Curriculum Statement for Computer Science
Computer Science Curriculum Update 2021
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Subject Leader - Mr T Robinson
Computer Science
Computer Science teaching at Pewsey Vale School follows three strands, Computer Science, ICT and Digital Literacy. In Key Stage Three students cover the basic skills and principles of Computer Science including the components of a computer, simple programming and binary logic. They also learn about the risks of being online and how to stay safe.
Year 7
Autumn Term | Topic | Assessment | Home Learning |
September - October | Introduction to School Network & E-Safety | Baseline Online Test | Tasks related to the lesson content where applicable. |
November - December | Human Computer | Assessment of completed classwork and end of topic tests. | Tasks related to the lesson content where applicable. |
Spring Term | Topic | Assessment | Home Learning |
January - February | Scratch Programming | Assessment of completed classwork and end of topic tests. | Tasks related to the lesson content where applicable. |
March - April | Spreadsheets | Assessment of completed classwork and end of topic tests. | Tasks related to the lesson content where applicable. |
Summer Term | Topic | Assessment | Home Learning |
April - May | Introduction BBC Micro: bit | Assessment of completed classwork and end of topic tests. | Tasks related to the lesson content where applicable. |
June - July | E-Safety Project | Assessment of completed classwork and end of topic tests. | Tasks related to the lesson content where applicable. |
Year 8
Autumn Term | Topic | Assessment | Home Learning |
September - October | Ethical and Legal Aspects of Computer Science | Assessment of completed classwork and end of topic tests. | Tasks related to the lesson content where applicable. |
November - December | Data Representation | Assessment of completed classwork and end of topic tests. | Tasks related to the lesson content where applicable. |
Spring Term | Topic | Assessment | Home Learning |
January - February | Networking | Assessment of completed classwork and end of topic tests. | Tasks related to the lesson content where applicable. |
March - April | Introduction to Python | Assessment of completed classwork and end of topic tests. | Tasks related to the lesson content where applicable. |
Summer Term | Topic | Assessment | Home Learning |
April - May | Sonic Pi | Assessment of completed classwork and end of topic tests. | Tasks related to the lesson content where applicable. |
June - July | Introduction to HTML/ Robotics Project | Assessment of completed classwork and end of topic tests. | Tasks related to the lesson content where applicable. |
Year 9
Autumn Term | Topic | Assessment | Home Learning |
September - October | System Architecture | Assessment of completed classwork and end of topic tests. | Tasks related to the lesson content where applicable. |
November - December | Computational Thinking | Assessment of completed classwork and end of topic tests. | Tasks related to the lesson content where applicable. |
Spring Term | Topic | Assessment | Home Learning |
January - February | Data Representation | Assessment of completed classwork and end of topic tests. | Tasks related to the lesson content where applicable. |
March - April | Programming Project 1 | Assessment of completed classwork and end of topic tests. | Tasks related to the lesson content where applicable. |
Summer Term | Topic | Assessment | Home Learning |
April - May | Basic Office Skills | Assessment of completed classwork and end of topic tests. | Tasks related to the lesson content where applicable. |
June - July | Programming Project 2 | Assessment of completed classwork and end of topic tests. | Tasks related to the lesson content where applicable. |
Assessment
Pupils will be assessed throughout the year on their class work, homework projects and formal tests. Grades will be awarded according to the grade criteria (which is available to download on the school website.).
Assessment Matrices
Click for access to Assessment Matrices
Equipment
All pupils will be expected to bring the basic equipment as per the whole school policy. They are also expected to remember the username and passwords for any computer systems they are required to use in lessons.
Course readers and study guides will be provided in school by the department, where appropriate. Students are able to download any resources that are used in lessons online via the Office 365 system.
Suggested Extension Activities
GCSE Computer Science
Examination Board: OCR
Specification: Computer Science (1-9)
Specification link
https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j276-from-2016/
Overview
GCSE Computer Science is engaging and practical, encouraging creativity and problem solving. It encourages students to develop their understanding and application of the core concepts in computer science. Students also analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs.
The course also contains some advanced mathematical concepts including an understanding of the use of base numbering systems such as binary & hexadecimal. Students will need to be able to understand the concepts behind binary and base number conversions and to deal with and link various programming concepts such as data flow diagrams, data types, variable manipulation, program flow control, functions, procedures & error handling.
The course is split into three components:
Component 01: Computer Systems (50%*): The first component is an exam focused on computer systems covering the physical elements of computer science and the associated theory.
Component 02: Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming (50%*): This component is focused on the core theory of computer science and the application of computer science principles.
Component 03: Programming Project (non-exam assessment) (Compulsory Element*): This component is the non-exam assessment where students will be challenged by a range of exciting and engaging tasks to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned.
*On 8 January 2018, Ofqual confirmed in its consultation outcome that non-exam assessment will not count towards the final grade in GCSE Computer Science. For more information, see the notice to Centres.
Year 10
Autumn Term | Topic | Assessment | Home Learning |
September -December |
1.1. Systems Architecture 1.2. Memory 1.3. Storage 1.4. Wired and Wireless Networks |
Student Workbook, End of Topic Tests, Practice Questions |
Watching Flipped Learning Videos. Creating revision notes for each topic. |
Spring Term | Topic | Assessment | Home Learning |
January – April |
1.5. Network Topologies 1.6. System Security 1.7. Systems Software 1.8. Ethical, Legal, Cultural and Environmental Concerns. |
Student Workbook, End of Topic Tests, Practice Questions. | Watching Flipped Learning Videos.
Creating revision notes for each topic. |
Summer Term | Topic | Assessment | Home Learning |
April - July |
2.1. Algorithms 2.2. Programming Techniques |
Student Workbook, End of Topic Tests, Practice Questions. | Watching Flipped Learning Videos.
Creating revision notes for each topic. |
Year 11
Autumn Term | Topic | Assessment | Home Learning |
NEA 2.3. Producing Robust Programs |
Student Workbook, End of Topic Tests, Practice Questions. |
Watching Flipped Learning Videos.
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Spring Term | Topic | Assessment | Home Learning |
January – April |
NEA 2.4. Computational Logic 2.5. Translators and facilities of languages |
Student Workbook, End of Topic Tests, Practice Questions. | Watching Flipped Learning Videos.
Creating revision notes for each topic. |
Summer Term | Topic | Assessment | Home Learning |
April - July |
2.6. Data Representation Exam Technique & Revision |
Student Workbook, End of Topic Tests, Practice Questions. | Watching Flipped Learning Videos.
Creating revision notes for each topic. |
Equipment
All pupils will be expected to bring the basic equipment to the lessons as per the whole school policy. They are also expected to remember their username and passwords for any computer systems they are required to use in lessons.
Course readers and study guides will be provided in school by the Department, where appropriate. Students are able to download any resources that are used in lessons online via the Office 365 system.
Assessment
Students are regularly assessed using criteria set by the exam board. Results of assessments are reported to parents/carers at intervals during the academic year.
Home Learning
Students are required to watch YouTube videos in advance of each lesson in order to complete the lesson tasks. Students will also periodically have practice tests to revise for.
Useful resources
Websites:
https://student.craigndave.org
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/z34k7ty
http://www.tecoed.co.uk/index.html
Wilcot Road,
Pewsey,
Wiltshire,
SN9 5EW
T 01672 565000
E admin@pewsey-vale.wilts.sch.uk