Curriculum
Computer Science offers students an insight into the role and relevance of computing technology in the modern world
Computer Science provides an in-depth understanding of how computer technology works and a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the workings of computer systems regarding how they communicate with each other, interpret data, share data and the moral, legal and cultural implications of them.
It will also require students to learn a programming language in detail and how to use this language to create computer programs in order to solve problems. Students who opt for this subject will ideally have already gained a range of subject knowledge from their own personal interest in computers and programming.
WHAT IS COVERED IN
Aspects of computer science are covered within the L4L curriculum.
Year 7 L4L Themes:
- Silent Movies
- Growing
- iRobot
Year 8 L4L Themes:
- Grand Designs
- Please Sir
Aspects of computer science are covered within the L4L curriculum.
Year 9 L4L Themes:
- Whose Earth Is It Anyway
- Tragedy
- Made In China
- America – Land of the Free
- Britain – A Living History
Year 9 students who wish to take GCSE Computer Science in year 10 can choose it as one of their options choices (subject to approval).
GCSE Computer Science
the course will cover the following topics:
- Programming techniques
- Algorithms
- Producing robust programs
- Computational Logic
- Data representation
- Translators and Facilities of computer languages
- Systems software
- System security
- Network topologies, protocols and layers
- Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns
- Wired and wireless networks
- Systems Architecture
- Systems memory
- Systems storage
- Analysis, design, development, testing and evaluation of a computer program to solve a problem
In year 10, students will study OCR GCSE Computer Science course content. Year 11 will be used to continue study of the course content, complete an in-depth study of designing and refining algorithms, and complete a short course in learning python programming.
The first year of A-Level Computer Science will serve as an in-depth study of computer science theory and the fascinating topics contained within. In year two students will further their study of computer science theory and use this theoretical knowledge to create a robust, computer program to solve a real-world problem that would benefit from computation, making use of an industry-standard computer programming language.
KS4 COURSE - GCSE Computer Science
WHAT IS THE COURSE ABOUT?
To provide learners with an opportunity to develop and practice real-world programming and provides a good understanding of the fundamental principles of computing.
The new specification also offers a significant emphasis on computational thinking.
The course will:
- Enable you to have a detailed and in-depth knowledge of how computer technology works at a coding and logical level
- Develop understanding and use of algorithms and their use in the computer industry
- Develop programming techniques to allow you to resolve problems in the real world by writing software
- Understand the responsibility and wider impacts of computing on people and society
- Prepare you for further study or employment in the field of Computer Science
- Develop your logical thinking, problem-solving and mathematical abilities
Which topics are covered?
- Programming techniques
- Algorithms
- Producing robust programs
- Computational Logic
- Data representation
- Translators and Facilities of computer languages
- Systems software
- System security
- Network topologies, protocols and layers
- Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns
- Wired and wireless networks
- Systems Architecture
- Systems memory
- Systems storage
- Analysis, design, development, testing and evaluation of a computer program to solve a problem
WHAT CAN COMPUTER SCIENCE LEAD TO?
- Software Developer
- Cyber security Officer
- Digital Manager
- Game Developer
- Computer Science Teacher
- Data analyst
- Nano-technology Engineer
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
The OCR GCSE Computer Science will be assessed with two paper-based examinations.
Paper 1: Computer Systems – Written exam: A mix of multiple choice, short answer, longer answer and extended response questions assessing a student’s theoretical knowledge. – 1 hour 30 minutes – 50% of GCSE. No calculators will be allowed in the examination.
Paper 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming – Written exam set in practically based scenarios: A mix of multiple choice, short answer and longer answer questions assessing a student’s practical problem solving and computational thinking skills. Questions are phrased using pseudo-code and so are independent of any specific programming language – 1 hour 30 minutes – 50% of GCSE. No calculators will be allowed in the examination.
Practical programming – Students are to be given 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.
WHAT SKILLS ARE REQUIRED?
The course suits pupils with an interest in computers and programming. Pupils who enjoy working methodically and logically will thrive on this course. Good maths skills, enthusiasm and problem-solving skills are a must.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
What websites are useful to look at?
- OCR – Computer Science Specification
- OCR – Computer Science Course Content
- Teach ICT
- Mesmerise – Free courses for learning programming and computer science theory
- BBC Bitesize
If you want to find out more about this qualification, to help you decide whether it’s right for you, talk to Mr Egere or Mr Forbes in the ICT Office.
KS5 COURSE - Advanced Level Computer Science
WHAT CAN COMPUTER SCIENCE LEAD TO?
Computer science as a subject can lead to a variety of careers or higher education courses. The skills it develops can lead to:
- Software Developer
- Web Developer
- Cyber security Officer
- Digital Manager
- Game Developer
- Network Engineer
- Computer Science Teacher
- Data analyst
- Nano-technology Engineer
COURSE OVERVIEW
Component 1 – Computing Principles
1.1 The Characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
1.2 Software and Software Development
1.3 Exchanging Data
1.4 Data types, structures and algorithms
1.5 Legal, moral, ethical, cultural issues
Component 2 – Algorithms and Problem Solving
2.1 Elements of Computational Thinking
2.2 Problem Solving and programming
2.3 Algorithms
Component 3 – Computer Programming Project
Analysis of the Problem
Design of the solution
Developing the solution
Testing the solution
Evaluation
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
OCR A Level computer science is assessed near the end of the second year of study, with 2 examinations and a computer programming project. Each examination makes up 40% of the final year grade, with the programming project being 20% of the final grade.
Paper 1: Computing Principles – Written exam: A mix of multiple choice, short answer, longer answer and extended response questions assessing a student’s theoretical knowledge. 2 hour 30 minutes. No calculators will be allowed in the examination.
Paper 2: Algorithms and problem solving – Written exam: A mix of multiple choice, short answer and longer answer questions assessing a student’s practical problem solving and computational thinking skills. Questions are phrased using pseudo-code and so are independent of any specific programming language. No calculators will be allowed in the examination.
Computer Programming Project – The development of a computer program along with the computer programming code itself which has been well documented, designed and tested by each individual student to solve a problem. Students will be independent in choosing their own problem to solve.
Mr E. Egere
I graduated from the University of Wolverhampton with a BSc Honours Degree in computing. Shortly after graduating I gained Qualified Teacher Status and have dedicated my working career to the teaching of computer science. I am fortunate to work at a school that recognises my love for computing, and enables me to guide young learners to also appreciate the subject, whilst improving their subject knowledge.
