Computer Science Subject Overview
Statement of Intent
We’re not here to teach the students how to code; coding is just the tool. What really matters is teaching students to solve problems through the use of ICT. It’s about practising the act of deconstructing their thoughts in a clear and structured way. At the heart of our goal is to develop problem-solving skills and enable students to think through processes in a logical and critical way. This will allow them to develop their programming language knowledge and code their solutions. This is achieved through an ambitious curriculum in ICT and Computer Science, intentionally designed to deliver a high-quality, inclusive education that meets the needs of all students. Our end goal is to underpin all the key ideas and concepts introduced at KS5 throughout each year from 7-11, building on ideas and knowledge learnt, so they are equipped when they leave, with the skills and knowledge needed in an ever-changing digital world. We want our students to leave us as masters of technology and not slaves to it, with informed choices on which platform or software to choose, to be able to create a range of ICT solutions. Our students will leave with the ICT skills to allow them to thrive after school.
KS3 Curriculum Map
Year 7 Overview
In Year 7 we combine ICT with Computer Science. Students will learn about some of the dangers and how to value and manage your behaviour and self worth online. Students will develop their ICT skills needed to access and use the colleges google cloud services to enrich their learning experience at St Marys. Students will learn about the origins of computers and how they have developed and learn and develop their coding skills across four languages. Students will finish the year with an insight into electronics and develop and code a computer system using a Microbit.
Year 7 Topics
Online Me
- Socialising and Online Dangers
- Online Bullying
- Digital Footprint and Safety
- Online vs the real me
Google Apps
- Creating and using docs through the cloud
- Communication and managing work through the cloud
Secrets Out
- Cryptography
- Enigma machine
- Computer model
- ASCII encoding
Code Challenge
- Programming in Python (text)
- Scratch coding (blocks)
Micro bit
- Understanding the microbit
- Writing and installing Microbit code
- Exploring basic electronic circuits
- Design, code and create a computer system for a purpose
LEGO Robots
- Programming LEGO robots to build their own moving machines and learn how real robots work.
- They program the robots to move forwards, backwards, turn, and follow different paths using blocks or code.
- The robots can collect objects, sense other objects nearby, and detect colours to make smart decisions (like picking up red balls or avoiding blue obstacles).
Subject Overviews
Year 8 Overview
In Year 8 students main focus is on Computer Science, starting with algorithms and problem solving and then developing their programming skills and knowledge. They learn about the architecture of computers, understand data representation in computers and binary maths and explore storage devices. They also learn to create and edit vector graphics.
Year 8 Topics
Computer Programming
- Algorithms and Flowcharts
- Solving problems with flowol
- Programming with Small basic
- Programming with Scratch
Vector Graphics
- Basic skills
- Advanced skills
- Vector graphic development
Computer Systems
- Elements of a computer
- CPU and FE Cycle
- Binary representation
- Binary Maths
- Storage Devices
Augmented Reality
- Programming blocks to create AR products.
- Create their own AR game in blocks.
Pioneers
- Develop skills in cloud software.
- Learn about the pioneers of Computer Science and ICT.
App Development
- Programming in blocks.
- Including decomposition, user input, and variables.
Year 9 Overview
In Year 9 the pathway splits between ICT and Computer Science, all students will do ICT and will do the following: Students develop their ICT skills in creating and editing bitmap and vector graphics, they will explore developing a multimedia product, developing their spreadsheet skills and develop their theory knowledge in ICT.
Develop their programming knowledge and ability across Blocks programming and python programming to solving a range of problems. They will develop their knowledge of data representation and computer architecture and logic gates.
Year 9 Topics
Developing programming and problem solving using Python programming
- Data representation
- Computer Architecture and Logic Gates
- Further development of programming using visual basic
- Cyber Explorers
- Cyber Security
KS4 Curriculum Map
KS4 Overview
Year 10 Topics
- Fundamentals of algorithms
- Programming
- Fundamentals of data representation
- Programming
- Computer Systems
- Cyber Security
- Ethical, Legal and Environmental Issues in Computing
Year 11 Topics
- Computer Networks
- Databases
Recap and Revision Programme
A Level Curriculum Map
A Level Overview
Year 12 Topics
Fundamentals of programming
- Fundamentals of data structures
- Systematic approach to problem solving
- Theory of computation
- Fundamentals of data representation
- Fundamentals of computer systems
- Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture
- Consequence of computing -Networking
- Object Orientated Programming
- Databases – SQL, DML
- NEA Practice
Year 13 Topics
Fundamentals of Programming and Data structures
- Fundamental of data structures
- Algorithms and theory of computation
- Data representation
- Fundamentals of computer systems
- Computer architecture
- Advanced networks
- Big Data
- Functional programming
- Practical Project