Computing

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 learned 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

• https://www.codecademy.com
• https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer–science
• www.scratch.mit.edu/
• https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
• http://ceop.police.uk/
• http://www.childnet.com/
• http://www.saferinternet.org.uk  
• https://replit.com/languages/python3
• https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en/projects?software%5B%5D=blender
• https://code.org/
• python.microbit.org

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

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.

In Year 10 and 11 students study the new OCR 9-1 GCSE Computer Science Qualification. The course will teach our students the knowledge and skills they need to gain an excellent qualification in the new GCSE structure and gain invaluable, in depth knowledge in the following key areas.

• Systems Architecture
• Memory
• Storage
• Wired and wireless networks
• Network topologies, protocols and layers
• System security
• System software
• Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns
• Algorithms
• Programming techniques
• Producing robust programs
• Computational logic
• Translators and facilities of languages
• Data representation
• Programming techniques
• Analysis
• Design
• Development
• Testing and evaluation and conclusions.

This subject will be assessed in two unit exams at the end of year 11.

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 IT (Level 3 Introductory Diploma)

OCR Cambridge Technical in IT is the programme the school follows for our year 12 and year 13 students. The purpose of this subject is to allow students to gain an insight into IT and cybersecurity. It covers the key areas that are suitable to make sure our students gain the skills and qualifications to achieve their full potential and reach Higher Education or a place in the IT industry. The pathway chosen for this subject prepares students for a role as a digital business practitioner through the research and discussion of IT applications which can be used to solve business problems. They will develop skills to identify the most suitable channel to communicate a business need, create content and use social media tools available to publish this content. They will also learn the skills required to support the needs of business through data analysis and decision making and learn about the design fundamentals, software and hardware required to create computer generated visual products to meet business needs.

Students will follow a course that has both external and internal examinations and consists of written examinations and course work. Self-study and self-discipline are vital to follow and complete this course. This is one of the most popular vocational qualifications subjects offered by OCR and the Cambridge Technicals build on the legacy and reputation of the Cambridge Nationals taught at KS4. IT is at the heart of everyday life, at home, work and in our leisure time from computer graphics and control systems to communications and problem-solving, IT has an ever increasing role to play. Benefits include a wide choice of units including hardware, software and online. There are practical activities included in all units. Learners develop transferable skills for the workplace or future studies.

Students will follow the Emerging Digital Practitioner Pathway. They will study the below units in Year 12 and 13 and will be assessed in the following methods:

• Unit 1: Fundamentals of IT (External Exam)
• Unit 2: Global Information (External Exam)
• Unit 5: Virtual and Augmented Reality (Internally assessed coursework)
• Unit 12: Mobile Technology (Internally assessed coursework)
• Unit 13: Social Media & Digital Marketing (Internally assessed coursework)

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

https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/260857-cambridge-technicals-it-summary-brochure.pdf