Computer Science & IT

As we live in a digital age, most industries rely on data and software programmes. Computer Science & IT has an impact on everything from scientific research to health, transport, banking, communications, you name it. Even objects such as microwave ovens, refrigerators or door locks are now connected to our Wi-Fi networks and personal assistants.

Technology has made communication faster and the world more connected. Yet it didn't happen by accident. We came here thanks to the creative minds of Computer Science and IT students who took their passion for technology and used it to create gadgets and computer programmes that support us every single day.

KS3

Year 7

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Using Computers Safely

File Management
Social networking
Keeping Data safe
Using email
Searching the web

Algorithm and Flowcharts

Abstraction
Decomposition
Logical thinking
Logic gates
Algorithms
Pattern recognition

Programming using Scratch

Algorithms
Flowcharts
Programming
Movement
Lives and scoring
Adding a new level
Randomising the behaviour
Shooting and jumping
Adding sounds

Computer Networks

The Internet
Connectivity
Topologies

Graphics

Introduction to Vectors
Bitmap graphics
Conveying meaning
Effects and enhancements
Adding text

Software Development using Python

Data types
Loops
Lists
Procedures
Functions

Year 8

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Computer Systems

CPU
Fetch execute Cycle
Understanding Binary
Storage Devices

Spreadsheet modelling

Computer models
Creating a financial model
If scenarios
Conditional formatting and validation.
Macros and charts

Website Development

HTML
CSS
WebForms
Design

Computer crime and cybersecurity

Email Scams
Hacking
Protecting Personal Data
Copyright
Health and Safety

Python next steps the basics

Loops
Lists
Procedures
Functions

Spreadsheets

Introduction to spreadsheets
Creating a Finacial Model
Functions and Formulas
Conditional formatting

How will they be assessed?

Students are assessed at the end of each unit. Regular marking and feedback ensure students have the opportunity to improve their work.

Intervention, support and homework clubs allow students to work to their full potential.

How can parents support?

Parental support is very important to the progress and achievement of all students.

Please ensure your child completes all homework to the best of their ability and submits this on time.

Independent learning is very important to build on their IT and programming skills. Students and parents can use the following websites:

KS4 Computer Science

Course	Computer Science
Examining Board	OCR
Specification	Link
Why study this subject?	Computer Science gives students a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works. It offers an insight into what goes on ‘behind the scenes’ including computer programming, which many students find absorbing. Learning to program is a core component of a computer science course. Students should be competent at reading and writing programs and be able to reason with code. They must be able to apply their skills to solve real problems and produce robust programs. The qualification will build on the knowledge, understanding, and skills established through the Computer Science elements of the Key Stage 3 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 applications.
Unit 1	Computer Systems • Systems Architecture • Memory • Storage • Wired and wireless networks • Network topologies, protocols, and layers • System Security • System software • Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns
Unit 2	Computational thinking, algorithms, and programming • Algorithms • Programming techniques • Producing robust programs • Computational logic • Translators and facilities for languages • Data representation
Unit 3	Programming Project • Programming techniques • Analysis • Design • Development • Testing evaluation and conclusions Formal requirement Consolidates the learning across the specification through practical activity.
Assessment	50% Computer systems 1 hour and 30 minutes Written paper (no calculators allowed) 50% Computational thinking, algorithms and programming 1 hour and 30 minutes Written paper (no calculators allowed)
Next steps - Careers/HE courses	Degree in Information Technology and Information Systems. Computer Science. Information Science. Systems & Network Administration. Software Engineering. Computer Engineering. Cybersecurity. Jobs Data scientist. Software tester. Web developer. Systems analyst. Business analyst. Product manager. Network architect. Software engineer.
Useful resources	https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberfirst/overview https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/careers-advice/what-can-you-do-computer-science-degree

KS4 Information Technology

Course	Cambridge Nationals in Information Technologies
Examining Board	OCR
Specification	Link
Why study this subject?	The collection and communication of data and storing of data/information happens all around us. Technology underpins how it’s collected and communicated nearly all of the time. It can be seen in all walks of life, from a wearable fitness tracker recording how many steps you have taken, your mobile phone provider recording your usage to create your bill or an online retailer being able to target you with specific promotions based on your purchase history. Knowing how and why data is gathered and being able to turn raw data into something meaningful is essential as the learner moves through education and into employment. IT gives you skills that would be a skill used in any career path. To be able to do this the learner will need to have the confidence to use a range of information technology that is currently available, as well as being adaptable and resilient enough to deal with rapid advances.
R050: IT in the digital world Written paper, OCR set, and marked	IT in the Digital World TA1: Design Tools TA2: Human-Computer Interface (HCI) in everyday life TA3: Data Testing TA4: Cyber-Security and Legislation TA5 Digital Communication TA6 Internet of Everything (IoE)
R060: Data manipulation using spreadsheets Centre-assessed tasks, OCR moderated	Developing technological solutions TA1: Planning and designing the spreadsheet solution TA2: Creating spreadsheet solution TA3: Testing the Spreadsheet solution TA4: Evaluating the spreadsheet solution
Assessment	R050 • 1 hour 45 minutes written examination R060/R070 Approximately 20 hours • The assignment will include a context and set of tasks • A new assignment will be released for each series and published on the OCR website
Next steps - Careers/HE courses	Degree in Information Technology and Information Systems. Computer Science. Information Science. Systems & Network Administration. Software Engineering. Computer Engineering. Cybersecurity. Jobs Data scientist. Software tester. Web developer. Systems analyst. Business analyst. Product manager. Network architect. Software engineer.
Useful resources	https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberfirst/overview https://www.careermatch.com/job-prep/career-insights/articles/majoring-in-computer-science-100-careers-to-consider/ https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/careers-advice/what-can-you-do-computer-science-degree

KS5 Computer Science

Course	A-Level Computer Science
Examining Board	OCR
Specification	Link
Why study this subject?	The A Level Computer Science qualification helps students understand the core academic principles of computer science. Classroom learning is transferred into creating real-world systems through the creation of an independent programming project. This A Level will develop the student’s technical understanding and their ability to analyse and solve problems using computational thinking. The qualification prepares you for the world of work in the 21st century as well as the prospect of study and some the country’s leading Russell Group universities.
Unit 1	Computer Systems The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices Software and software development Exchanging data Data types, data structures and algorithms Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues
Unit 2	Algorithms and Programming Elements of computational thinking Problem solving and programming Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms
Unit 3	Programming Project The learner will choose a computingproblem to work through accordingto the guidance in the specification. Analysis of the problem Design of the solution Developing the solution Evaluationâ€‹
Assessment AS	2 Exams
Assessment A-Level	2 Exams 1 Non exam assessment (coursework)
Next steps - Careers/HE courses	IT Infrastructure Technician Typical job roles within this pathway include: IT technical support, database administrator, field technician, network technician, infrastructure technician, network planner or cloud technician. Emerging Digital Technology Practitioner Typical job roles within this pathway include; junior digital content developer, 3D graphics technician, virtual reality software technician, software developer, digital identity planners or digital content developer Application Developer Technician Typical job roles within this pathway include; web application developer, software engineer, mobile application developer, application developer or software analyst. Data Analyst. IT Infrastructure Technician pathway Typical job roles within this pathway include; data analyst, data quality analyst, Statistical data analyst, Big Data architect, Digital data analyst or Customer insight analyst.
Suggested links to resources	Coming soon!

KS5 Information Technology

Course	Cambridge Technical Level 3 introductory Diploma in IT
Examining Board	OCR
Why study this subject?	The qualification prepares you for the world of work in the 21st century as well as the prospect of study and some the country’s leading Russell Group universities. The course has been designed in collaboration with experts across the whole IT sector. The course focuses on the skills, knowledge and understanding required by today’s universities and employers. We believe the course will give our students the best access to further education and the world of work in a full range of specialties, from business and project management, through to website design and computer graphics and animation. The course will provide you with an insight into the IT sector, the pace of technological change, IT infrastructure, and the flow of information on a global scale, as well as the important legal and security considerations. Unit 3 cyber security reflects an important development in the sector around information security. You will consider how data should be protected and how the IT sector should respond to emerging threats such as cyber terrorism
Unit 1	Fundamentals of IT Hardware Software Networks Communication Ethics, security and data
Unit 2	Global information Informaition handling Information management systems Uses of information Information and the law Information flows Informatio security
Unit 3	Cyber security
Unit 4	Application design Prototype Application design Providing solutions Design generation Presenting applications to users and clients
Unit 5	Website design and Prototype Fundamentals of web design Development planning Prototypes for clients Presenting to clients
Assessment	3 Exams 2 Coursework units
Next steps - Careers/HE courses	IT Infrastructure Technician Typical job roles within this pathway include: IT technical support, database administrator, field technician, network technician, infrastructure technician, network planner or cloud technician. Emerging Digital Technology Practitioner Typical job roles within this pathway include; junior digital content developer, 3D graphics technician, virtual reality software technician, software developer, digital identity planners or digital content developer Application Developer Technician Typical job roles within this pathway include; web application developer, software engineer, mobile application developer, application developer or software analyst. Data Analyst. IT Infrastructure Technician pathway Typical job roles within this pathway include; data analyst, data quality analyst, Statistical data analyst, Big Data architect, Digital data analyst or Customer insight analyst.
Suggested links to resources	Coming soon!