python.

Year 9

In Year 9, students begin the year using Python and learning how data can be represented and processed in sequences such as lists and strings. Students will move on to discovering how professionals create 3D animations using the industry-standard software package, Blender. By completing this unit learners will gain a greater understanding of how this important creative field is used to make the media products that we consume. Following this, students will be introduced to data science and by the end of the unit they will be empowered by knowing how to use data to investigate problems and make changes to the world around them. Moving on from this unit, students will focus on digital media such as images and sounds, and discover the binary digits that lie beneath these types of media. From here, students are taken on an eye-opening journey of discovery about techniques used by cybercriminals to steal data, disrupt systems, and infiltrate networks.

The final unit of Year 9 applies and enhances students’ programming skills in a new engaging context: physical computing, using the BBC micro:bit.

Below is a list of useful resources to support the KS3 learning journey:

BBC Bitesize – Computer Science: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zvc9q6f
BBC Bitesize – ICT: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/z8mtsbk

Key Stage 4 – OCR GCSE Computer Science (9-1)

GCSE Computer Science

Awarding Body: OCR

Subject Contact: Ms E Mukoro

Course Outline

This qualification is engaging and practical, encouraging creativity and problem solving. It encourages students to develop their understanding and application of the core concepts in computer science. Students also analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs.

There are three mains parts to the computer science GCSE;

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. Computational thinking, algorithms and programming involves students applying their knowledge and understanding gained from component 1. They develop skills and understanding in computational thinking: algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic and translators. Practical Programming gives students 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. Students will be assessed on these skills during the written examinations, in particular component 02.

Assessment

You will be assessed through two written papers.

Paper 1

Computer systems exam paper – is worth 50% of the GCSE. It is a written paper which is made from 80 marks and will take 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Paper 2

Computational thinking, algorithms and programming – is also worth 50%. It is a written paper which is made from 80 marks and will take 1 hour and 30 minutes. There is also a non assessed programming project.

Career Progression

There are many jobs that related to computer science, especially considering the speed of technological change and our reliance on computerised systems.

• Software developer; Software architect; Software engineer

• Computer programmer

• Application architecture and development consultant

• Robotics

• Hardware architect

• Website design

This qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills established through the Computer Science elements in the Key Stage 3 ICT 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 course will enable learners to develop computational thinking skills built on a sound base of conceptual learning and understanding. 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 related to this field of study.

For more information on this course, please follow the below link:

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j277-from-2020/

Key Stage 5 – OCR Cambridge Technical In ICT

Please note that this course is available as an Extended Certificate, equivalent to one A-Level.

There are three compulsory units

Fundamentals of IT (Externally Assessed)

A sound understanding of IT technologies and practices is essential for IT professionals. Information learnt in this unit will provide a solid foundation in the fundamentals of hardware, networks, software, the ethical use of computers and how a business uses IT.

Global Information (Externally Assessed)

The purpose of this unit is to demonstrate the uses of information in the public domain, globally, in the cloud and across the internet, by individuals and organisations. The students will discover that good management of both data and information is essential, and that it can give any organisation a competitive edge.

Virtual and Augmented Reality (Internally Assessed)

Students will research both technologies and design both a virtual and an augmented reality resource. This will then be used to suggest future applications for virtual and augmented reality.

There are then 2 more additional optional units (both internally assessed) chosen from:

Cyber Security.
Computer networks.
Project management.
Product development.
Systems analysis and design.
Mobile technology (Currently Studied)
Social media and digital marketing (Currently Studied)
Developing a smarter planet.

Learning Methods and Assessment

There are three externally examined units and a choice of two further units which are centre-assessed. The centre-assessed units are completed in the form of assignments. Examined units can be resat once before the student completes the course. Every unit achieved will be graded as pass, merit or distinction (Externally Assessed)

Expectations of Students

Students will need good self-discipline and be able to keep to strict coursework deadlines. A requirement of the course is that students must have excellent attendance to ensure effective monitoring and assessment of coursework.

Careers Prospects

This qualification is suitable for students:

This qualification is suitable to gain a level 3 qualification and support further study in Further Education or Higher Education in IT
Who want to progress into IT-related apprenticeships

For more information contact Mr S Ralph

Awarding Body: OCR

Entry Requirements

Grade 4 or above in English Language. APS: 4+

Key Stage 5 – OCR A-Level Computing

Course Content

Computer Science is, above all else, relevant to the modern and changing world of computing. This is a practical course, where students can apply academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. The OCR course enables us to tailor the qualification to meet the needs of our students at NBS. It is an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement, and can look at the natural world through a digital prism. The A Level in Computer Science will value computational thinking, helping learners to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence.

Learners will develop an ability to analyse, critically evaluate and make decisions. The project approach is a vital component of ‘post-school’ life and is of particular relevance to Further Education, Higher Education and the workplace. Each learner is able to tailor their project to fit their individual needs, choices and aspirations.

Learning Methods and Assessment

Units of study

Component 1 - 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 2 - Algorithms and Programming

Elements of computational thinking
Problem solving and programming
Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms

Component 3 - Programming Project

The learner will choose a computing problem to work through according to the guidance in the specification.

Analysis of the problem
Design of the solution
Developing the solution
Evaluation

Expectations of Students

To perform at their best at all times. To complete a minimum of five hours homework/research a week.

Careers Prospects

With a Computer Science A Level, you can move on to various degree courses such as Computer Science; Cyber Security & Computer Forensics; Information Systems; Software Engineering and Information Management.

Awarding Body : OCR

Entry Requirements

Grade 6 or above in GCSE Maths. APS 6+

Year 7

Year 7 Subject Level Descriptors

Year 7 Topics

Impact of Technology Modelling Data - Spreadsheets

Networks

Programming Essentials in Scratch 1

Programming Essentials in Scratch 2

Using Media