In the Computer Science department, we aim to stimulate pupils' interest, creativity in computing, with practical programming playing a key role in lessons. The National Curriculum states: “Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.”

Year 7 

Term 1 – The School System 

Information Technology - Printing/File Management. Using the email systems and cloud storage. 

Term 2 - Computational Thinking 

• Introduction to computational thinking 
• Decomposition 
• Pattern recognition 
• Abstraction & Algorithms 
• Evaluating solutions 

Term 3 - Algorithms 

• Designing an algorithm 
• Searching & Sorting 
• Sequencing & Selection 
• Iteration & Logical Reasoning 

Term 4 – Introduction to Programming 

• Introduction to Programming 
• Programming Basics 

Term 5 – Block code Programming 

Students will be working with block coding such as Scratch, BBC Microbit, Hour of Code & Lightbot. 

Term 6 – Written code programming 

Students are introduced to written code and will use Logo, Kodu & BBC Microbit to name a few. 

Assessment 

Students are assessed termly in lesson. Students will perform a series of tasks throughout the term. Students will perform competency skills with particular programs they will experience. The students will also be involved in assessment through peer marking and personal assessment in lessons throughout the term

Year 8 

Term 1- Inside a Computer 

• Inside of a Computer & Storage of Information and Information Systems 
• Hardware and software 
• Digital devise 
• Software 
• CPU & the fetch-execute cycle 

Term 2 - Algorithms Designing an algorithm Searching & Sorting Sequencing & Selection Iteration & Logical Reasoning

Term 3 – Data Representation Binary Representing text, images and sound

Term 4 – BBC Microbit Students will complete a range of tasks using the JavaScript Blocks Editor & Python Editor with the BBC Microbit. Students will complete tasks using sequencing, loops & problem solving algorithms.

Term 5 - App Inventor Students will design and plan their project for a travel app. Students will evaluate what makes a good travel app, storyboard their ideas for the stages of their travel app.

Term 6 – App Inventor Students will be introduced to App Inventor to complete a project for a travel app. Students will create their 10 page application through various stages of tutorials and investigation. 

Assessment 

Students are assessed termly in lesson. Students will perform a series of tasks throughout the term. Students will perform competency skills with particular programs they will experience. The students will also be involved in assessment through peer marking and personal assessment in lessons throughout the term 

What will I gain from studying Computer Science? 

Students will develop analytical skills, problem-solving skills, creativity, critical-thinking skills and logical skills. 

Pathways this course can lead to 

Students can continue to take Computer Science in Year 9 as part of their wider curriculum. Students will complete projects such as the creation of a mobile application and also a website. Students can continue to complete Computer Science at KS4 to achieve a vocational qualification or a GCSE in Computer Science. 

Extra curricular opportunities 

Computing Club – Thursday 3.20-4.20pm