Computer Science Curriculum

• Introduction to school network, TEAMS and email
  • Baseline testing – form
• E-safety – looking at social media/digital device use and how to keep safe digitally
• Data handling unit – database practical skills and developing knowledge of data handling methods and uses
• Introduction to Computational thinking – developing problem-solving methods
  • Decomposition/pattern recognition/abstraction and algorithms
• Searching the Internet – looking at reliability, validity and bias.  Students will develop skills to hone searches and knowledge to identify bogus sites and information – search algorithm theory
• Programming
  • Block based programming – games research, looking at variety of techniques using block based programming.  Sequencing and looping of programs
  • Logo logicator – simple text based control programming
• Pattern repetition – looking at bitmap and vector images, using drawing tools and developing graphic design skills, altering an existing digital artefact.

• Revisit school network, teams and email use
• E-Safety – revisiting general e-safety and staying safe – focus on viruses, malware & security
• Computational Thinking –revisiting the four cornerstones of computational thinking, adding depth of knowledge – creating a range of flowcharts and introducing higher level pseudo code – looking at a variety of problems and applying logical technique.
• Programming
  • Text Vs Block based – research and revisiting block code
  • Text-based programming introduced. Python sequencing unit –initial commands, variables and using loops.
• Binary –
  • Binary theory and uses – looking at binary conversion to denary and binary calculations
  • Image and sound files conversions and ASCII keyboard commands and ASCII art
  • Logic gates theory and practise 
• Animation – Sequencing kills – creating stop frame animations – identifying key movements and producing/converting an animation.
• Spreadsheet modelling – developing spreadsheet knowledge and creating simply formula and functions – revisit sort/search – algorithmic theory

All KS3 students undertake small projects to develop and enhance their web design skills, using up to date topic areas ie Olympics, Euros, Holidays etc.

• E-Safety – revising key knowledge on how to stay safe online – focus on cyber crime
• Computer Components – hardware and how it works, input and output devices, computer speeds and storage
• Understanding of how IT and technology are utilised in everyday life and in people’s working practice.
• Python Programming – text based programming unit, developing on skills learnt in previous years- independent unit to enable students to progress at their own pace using interactive resources
• Spreadsheet modelling – data handling project to enhance formatting skills, formulae & functions use, graph development – students development of a data solution to a specified problem
• Multi-media project – using variety of software applications to create a digital solution to a problem, integrating documents and updating digital artefacts. Enables students to consider software selection
• Computational Thinking –revisiting the four cornerstones of computational thinking, applying to specific problems. Binary and logic gates.

All KS3 students undertake small projects to develop and enhance their web design skills, using up to date topic areas ie Olympics, Euros, Holidays etc.