Computer Science

We aim to provide all pupils with the opportunity to experience a wide range of Computer Science and ICT challenges. These challenges are designed to develop a base level of digital literacy and awareness that will allow pupils to successfully access learning in other areas and in their wider lives.

We are living in an increasingly globalized world where we interact with people from across cultures and countries. We intend our pupils to be set on a path to be able to live and work in such a world as well as being prepared to navigate an ever-changing landscape of both culture and technology.

We give pupils the opportunity to use a wide range of digital tools to develop their knowledge and skills for their wider study. In addition to being knowledgeable and skilful users in the areas of Computer Science and ICT we want our pupils to explore the vast career opportunities within the digital sector to break down the stereotypes of who works and succeeds in the technology industry.

We prepare our pupils to question their use of technology by exploring the wider ethical, social, cultural and legal impacts of our increasingly digital world. We aim to develop enquiring minds with a commitment to lifelong learning. We encourage critical thinking and a problem-solving approach that will help pupils to become independent learners with an enthusiasm for how technology and Computer Science can positively impact their future.

Year 7

Year 7 Computer Science has been developed to provide pupils with a grounding in the skills required to be an effective user of the school ICT systems and to give them an introduction to the world of Computer Science. Pupils develop the knowledge and skills to make safe and effective use of the school email, Google Suite, Office 365 and Satchel One. We ensure students are aware of how they can be E-Safe when using both school and personal devices. This is followed with an introduction to programming using block based programming that many pupils will have seen at Primary School. As well as the programming side of Computer Science we also develop an understanding of some core hardware and software that all computer systems have. Pupils are introduced to the Binary Number System and how it is used within computer systems.

Core knowledge to be learnt in Year 7:

An introduction to ICT & Computing @ Plymstock School
E-Safety
An introduction to Coding, using Code.Org
Scratch
Computer Hardware & Software
Number Systems / Data Representation

Year 8

Pupils have the opportunity to further develop their understanding of programming computers as they move into the use of the Python Programming Language. We look at some of the potential career prospects pupils could consider in the world of ICT and Computer Science. Pupils have the opportunity to look at how, in a relatively short period of time, computers have developed from analogue machines to the high-tech computers we use today. To build on the Year 7 learning surrounding hardware and software, we learn about the importance of networks and how they allow us to communicate on the global networks used daily. Pupils have the opportunity to explore the world of digital graphics by applying skills and knowledge they will have learned in Art and apply them to digital graphics using professional level software.

Careers Opportunities in Computing and ICT
How to program a drawing object using the Python Programming Language
An understanding of the history of computing and the journey from analogue machines to the edge of quantum computing
An understanding of the uses of and hardware required to make a modern computer network.
How to create complex digital graphics that are made up of a range of digital assets.

Year 9

We further explore how we can plan and create algorithms to solve complex problems, including considering if a computer is always the best approach or tool.

Pupils build on the skills developed in the digital graphics unit and learn about web design. In this unit pupils will have the opportunity to explore the skills required to plan a digital application and produce their own web site for a set client brief.

We look at the complex world of Cyber Security and give students a chance to explore some of the threats that exist in the online world and how we can protect ourselves and our digital systems against them.

Core knowledge to be learnt in Year 9:

How to apply Flow Charts and Pseudocode to the planning of a program
How to use Sequence, Selection and Iteration to create a programmed solution to a problem using Python.
How to create a project plan, visualisation diagram and GANTT chart
How to create a web site using Google Sites
An understanding of common Cyber Security threats and how to combat them

Year 10

Pupils develop a broad understanding of a range of theoretical and practical aspects of Computer Science. They build on the foundation of Python Programming that was laid down in Year 8 and 9. We develop independent learning skills to prepare pupils for independent study in year 11 and as a necessary skill to succeed in the world of work.

Core knowledge to be learnt in Year 10:

Data Representation
Systems Architecture and the CPU
Sequence, Selection and Iteration
The purpose and use of RAM and ROM
Types of Secondary Storage
Boolean Logic and Logic Gates
Sub Programs and their use
Networks and modes of connection Computers
Searching and Sorting Algorithms

Year 11

Year 11 Computer Science builds on all the prior learning to date and allows pupils to develop an even greater understanding of computer systems and their use in the world. Pupils are challenged to consider not only what computers allow us to do but also the Social, Cultural, Ethical and Legal issues they raise. Pupils develop their ability to apply computational thinking skills to creating programs to solve set problems. Pupils have the opportunity to learn about the different levels of programming language and understand that while we are able to program in “English like” languages, these are very different to the code and languages the computers actually use.

Ethical, Cultural, Social and Legal considerations of Computing
Languages, Translators and Interpreters.
Computational Thinking