Year 7

Overview

Year 7 is an opportunity for your child to settle in and to experience a range of programming languages and computational theory that will give them an insight into what is studied as students’ progress up the school.

Skills Developed

We aim to give the students a number of skills for use in Computer Science. Computer Science has moved on from the days of IT when we would look at using software applications into the more theoretical and potentially difficult subject of programming computers. We do discuss the importance of working safely on computers as in the modern world this is a vital skill. Students' progress is tracked between units and advice on how to improve is given.

Topics Covered

Download the Computing Curriculum Overview Year 7 

• Using Computers Safely, Effectively and Responsibility: This unit introduces students to how to use computers in a way that is safe for them and allows them to understand the importance of retrieval and security of data
• Programming with Kodu: This is a simple introduction to programming through software that uses menus. It teaches some of the basic building blocks that will be required further on.
• Flowol: Flowol is software that helps students to design control systems. It is also useful for future development of algorithm design.
• Python Turtle: This is the first unit in which we use a “proper” programming language. This shows them some of the basic skills in a graphical environment.
• Office Skills

Year 8

Overview

Year 8 students will build on the foundations from Year 7. We particularly focus on improving their programming skills this year to see if students are suitable for either the Computer Science or more IT based qualifications that are studied in KS4.

Skills Developed

We aim to give the students a number of skills for use in Computer Science. Computer Science has moved on from the days of IT when we would look at using software applications into the more theoretical and potentially difficult subject of programming computers. We do discuss the importance of working safely on computers as in the modern world this is a vital skill. Students' progress is tracked between units and advice on how to improve is given. Students will also gain an insight into understanding the basic principles of computing.

Topics Covered

Computing Curriculum Overview Year 8

• Scratch to Python
• Understanding Computers
• Databases
• Adventures in Python
• Graphics
• Audacity
•  

Year 9

Overview

 Year 9 is when we help students decide whether they would like to select Computer Science GCSE or the IT option. We try and give a flavour of each to put the students in the best position to decide. Some of the units are differentiated to help this decision.

Skills Developed

We aim to give the students a number of skills for use in Computer Science. Computer Science has moved on from the days of IT when we would look at using software applications into the more theoretical and potentially difficult subject of programming computers. We do discuss the importance of working safely on computers as in the modern world this is a vital skill. Students' progress is tracked between units and advice on how to improve is given.

Topics Covered

Computing Curriculum Overview Year 9

• Scratch to Python
• Understanding Computers
• Databases
• Adventures in Python
• Audacity
• Graphics

Subject Leader: Mr T Reghif
Email: reghift@lytchett.org.uk

Why should I choose to study Computer Science?

GCSE Computer Science course is an enjoyable and challenging course and requires 100% dedication and commitment from all those who take this option. This course will be ideal for those who have a keen interest in Computer Science, who want to be part of the next UK Computer Science/programming generation and who are fully committed to the course.  But even if you do not wish to pursue a career in Computer Science, this course is ideal for developing logical thinking skills, the ability to solve problems and break down these solutions to manageable parts.

What is the content of the course?

The course is broken down into three components. Students study all three of them:

Paper 1 Computational thinking (50% of GCSE. 1 ½ hr written exam)

• Fundamentals of algorithms
• Programming
• Fundamentals of data representation
• Computer systems

Paper 2 Theoretical content (50% of GCSE. 1 ½ hr written exam)

• Fundamentals of data representation
• Computer systems
• Fundamentals of computer networks
• Fundamentals of cyber security
• Relational databases and structured query language (SQL)
• Ethical, legal and environmental impacts of digital technology

Non examined unit is a programming project, this will improve their programming skills but not count to the overall grade.

Download Computer Science Year 10 Curriculum Overview

Download Computer Science Year 11 Curriculum Overview

How will the course be assessed?

The course is split into two parts:

• 2 Written papers 50% each

There is one tier of entry which covers all grades from 9-1.

What will the course be like?

The course will be "hands on" and rely heavily on your ability to organise yourself.  There will be a large element of computer programming but no prior experience of programming is necessary.

Coursework element:

Whilst there is no longer coursework to be completed as part of this course, students are expected to complete a substantial programming project.

Are there any special course requirements?

A desire to learn to programming

What can it lead onto?

Whether choosing a vocational or academic career when leaving school, Computer Science offers the widest possible choice to pupils.

 The GCSE Computer Science course provides all students with a valuable foundation for those wishing to continue their studies at A level.

Planning ahead for future career paths, opportunities for further study in Computer Science are almost boundless.  In fact, it should be noted that there are many Computer Science, programming and games design courses offered at university.

Subject Leader: Mr A Tettenborn
Email: tettenborna@lytchett.org.uk

Why should I choose to study the Vocational ICT?

The course is 60% coursework so should suit students who prefer practical activities.  The course gives an excellent insight into project management and in particular project management in IT situations. The coursework units should give students an insight into learning Office Software skills to a technical scenario.  There is no programming on this course.

What is the content of the course?

The course is broken down into two units. Students will study all four of them:

Unit 1: ICT in Society

Unit 2: ICT in Context

How will the course be assessed?

Unit 1: ICT in Society external marked examination taken on the Computer

Unit 2: ICT in Context Internally marked coursework, broken down into 4 parts.

The grading is as follows:

Level 2:

2* (distinction *)

D2

M2

P2

Level 1

Distinction *

D1

M1

P1

Unit 1:

40% Examination –

This unit is externally assessed through a written examination.

Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes

Number of marks: 80 Format:

Questions requiring objective responses, short and extended answers, based around applied situations. Learners will be required to use stimulus material to respond to questions.

Unit 2 (RO82):

60% of qualification -

This unit is internally assessed through controlled assessment. Learners will undertake a series of set tasks that are to be applied to a prescribed context set annually by WJEC and issued to centres in an assessment pack via the WJEC Secure Website. This assessment contributes 60% to the overall qualification grade and the assessment will take 40 hours.

Are there any special course requirements?

There are no requirements for this course, apart from an interest in Computers and information technology going forward. Would suit students who do not want to do programming

What can it lead onto?

This National Certificate equips learners with the practical IT skills they need to progress to other Level 2 qualifications or apprenticeships, junior roles in the IT industry, or to Level 3 general or vocational qualifications. The award will count the same as GCSE’s for further studies in Year 12.