Computer ScienceComputer Science:

Subject Information Overview

Below is a visual overview of the content available on this page.  Click the appropriate title to view the relevant section

 

Curriculum
Area Staff
 Curriculum
Information
Curriculum
Overview
Exam information for GCSE
qualifications in this Subject Area
Knowledge
Organisers

 

Curriculum Area Staff

Jon Smith

Katie Steingold

 

Jennie White

Tom Sergeant

Should you require more information about this subject area please contact:

Name: Mr J Smith
Position: Associate Assistant Principal
Email: jsm@selbyhigh.co.uk

 

Curriculum Information

The main ambition of the computer science curriculum is to prepare students for life in the modern, technical world, both as users and developers of computing systems. We aim to help our students to better understand the risks and benefits of the technology that we use every day and to help them to be confident but cautious users of IT equipment and software. Students will learn to make good use of technological innovations, whilst managing to circumvent the pitfalls that may also arise.

In key stage 3 we will introduce the components that make up modern computer systems and explore how computers process data and communicate. We will teach students how to program computers to solve complex problems and develop the skills necessary to do well in tomorrow’s digital workforce.

The curriculum will build a sound knowledge and understanding of the impact that computing technology can have on us and on the world, creating strong independent learners who understand the workings of modern computer systems and who become confident, users of the modern IT systems that are in use in industry today.

Our students will develop the skills to:

  • Understand the core components of hardware and software that make up a modern general purpose computer system, learning about the kind of systems that are embedded into our daily lives and are used by most people in our modern society.
  • Look at complicated problems and be able to abstract the important information, identifying what needs to be achieved. Students will learn how to break down complicated problems into manageable tasks and to use computational thinking to create algorithms that can be used to solve these quandaries.
  • Understand how agents create, collect and use your data to create accurate digital profiles that, among other things can predict your actions and life outcomes. To recognise the value of this information and to understand the methods that can be implemented to protect this data from hackers. Also, to look at the legislation that these agents have to adhere to when collecting your data and information.
  • Examine the effects that the digital divide and e-waste have on different cultures and to understand the consequences of these imbalances.
  • Use technology safely. 

 

 

Curriculum Overview

Below is a summary overview of the topics and their content that will be studied in each term by each year group. For more information about each topic, get your child to visit learning journeys and resources on the school online learning platform - Ready Steady Learn.

Year Group Term 1 Term 2 Term 3
7

1. ICT Skills

In this Unit we learn the basic IT skills needed to stay organised  in school and how to use the google applications needed in school. We also introduce  E-Safety.

 

2. Computer systems

To learn the components of a computer and what they do. To find out the differences between hardware and software to understand what the internet is and to learn about computer logic.

3. Using Media

To gain a basic understanding of referencing and recording sources. To learn about fake news and how to research facts on the internet. To use this knowledge to create  a blog to support a cause. 

 

4. Programming Phone Apps

In this unit we learn how to create Phone Apps using App Creator. We learn how to make simple games, surveys and how to design apps

5. Beginning Python

We will use Turinlab to give year 7 a gentle introduction to python program. Helping them to experiment and learn how to program independently 

 

6. Networking Basics

Here we will learn the basics of networking, how computers communicate and how data is transmitted across the globe.

 

Assessment details

Students’ workbooks are checked during lesson. There is a new unit every half term. At the end of each unit, a summative assessment is done. This assessment consists of an online multiple-choice test, consisting of between 30 and 40 questions. The students then get the opportunity to feedback information about how they found the units. They are given some reflection time to look at where they went wrong and how they could improve.

8

1. PhotoShop

An introduction to PhotoShop and how it is effectively used within industry. Each lesson within this unit is a practical introduction to photoshop with students discovering various tools and techniques.

 

2. An Introduction to Business Studies

In this unit we learn what businesses are and how they make profit. We learn about competition and what entrepreneurs are.

3. Internet Safety

Here the students are introduced to big data and data protection. We look at how we can be affected by fake news and how we can lock ourselves in our own internet bubbles.

 

4. Data representation

Here we learn now computers process and represent data. We learn about binary systems and how to convert binary numbers into denary.

5. Continuing Python 

In this unit students start to learn how to program using a python IDE. Then will learn how to solve basic problems using computer algorithms.

 

6. Physical Python

Bringing programming into the real world. We learn how to program microbits to create portable embedded systems. So students understand that programs run on all kinds of systems in the real world.

Assessment details

Students’ workbooks are checked during lesson. There is a new unit every half term. At the end of each unit, a summative assessment is done. This assessment consists of an online multiple-choice test, consisting of between 30 and 40 questions. The students then get the opportunity to feedback information about how they found the units. They are given some reflection time to look at where they went wrong and how they could improve.

9

1. Continuing Business

In this unit we learn how entrepreneurs take risks to create profitable businesses. We look at the ways businesses can be competitive in the market. We also introduce students to money and how it works.

 

2. Cybersecurity

We look at how hackers exploit flaws in programs to extract data to make money or to damage systems. We look at how they manipulate people into giving out their private information. We also look at the methods we can use to help prevent hacking.

3. Visual identity project

The students are educated on how to create a visual identity for a product that can be used to identify a brand. This introduces them to some of the skills used in Creative imedia.

 

4. Computational thinking

In this unit we learn how to analyse a problem by extracting all the important information, decomposing it down into managable chunks then learning how to create algorithms from this information.

5. Python Mini Games

Here the students can use the skills they have used to program mini, text based games in Python.

 

6. Continuing Computer Networking

Here we learn about the different types of networks and network hardware. We look at the difference between WANs and LANS and how packets are sent and received across vast distances reliably.

Assessment details

Students’ workbooks are checked during lesson. There is a new unit every half term. At the end of each unit, a summative assessment is done. This assessment consists of an online multiple-choice test, consisting of between 30 and 40 questions. The students then get the opportunity to feedback information about how they found the units. They are given some reflection time to look at where they went wrong and how they could improve.

10

Theory

1.1 Systems Architecture

1.2 Memory

1.3 Storage

1.4 Wired and wireless networks

1.5 Network Topologies

 

Coding

  • Mini Programming Project
  • Programming Challenges

Theory

1.6 System Security

1.7 Systems Software

1.8 Ethical, Legal, Culture and Environmental Concerns

 

 

Coding

  • Programming Challenges

Theory

Review of content and revision for final assessment

 

Coding

  • Programming Challenges
  • Formal Programming Project
Assessment details

Workbooks are filled in during lessons that are shared with staff so we are able to monitor progress. Formative assessment is done during class to check understanding. At the end of each unit, a 30-minute written test is done, consisting of previous GCSE questions. At least one assessment is done every half term.

11

Theory

Revision – Reviewing Component 2

 

2.1. Algorithms

2.2 Programming Techniques

2.3 Producing Robust Programs

2.4 Computational Logic

2.6 Data Representations

 

Coding

  • Programming Challenges

Theory

Revision – Reviewing Component 1

 

  1. Systems Architecture
  2. Memory
  3. Storage
  4. Wired and wireless networks
  5. Network Topologies
  6. System Security
  7. Systems Software
  8. Ethical, Legal, Culture and Environmental Concerns

 

Coding

  • Programming Challenges

Theory

Customised revision lessons dependent upon student performance.

Assessment details

Workbooks are filled in during lessons that are shared with staff so we are able to monitor progress. Formative assessment is done during class to check understanding. At the end of each unit, a 30-minute written test is done, consisting of previous GCSE questions. At least one assessment is done every half term.

 

KNOWLEDGE ORGANISERS

A Knowledge Rich Curriculum at Selby High School

Research around memory suggests that if knowledge is studied once and not revisited or revised, it is not stored in the long-term memory.  This means that after one lesson, or revising for one test, the knowledge will not be retained unless it is studied again.  It won’t be recalled unless it is revisited frequently, which will embed it in the long term memory.  In the long term this makes recall far easier.  As part of home learning, students should be revising what they have been taught recently but also content they were taught previously.  Therefore as part of our strategy to embed learning over time we have started to develop knowledge organisers across all year groups and curriculum areas. These will provide key content and knowledge  allowing students to pre-learn and re-learn, a vital part of processing all the information required to be successful in the new style GCSE’s.

Instructions for using your knowledge organisers

KS3 = Years 7, 8 & 9
KS4 = Years 10 & 11

Below are the knowledge organisers for each topic in this subject.  These knowledge organisers will become embedded in the Learning Journeys for each topic as they are created on Ready Steady Learn.

Year 7 
ICT

 

Year 8 
ICT

KS4
GCSE Computing


Exam information for GSCE qualifications in this subject area

Click each link below to view the full specification:

OCR GCSE (9–1) in Computer Science (J277)

  • Component 1: Computer systems
  • Component 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming