
Computing
Subject Leader: Miss J Sanford
If you wish to learn more about our curriculum please contact the Subject Lead by clicking on their name above.
Key Stage 4
Computer Science GCSE
Exam Board: Edexcel
Course Overview
Pupils will study two papers. Computer Science recognises the well-established methodologies of computing, alongside technological advances. Pupils will use Python 3.0 programming language for paper 2. In order to become proficient computer scientists, it is essential that students have knowledge and understanding of the field’s fundamental principles and concepts.
Paper 1: Principles of Computer Science. Written examination: 1 hour and 30 minutes 50% of the qualification 75 marks Content overview
This paper will assess Topics 1 to 5.
● Topic 1: Computational thinking – understanding of what algorithms are, what they are used for and how they work; ability to follow, amend and write algorithms; ability to construct truth tables.
● Topic 2: Data – understanding of binary, data representation, data storage and compression.
● Topic 3: Computers – understanding of hardware and software components of computer systems and characteristics of programming languages.
● Topic 4: Networks – understanding of computer networks and network security.
● Topic 5: Issues and impact – awareness of emerging trends in computing technologies, and the impact of computing on individuals, society and the environment, including ethical, legal and ownership issues. Assessment overview This paper consists of five compulsory questions, each one focused on one of the topic areas. The questions consist of multiple-choice, short-, medium- and extended-open response, tabular and diagrammatic items.
Paper 2: Application of Computational Thinking. On Screen examination: 2 hours 50% of the qualification 75 marks Content overview
This paper will assess Topic 6: Problem solving with programming. The main focus of this paper is:
● understanding what algorithms are, what they are used for and how they work in relation to creating programs
● understanding how to decompose and analyse problems
● ability to read, write, refine and evaluate programs. Assessment overview This practical paper requires students to design, write, test and refine programs in order to solve problems. Students will complete this assessment onscreen using their Integrated Development Environment (IDE) of choice.
Key Stage 5
Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National Extended Certificate in Information Technology
Exam Board: Edexcel
Level: 3
Course Overview
The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Information Technology (Extended Certificate) allows students to study the fundamental knowledge of Information Technology covering the role and implications of using Information Technology systems and cyber-security threats and how to manage attacks. Students will also develop important skills for creating websites to meet a specific purpose and to manage data through the development of a relational database solution.
There are two examined units and two internally assessed units where students will engage in practical tasks to develop their Information Technology skills and knowledge.
Unit 1 Information technology systems: Students will explore the relationships between the hardware and software that form an IT system, how systems work individually and together, and the relationship between the user and the system. Students will examine issues related to the use of IT systems and the impact that they have on organisations and individuals.
The unit will be assessed through one examination of 90 marks lasting 2 hours.
Unit 2 Cyber Security and Incident Management: Students will examine the many types of cyber security attacks, the vulnerabilities in networked systems and the techniques that can be used to defend an organisation’s networked systems. Students will examine scenarios and explain appropriate protection measures for networked systems. Students will also look at the forensic methods used to investigate cyber security incidents and analyse the suitability of those methods for a given scenario.
The unit will be assessed through one examination of 90 marks lasting 2 hours 15 minutes.
Unit 3 Website development: Students will explore how existing websites use the principles of website development to appeal to their intended audience and meet their specific purpose. Students will plan, design and develop a website in response to a client brief by applying website development tools, techniques and processes. Students will also reflect on the usability, functionality and fitness for purpose of the website using a testing and review process.
The unit will be assessed internally. Coursework will be graded pass, merit or distinction.
Unit 4 Relational Database Development: Databases underpin many processes in numerous aspects of modern society. From stock control systems for large multi-outlet online retailers to the smallest niche internet forums, databases are a repository of information that make up the world wide web as we know it. Database developers understand and use practical skills utilising technologies that will enable them to design and develop databases that can be used by many different connecting systems. Students will examine the structure of data and how an efficient data design follows through into an effective, useful database. Students will investigate database management systems (DBMS)
and apply practical skills in designing and developing a database within a given DBMS. The unit will be assessed internally. Coursework will be graded pass, merit or distinction.
A Level Computer Science
Exam Board: OCR
Level: 3
Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. It’s an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement, and can look at the natural world through a digital prism.
The aims of this qualification are to enable learners to develop:
- An understanding and ability to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including:abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation
- The ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems. Including writing programs to do so
- The capacity to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
- The capacity to see relationships between different aspects of computer science
- Mathematical skills
Course Overview
Component 1: Computer system
- The characteristics of contemporary processor, 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
Learners will also complete a programming project:
- Analysis of the problem
- Design of the solution
- Developing the solution
- Evaluation
Curriculum Content
Key Stage 3 - Year 7
What are the risks associated with computer use and how can I ensure I use systems safely?
What are the components that make a PC and how do they work?
How are algorithms used in our lives and by computers?
How do I make a computer do what I want it to?
How creative can I be with computer software?
How can we make data and information safe from hackers?
Key Stage 3 - Year 8
What are the components that make a PC and how do they communicate?
How does a computer represent data and information?
How reliable is information on the internet?
How does a PC share and transmit data from one device to another?
How can I create programs for a given purpose?
Why are people concerned about AI and how it is used
Key Stage 3 - Year 9
Why do some jobs and careers need specific hardware in their computer systems ?
Why do we need to identify requirements before writing programs?
Why does computer hardware use binary and logic?
How can we help others as well as ourselves, stay safe online?
Why is the target audience so important when creating resources?
Useful Information
Useful Websites