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Computer Science
Computing Department
| # | Name |
|---|---|
| Subject Leader Computer Science | Mr L Challenor |
| Computing Teachers | Miss C Shea Mrs C Gouli |
Over the last decade there has been a major change in the curriculum introducing computer science as a stand-alone subject. The subject is an important part of the modern digital age. As we prepare students for the ever changing technological environment, computer science helps students understand the pivotal role technology plays in the modern day world.
HOW PARENTS CAN HELP
Parents are encouraged to discuss the project topics and explain how technology has continually changed over the decades. Commenting on the use of computers in daily life and how important they are will help students to see Computer Science as a skill that they cannot do without. They can also ensure students complete their electronic homework, which is set on EduLink- all of the lessons for Computer Science can be found online at LearnITWithMrC.
COMPUTER SCIENCE AT KNOLE ACADEMY
Computer science is a now a core subject in both Years 7 and 8; students in Grammar stream have at least one lesson per week, while the rest of the students learn computer science as part of the ICT curriculum. After the end of year 8, all students have the option of taking Computer Science as a precursor to them studying it at GCSE when they select their options.
Students studying computer science will complete several different units ranging from Computational thinking and Algorithms to programming. They will get hands on experience at programming as well as learning how computers work and their impact on society.
When students reach Year 10, they will start their GCSE preparation - see the Key Stage 4 section below.
Key Stage 3
KEY STAGE 3
MODULES
The programme of study is split into a variety of different topics which link with all three strands.
|
Year 7 Term 1 |
Presentation skills |
|
Year 7 Term 2 |
Computer systems |
|
Year 7 Term 3 |
Game making |
| Year 7 Term 4 Unit 4 - Coding with Python |
Introduction to programming with Python Programming basics Sequences Selection |
| Year 7 Term 5 Unit 5 - Cryptography |
Computing icons past & present |
| Year 7 Term 6 Unit 6 - Hour of Code |
Block coding Code sequences Python output, debugging, variables and assignment for loops, iteration, |
| Year 8 - Term 1 Unit 1 - Information Systems |
Spreadsheets Spreadsheet key terms - cell, column, cell reference, formula Formatting cells Functions - SUM, AVERAGE Creating formulae functions - MIN, MAX, Creating charts, conditional formatting Filtering, IF statements, data validation |
| Year 8 Term 2 Unit 2 - Control Algorithms |
System lifecycle Control devices Procedures Sequencing Sensors Systems design and user-centred design |
| Year 8 Term 3 Unit 3 - Coding 1 |
Code sequences Python output, debugging, testing Python input, variables & assignment for loops Functions |
| Year 8 Term 4 Unit 4 - Coding 2 |
Algorithms |
| Year 8 Term 5 Unit 5 - Data representation |
Binary |
| Year 8 Term 6 Unit 6 - Web design |
Create a website |
|
Year 9 Term 1 |
Using Python Turtle Commands |
| Year 9 Term 2 Unit 2- Text Programming |
User output, variables, assingment If, if-elif-else, conditional statements for loops While loops, functions |
|
Year 9 Term 3 Unit 3 Game Development |
Creating algorithmic solutions |
| Year 9 Term 4 Unit 4 Game Development- Project |
Creating algorithmic solutions Project management Modular programming Sequence selection iteration |
| Year 9 Term 5 Unit 5- Databases |
Tables Fields, Data types, records Queries, Boolean operators, AND, OR or NOT, Wildcards, user interface Forms, SQL |
| Year 9 Term 6 Unit 6- How Computers Work |
Binary Using binary to represent whole numbers, boolean, logic gate AND gate, OR gate, NOT gate Converting from binary to decimal, converting from decimal to binary, pixels Bitmaps, resolution, ASCII Character codes, Vectors, character sets |
Key Stage 4
Key Stage 4
AQA COMPUTER SCIENCE GCSE
YEARS 10-11
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
AQA Computer Science has been created specifically to get students working with real-world programming and to provide a good understanding of the fundamental principles of computer science.
The scheme of work includes computational thinking, looking at how computer programs are developed from algorithms and how students can create their own algorithms using abstraction and decomposition to solve real world problems. Other units cover the areas of programming and computer systems as well as specific skills like cyber security which are in high demand in industry.The units of work provide an academically challenging specification for students of all ability levels.
The AQA Computer Science GCSE has built-in progression to further studies and is recognised as developing the skills that employers value.
SPECIFICATION (8525)
ASSESSMENT
|
UNITS |
aSSESSMENT |
|---|---|
|
COMPONENT 1: PAPER 1- COMPUTATIONAL THINKING & PROGRAMMING SKILLS 3.2 Programming |
Written Exam: 2 hours |
|
COMPONENT 2: PAPER 2- COMPUTING CONCEPTS 3.3 Fundementals of data representation |
Written Exam: 1 hour 45 minutes |
