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    • Computing

    KS3

    Introduction

    Computing provides an invaluable understanding and practical knowledge of Computer Systems in a constantly changing and rapidly evolving environment.

    At Key stage 3 students will be introduced to the digital world, investigating what computer systems are, how they work and the role they play in the world around us.

    Students will learn how to plan, develop, code and test programs using a range of programming techniques. The course is project based and designed to help students become proficient in several computer-based programs, which they will be able to build further upon at GCSE.

    Year 7 

    • Collaborating online respectfully
    • Modelling data – spreadsheets
    • Networks – from semaphore to the internet
    • Programming in Scratch, Part 1
    • Programming in Scratch, Part 2
    • Using media – Gaining support for a cause

    Year 8 

    • Computing systems
    • Developing for the web
    • Introduction to Python programming
    • Media- vector graphics
    • Mobile app development
    • Representation – from clay to silicon

    Year 9 

    • Cybersecurity
    • Data science
    • Media animations
    • Physical computing
    • Python programming with sequence of data
    • Representations, going audio-visual

    Resources

    KS4

    Introduction

    What’s it worth?  1 GCSE

    Why do it?

    The 9-1 Computer Science GCSE is a reformed qualification designed to meet the need for people highly trained to study and work in the world of computing and technology. Such people will shape and change the future of the world with their skills and knowledge and creative ideas. Such people are in high demand.

    What will you do? 

    This two-year course has components that look at:

    • How computers store, process, format and transfer data
    • Computer network design and cyber security threats
    • Data encryption, algorithms and programming code
    • How to design, produce, test, and improve computer programs
    • How to read and use binary and logic

    Assessment is via two exams sat in the summer: one based on computer systems and networks, and the other focussing on computational algorithms, logic, data and programming

    What do you need?

    To succeed in this subject, students will need to be:

    • Interested in the history of computing, current applications, and future technology concepts
    • Curious about how computers and devices work
    • Able to create, design and make their ideas reality
    • Tenacious in identifying and fixing problems
    • Able to think logically, imagine creatively and focus on detail

    Exam Board – Edexcel

    Internal - 0%

    Exam Paper – 100% written

    Web Links

    Specifications 

    BBC Bitesize (GCSE Edexcel ) 

    Revision 

    Python coding 

    Technology news 

    Reading List

    For those of you with a love for computing and programming, we have compiled a list of books which will further whet your appetite for the subject.

    • Cs4fun.org Written by Prof Paul Curzon: lots of articles about computer science and written magazine published every 6 months
    • Problem Solving with Flowcharts & a little flavour of Programming with Python Written by Achla Agarwal, Krishna Agarwal, Laura Gladrich, Mark Gladrich
    • CodeAcademy.com/courses/learn-sql: Online tutorials to read and practise SQL database programming

    Extracurricular

    Resources