Curriculum Vision and Intent
We are excited to be offering Computer Science for the first time this academic year in years 7, 8 and 9. Computer Science is one of the leading disciplines of the 21st century. We are now in the 4th industrial revolution – information is the new steam and data is the new gold. Computers are ubiquitous and prevalent in all areas of our modern global society – in medicine; in the sciences; in the arts; in commerce; in GPS systems; in space research; in IPhones; in forecasting such as weather forecasting, cost-of-living, etc. Moreover, they are set to play an even more important role in the next few decades. Computer Science is very important for a fulfilled career for today’s developing school child.
Our aims and objectives in Computer Science are to:-
- Ensure every child develops a good understanding of the applications of computers in modern society, including the various impacts on society and on their own lives.
- Young people develop a solid foundation in Computer Programming so that they are equipped to undertake GCSE, ‘A’ level courses and internships. Subsequent to this, students should be equipped to undertake undergraduate, post-graduate and apprenticeships relating to Computer Science. In the long-term, the aim is for students to be equipped to use their knowledge to innovate and create better technologies to benefit humanity and to develop their own careers.
- Young people are motivated and enjoy the subject.
- To help produce the next generation of technology entrepreneurs to serve the nation and the global society.
KS3 Curriculum and Assessment
At KS3 we will build a firm foundation in Computer Science, Computer Programming and a good understanding of its place in the current and future world.
We will learn about and explore the significant role of Computer Science, Computer Programming and technology in modern society, for example in medicine, the arts, the sciences, space exploration and commerce. In addition to this we will look at the social responsibilities of technology companies.
We will be learning how to understand and write accurate Computer Programmes. We will use a bottom-up approach to the teaching and learning of Programming; a tried and tested method. We will learn about the common keywords used in Computer Programming, predominantly through using the Python Programming language. We aim to do this in a systematic, disciplined and methodical manner so that our students develop a solid foundation in the subject and the strong mathematical base required for Computer Programming. We will emphasise the importance of regular practice in this subject.
Finally, the curriculum will aim to develop and promote enjoyment, curiosity and a love of learning for the subject.
Extra and Super-Curricular Opportunities
We run Computer Science clubs where students can practise and enhance their coding skills. Young people will learn how to program/code with the use of worked examples and associated questions, using, amongst others, problems relating to global poverty and inequality, climate change and sustainability.
Future Opportunities (careers, university courses)
The topics covered in these classes will give students a solid foundation for undertaking GCSE courses and later on A Levels.
The idea is to make it possible for our students to go onto higher education colleges and universities to study for careers in coding; ethical hacking; cybersecurity; games development; research and development of medicine, Big Data Science, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality.
Assessment at KS3
The purpose of assessment is for students to consolidate their knowledge and understanding and to apply this in new contexts.
Each assessment covers the material recently taught in lessons, and contains a variety of question styles in order to fulfil the following assessment objectives:
- AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation.
- AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts of computer science, including to analyse problems in computational terms.
- AO3: Design, programme and evaluate computer systems that solve problems, making reasoned judgements about these and presenting conclusions.
