Computer Science
Subject intent:
We want all our students to be leaders in computer science. This means that our students will go to Russell Group Universities or higher-level apprenticeships. Completing courses in computer science and enter careers such as Quantum computing, software developer, algorithm developer and machine learning engineer.
Subject links to HSAEL values:
Growth is developed by ensuring all scholars have developed their analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, feeling confident in their programming skills and computational thinking algorithms. This will be developed by STEM enrichments, trips and robotics events and building projects.
Responsibility is promoted by tackling complex computational problems and experience the controlled failure and develop resilience and independence, by understanding what went wrong in the process.
Ambition is promoted by providing a rigorous curriculum that does stretch every student in school regardless their ability or gender and tackling barriers in the entry into the world of computer science that every child at our school is able to.
Coding and building algorithms can be a frustrating task to do, students may suffer while troubleshooting mysterious errors, decoding arcane documentation, or redoing work because of misunderstanding, that’s where compassion comes in. where students will learn allocate more resources to projects, provide positive encouragement and leaders to help their team.
Excellence is developed by engaging in big idea for building data processing project.
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Autumn 1 |
Autumn 2 |
Spring 1 |
Spring 2 |
Summer 1 |
Summer 2 |
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Year 7 |
Computer crime and cyber security |
Building a computer and computer architecture. |
Networks |
Flow charts & block-based programming |
Introduction to Python
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Introduction to spreadsheets and data analysis |
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Year 8 |
Python skills - Level 2 |
Computer architecture and emerging technologies. |
Web development |
Audio, visual, and using media |
Physical Computing |
Computational methos |
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Year 9 |
Networks |
Python skills - Level 3 |
Computing related legislation |
Python Skills level 4 |
Databases |
Python Skills level 5 |
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Year 10 |
System Architecture & Algorithms |
Memory and Storage |
Programming fundamentals |
System Software & Programming techniques |
Networks & Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology |
Network Security & Boolean Logic |
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Year 11 |
Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments & Producing robust Programs |
Consolodation of: Units (images and sound focus) Data storage (images and sound focus) Additional programming techniques Searching and sorting algorithms
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Further consolidation of Component 1: Compression Producing robust programs Revisit the programming task(s) and relate theory content to the following areas when programming: • Design • Write • Test • Refine |
Further consolidation of: Systems architecture Memory and storage Computer networks, connections and protocols Algorithms Programming fundamentals Past paper questions and revision activities.
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Further consolidation of: Network security Systems software Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital Producing robust programs Boolean logic Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments Past paper questions and revision activities. |
Exams. |
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Year 12 |
Computer Systems |
Problem solving and programming. Introduction to NEA project |
Exchanging data
NEA – Analysis Section |
Data types, data structures and algorithms |
Software Development NEA – Design Section |
Algorithms |
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Year 13 |
Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues & programming techniques NEA – Development Section |
Problem Solving and programming 2 NEA – Testing Section
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Computational thinking & Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues NEA – Evaluation Section & final hand in.
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Further consolidation of: The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices Software and software development Exchanging data Elements of computational thinking Problem solving and programming Past paper questions and revision activities |
Further consolidation of: Data types, data structures and algorithms Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues Algorithms Targeted revision, developing exam answer technique and completion of full practice papers.
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Exams |
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For GCSE, Subject follows the OCR exam board. See the specification here. Link to specification |
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For A-Level, Subject follows the OCR exam board. See the specification here. Link to Specification |
How does the study of Computer Science link to future careers?
The study of Computer Science equips individuals with skills in programming, problem-solving, and critical thinking, which are essential in various future careers. It opens doors to roles in software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, and artificial intelligence. Additionally, the ever-evolving nature of technology ensures a continuous demand for computer science professionals in industries like finance, healthcare, and entertainment.
How does Subject link to the extra-curricular provision at HSAEL?
Various trips throughout the year to Colleges, Universities and workshops, focussing on technology and computer science. Examples: A.I workshop are the Royal institute, A.I workshop at Ada College, Advancements of technology in every day - Character Education day at HSAEL.
Weekly Coding club that looks outside of the classroom curriculum, such as :
- 3D Printing
- Web Development
- Python Programming
- Computing related Legislation