Computer Science and ICT
Vision
We aim to provide all pupils with the opportunity to experience a wide range of Computer Science and ICT challenges. These challenges are designed to develop a base level of digital literacy and awareness that will allow pupils to successfully access learning in other areas and in their wider lives.
We are living in an increasingly globalized world where we interact with people from across cultures and countries. We intend our pupils to be set on a path to be able to live and work in such a world as well as being prepared to navigate an ever-changing landscape of both culture and technology.
We give pupils the opportunity to use a wide range of digital tools to develop their knowledge and skills for their wider study. In addition to being knowledgeable and skilful users in the areas of Computer Science and ICT we want our pupils to explore the vast career opportunities within the digital sector to break down the stereotypes of who works and succeeds in the technology industry.
We prepare our pupils to question their use of technology by exploring the wider ethical, social, cultural and legal impacts of our increasingly digital world. We aim to develop enquiring minds with a commitment to lifelong learning. We encourage critical thinking and a problem-solving approach that will help pupils to become independent learners with an enthusiasm for how technology and Computer Science can positively impact their future.
Core Knowledge
Year 7
Year 7 Computer Science has been developed to provide pupils with a grounding in the skills required to be an effective user of the school ICT systems and to give them an introduction to the world of Computer Science. Pupils develop the knowledge and skills to make safe and effective use of the school email, Google Suite, Office 365 and Satchel One. We ensure students are aware of how they can be E-Safe when using both school and personal devices. This is followed with an introduction to programming using block based programming that many pupils will have seen at Primary School. As well as the programming side of Computer Science we also develop an understanding of some core hardware and software that all computer systems have. Pupils are introduced to the Binary Number System and how it is used within computer systems.
Core knowledge to be learnt in Year 7:
- An introduction to ICT & Computing @ Plymstock School
- E-Safety
- An introduction to Coding, using Code.Org
- Scratch
- Computer Hardware & Software
- Number Systems / Data Representation
Year 8
Pupils have the opportunity to further develop their understanding of programming computers as they move into the use of the Python Programming Language. We look at some of the potential career prospects pupils could consider in the world of ICT and Computer Science. Pupils have the opportunity to look at how, in a relatively short period of time, computers have developed from analogue machines to the high-tech computers we use today. To build on the Year 7 learning surrounding hardware and software, we learn about the importance of networks and how they allow us to communicate on the global networks used daily. Pupils have the opportunity to explore the world of digital graphics by applying skills and knowledge they will have learned in Art and apply them to digital graphics using professional level software.
Core knowledge to be learnt in Year 8:
- Careers Opportunities in Computing and ICT
- How to program a drawing object using the Python Programming Language
- An understanding of the history of computing and the journey from analogue machines to the edge of quantum computing
- An understanding of the uses of and hardware required to make a modern computer network.
- How to create complex digital graphics that are made up of a range of digital assets.
Year 9
We further explore how we can plan and create algorithms to solve complex problems, including considering if a computer is always the best approach or tool.
Pupils build on the skills developed in the digital graphics unit and learn about web design. In this unit pupils will have the opportunity to explore the skills required to plan a digital application and produce their own web site for a set client brief.
We look at the complex world of Cyber Security and give students a chance to explore some of the threats that exist in the online world and how we can protect ourselves and our digital systems against them.
Core knowledge to be learnt in Year 9:
- How to apply Flow Charts and Pseudocode to the planning of a program
- How to use Sequence, Selection and Iteration to create a programmed solution to a problem using Python.
- How to create a project plan, visualisation diagram and GANTT chart
- How to create a web site using Google Sites
- An understanding of common Cyber Security threats and how to combat them
Year 10
Pupils develop a broad understanding of a range of theoretical and practical aspects of Computer Science. They build on the foundation of Python Programming that was laid down in Year 8 and 9. We develop independent learning skills to prepare pupils for independent study in year 11 and as a necessary skill to succeed in the world of work.
Core knowledge to be learnt in Year 10:
- Data Representation
- Systems Architecture and the CPU
- Sequence, Selection and Iteration
- The purpose and use of RAM and ROM
- Types of Secondary Storage
- Boolean Logic and Logic Gates
- Sub Programs and their use
- Networks and modes of connection Computers
- Searching and Sorting Algorithms
Year 11
Year 11 Computer Science builds on all the prior learning to date and allows pupils to develop an even greater understanding of computer systems and their use in the world. Pupils are challenged to consider not only what computers allow us to do but also the Social, Cultural, Ethical and Legal issues they raise. Pupils develop their ability to apply computational thinking skills to creating programs to solve set problems. Pupils have the opportunity to learn about the different levels of programming language and understand that while we are able to program in “English like” languages, these are very different to the code and languages the computers actually use.
Core knowledge to be learnt in Year 11:
- Ethical, Cultural, Social and Legal considerations of Computing
- Languages, Translators and Interpreters.
- Computational Thinking
Years 12 and 13 Computer Science
All of the content of the GCSE is revisited and studied in greater detail. For example, Data Representation is revisited, and we study how computers are able to represent both positive and negative numbers as well as how computers are actually able to make use of simple logic gates to carry out complex mathematics. Students have the opportunity to embark on a significant independent programming project.
Core knowledge to be learnt in Year 12:
- The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
- Data types, data structures and algorithms
- Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues
- Elements of computational thinking
- Problem Solving and Programming
- Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms
Core knowledge to be learnt in Year 13:
- Software and software development
- Exchanging Data
- Problem Solving and programming
- Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms
Year 12 and 13 Cambridge Technical in IT (Application Developer)
The Cambridge Technical in IT is designed to prepare students for a career in the application developer industry. Students study a wide range of applications and develop a web site, mobile app and computer game. In this development students will experience the complete process from initial planning, design, creation, testing and then review. Students study a range of more generic computing knowledge, including how computers and networks are built and work and how computers are able to represent and share data. Students consider a range of social, cultural, ethical and legal concerns with modern computing.
Core knowledge to be learnt in Year 12:
Internally Assessed
- Understand the fundamentals of web design
- Be able to plan the development of an interactive web site for an identified client
- Be able to create prototype websites for an identified client
- Be able to present the interactive website concept to an identified client
- Understanding the principles of game design and prototyping
- Be able to develop a game concept
- Be able to develop game prototypes
- Be able to present an evaluate game concepts
Externally Examined
- Understanding Computer Hardware
- Understanding Computer Software
- Understand Business IT Systems
- Understand employability and communication skills
- Understand ethical and operational issues to computer systems
Core knowledge to be learnt in Year 13:
Externally Examined
- Understand where information is held and how it is transmitted
- Understand the styles, classification and the management of global information
- Understand the use of global information and the benefits to individuals and organisations
- Understand the legal regulatory framework governing the storage and use of global information
- Understand the process flow of information
- Understand the principles of information security
Internally Assessed
- Understand how applications are designed
- Be able to investigate potential solutions for application development
- Be able to generate designs for application solutions
- Be able to present application solutions to meet client needs.