Vision:
Our vision is to inspire and equip students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to navigate and succeed in the dynamic world of business and computing.
Computing is a rigorous academic subject which has links with the disciplines of mathematics, science and engineering. Our high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking to become creators of digital technologies, digital artefacts and computing knowledge. Computing is for all pupils, and all groups have pathways into computing beyond KS3. With this, teachers have high expectations for all groups to make progression through the curriculum.
For more information you can refer to our curriculum map Computing Curriculum Map
Academic year 2023-2024
Computer Science GCSE – What we will be studying
Year 10
Term 1 – Fundamentals of algorithms and programming basics
The GCSE for Computer Science consists of two papers. To start the course, we start by looking at the content needed for paper 1, which focuses on Computational Thinking and programming skills. Across this unit, we will explore a variety of topics, including: computational thinking, code tracing, problem-solving, programming concepts including the design of effective algorithms and the designing, writing, testing and refining of code. This will be assessed through a mix of multiple choice, short answer and longer answer questions assessing programming, practical problem-solving and computational thinking skills.
A key part of the delivery of the AQA specification is the development of students’ programming skills. Throughout their course of study, students will be given the opportunity to design, write, test and refine, using one or more high-level programming language(s) with a textual program definition. For us, this will be Python. Students will be given the opportunity to design, write, test and refine programs to a set brief.
Term 2 – Fundamentals of data representation and Computer Systems
In term 2, we move to start looking at the paper 2 content which more so focuses on Computing concepts and for this term, our focus will be on data representation and computer systems. Data representation looks at number bases and converting between number bases, character encoding and how to represent images and sound. Computer systems will focus on how a computer is made up in terms of its architecture, boolean logic and classification of programming languages.
Term 3 – Introduction to cyber security
In the final term, students will continue with paper 2 content, looking at real world threats that our computer systems face. We will explore the threats posed to computer systems by social engineering and malware and importantly, what businesses can do to protect themselves against these malicious attacks. Students will have the opportunity to look at real-world case studies and apply their knowledge.
Year 11
Term 1 – Fundamentals of computer networks and Ethical, Legal and Environmental Impacts of Digital Technology]
The first term of year 11 will see students working across two topics of paper 2. The first will give students the opportunity to explore and explain the current ethical, legal and environmental impacts and risks of digital technology on society. Where data privacy issues arise these will also be considered. The second area of focus will look at computer networks. Students will be able to explain what a network is and the advantages and disadvantages. We will also draw on some knowledge from the last term of year 10 where we look at security of networks.
Term 2 – Relational Database and SQL and recap
We will be introduced to a second programming language called SQL which is a language used to work with data in a relational database. Students will look at what we mean by a relational database and will have experience in using SQL to to extract and work with data in multiple tables.
The second part of the term we will begin our recap of previously taught topics in preparation for term 3 and exam readiness.
Term 3 – Recap of topics and exam preparation
The focus of term 3 is all about getting exam ready. We will spend some time recapping previous topics that we have learnt, but with a focus on exam technique and answering exam style questions.
Paper 1 – Tests computational thinking, code tracing, problem solving and programming concepts, including designing algorithms, designing, testing and refining code – 2 hours written exam, 50% of the total marks. Non-calculator.
Paper 2 – Tests ability to answer questions on data representation, computer systems, networks, cyber security, databases and the impact of technology on the wider society – 1 hour 45 minutes written exam, 50 % of the total marks. Non-calculator.
Useful websites
https://isaaccomputerscience.org/
https://www.turinglab.co.uk/content
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/computer-science-and-it/gcse/computer-science-8525