Computing
Key Stage 3
The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all pupils:
Can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
Can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
Can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
Are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.
The new Computing curriculum consists of three strands that are Computer science, IT and Digital Literacy. Computer science is the scientific and practical study of computation: what can be computed, how to compute it, and how computation may be applied to the solution of problems. Information technology is concerned with how computers and telecommunications equipment work, and how they may be applied to the storage, retrieval, transmission and manipulation of data. Digital literacy is the ability to effectively, responsibly, safely and critically navigate, evaluate and create digital artefacts using a range of digital technologies.
Year 7
Introduction to the basics of using a school network and sending and receiving emails including attachments, replying and forwarding emails.
Creating a storybook using a digital camera to re-enact the Shakespeare play “Macbeth”
Introduction to binary and allows pupils the opportunity of converting numbers from base 10 to base 2 and back again.
Learning to use spreadsheets, databases and graphic software
Completing the level 1 BCS e-safety certificate
Year 8
Pupils to look into performing primary and secondary research including internet and paper research and creating a questionnaire and using a spreadsheet to analyse and display data
Understanding basic terminology about hardware and software, the history of computers, the internet and cloud computing
Learning to use and develop relational databases
An introduction to programming techniques including understanding writing algorithms and creating games using Scratch.
Year 9
Develop their understanding of network topologies, the hardware and software needed in a network and system tools.
They also learn about the internet and dangers which can be transmitted over a network such as viruses, Trojan horses and worms.
Planning and creating content for a specific use such as documents, sound and video
Pupils learn how to program using Python. It shows them how to using input and output messages, use variables, data types, if statements and loops in their programs.
Pupils learn to create websites and animations
Computer and Online Basics
Technology has evolved and advanced over recent years, we at Challney have embraced that change and have adapted our teaching and curriculum contents in order to reflect this.
The broad aim of the computing curriculum is to provide a quality computing education that equips our students here at Challney to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and prepare them with skills required in the workplace. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
All pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 have a dedicated lesson of computing. The curriculum is broad and balanced; it encompasses Computer Science and Information Technology. The main focus of Key Stage 3 is digital literacy, programming using a range of applications as well as devices such as the BBC micro:bit and computational thinking which is incorporated through a range of activities. Assessment is an important element of the curriculum, we use a range of methods in the department to ensure effective learning and application of knowledge are being assessed and developed as a result of the assessment.
Work in Computing at Key Stage 3 is accessible both at school and home via Google classroom. Students are able to access computers in their dedicated heartspaces and study club during lunch time and after school.
The following software used in school can be downloaded for free at home to support the learning in the classroom:
Year 7
My Digital World
Hardware
Web /App design
Algorithms and Flowcharts
Scratch
BBC Microbit
The units shown above are covered by students in Year 7 we hope that our students are able to use existing skills from the primary stage to develop and broaden their expertise in computer science.
Year 8
My Digital World
Hardware
How data is represented in computers
Web Design Project
Python for Beginners
Microbit Using Python
In Year 8 we build on skills taught in Year 7 and introduce some new units, we introduce the students to python which is an industry standard application used for programming, developing the use of Python further through the BBC micro:bit.
Year 9
Hardware
Hardware , Networks and Computational Thinking
Algorithms and Python
Python Programming
Flash
Project Based Activity
In Year 9 we develop skills needed for their GCSE’s and prepare students for their next stage of learning. Students work through the above units giving them the skills needed for both computer science and iMedia.
Pupils who wish to continue their interest in the subject are able to take GCSE Computer Science (OCR J276). This will enable them to progress to higher levels of study in the subject or to a professional career. For those who enjoy IT and would like to continue to develop their skills using industry standard applications we also offer OCR in iMedia.
Key Stage 4
At KS4 students can currently opt to study one of the two courses we run; OCR GCSE Computer Science or Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia.
GCSE: Computer Science
Qualification: GCSE Computer Science
Examination Board: OCR
The course gives students a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works. Students will learn how to create their own software with the use of computer programming, as well as learn about in internal workings of computers and networks. The course will develop creative, critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills that will be useful not only as a computer scientist but helpful in all areas of life.
Computer Systems: This unit examines the following topics: systems architecture memory, storage, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, protocols and layers, system security, systems software and moral, legal, cultural and environmental concerns.
Computational Thinking: This unit examines the following topics: algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic, translators and facilities of languages and data representation.
Programming Project: This is a controlled assessment activity allocated by the Examining Board.
Three units of work over two years, consisting of:
· Examination - Computer Systems (40%)
· Examination - Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (40%)
Programming project (20%)
