Computer Science

Computer Science equips students to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.

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Digital technology is driving extraordinary global changes, so it’s crucial that students are educated to make use of their opportunities. The tools and knowledge learnt in Computer Science enable students to effectively use and utilise digital tools, preparing them for daily tasks and careers in their future lives.

Year 7-9

Year 7 Curriculum

Introduction to Computing (Using school computer systems, E-Safety, Microsoft Apps)
Computational Thinking (Tools for computational problem solving. Abstraction, decomposition and algorithms)
Networks (Wired and wireless networks, network hardware and the internet)
Scratch (Block programming, sequence, loops, selection, variables, development cycle, testing and evaluation)
Spreadsheets (Spreadsheet interactions, calculations and data visualisation)

Year 8 Curriculum

Cyber Security (Types of malware, common internet scams and protecting your online identity)
Computational Thinking (Logical thinking, problem solving and algorithm design)
Understanding Computers (Computer hardware, CPU’s, storage devices and binary)
Python Turtle (Text based programming to create visualisations, sequence, selection, loops and procedures)
Vector Graphics (Graphic design in Inkscape, layers, paths and design principles)
Animation (3d design using blender, keyframing, parenting and animation)

Year 9 Curriculum

Introduction to Python (Command line programs. input and output, variables, built in functions and loops)
Computational Thinking (Board game design project, flowcharts and rules systems)
Networks (How data moves through networks, network hardware and types of different networks)
Development for the Web (HTML programming, Basic HTML tags, CSS, Developing a web site)
Mobile App Development (App design and creation using AppLab, block and Javascript coding)
Telium Programming Project (Python adventure game programming project)

GCSE (Year 10-11)

Examination Board: OCR

Course Description

GCSE Computer Science is a challenging and exciting insight into how real-life computer systems work as well as a solid foundation in programming, using Python 3. The course covers 3 main areas:

Problem-solving using coding
Algorithms and data representation
Computer architecture, software and networking

Students will gain an understanding of how problems from the real world can be represented digitally and be taught how to solve problems using core programming concepts.

This course will give students a very strong start for pursuing Computer Science at A Level (see Sixth Form tab) or consolidating the knowledge needed for an apprenticeship. Students will understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation. They will analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs. Students will practise skills in thinking creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically.

Other elements of the course consist of understanding the components that make up digital systems, how they communicate with one another and with other systems and understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society.

If you are interested in GCSE Computer Science, you may also like to consider Digital Information Technology (BTEC). GCSE Computer Science offers a scientific approach with focus on programming and algorithms, it is assessed with 2 papers at the end of Year 11. The Digital Information Technology (BTEC) course offers a more practical approach and focuses on how technology is used in the workplace, it has one external exam and the other two units are assessed internally.

Assessment

The GCSE Computer Science is assessed through two written papers:

Computer systems: 1hour 30mins & 50% of qualification
Computational thinking, algorithms and programming: 1hour 30mins & 50% of qualification

There is no NEA or coursework for GCSE Computer Science, this means that students’ coding will be assessed by writing code to solve problems in the written exam. However, in class students get practical experience of coding and problem solving.

Revision Materials

Revision resources and links can be accessed via students’ OneNote area.

Craig ‘n’ Dave videos
Smart Revise site (students have their own login details)
Teach ICT (Username:rg146jp Password: stbarts)

Sixth Form (Year 12-13)

Examination Board: OCR

Course Description

A Level Computer Science blends practical problem-solving with the theoretical knowledge that underpins technology and the systems that make up the real world. Students are able to apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems.

You will build your understanding and ability to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation. You will design your own unique programs using creativity, reasoning and ingenuity, analysing problems in computational terms through practical experience.

You will use your mathematical skills to express computational laws and processes. During the course you will explore the relationships between different aspects of Computer Science and consider the moral, social, legal and cultural opportunities and risks of digital technology.

Assessment

This is a linear course. This means that students opting for an A Level in this subject will be committing to a two-year course, with all units examined at the end of Year 13.

Assessment includes an independent programming project which contributes 20% towards the final grade. Students should expect to be spending at least 160 hours over the 2 years developing a functioning program and documenting the development process in a substantial

written document.

Entry Requirements

Students are not required to study Computer Science or DIgital IT In Y10/11, but it would be greatly beneficial. Where a GCSE course has been completed a Grade 5 or higher is required. Without a GCSE in Computing or BTEC in Digital IT, a Grade 6 in Mathematics is required.

Where might it lead?

A Level Computer Science can help open doors to careers as:

Application analyst
Applications developer
Cyber security analyst
Data analyst
Engineer
Forensic computer analyst
Game designer
Games developer
Machine learning engineer
Nanotechnologist
Network engineer
Researcher
Secondary school teacher
Software engineer
Systems analyst
UX designer
Web designer
Web developer

Student Destinations

Alexander Tubbs

2024 Offers From:

Anglia Ruskin University – Computer Games Programming (with placement)
University of Gloucestershire – Computer Games Programming (with placement)
Kingston University – Computer Games Programming (with Sandwich Year)
Solent University (Southampton) – Computer Games Programming and Design with Placement
Staffordshire University – Computer Games Programming (with placement)

Toby Davis

2024 Offers From:

Aberystwyth University – Software Engineering (with integrated year in industry)
Cardiff University – Applied Software Engineering
University of Kent – Software Engineering
Lancaster University – Software Engineering
University of Leicester – Software Engineering

St Bartholomew’s School Andover Road, Newbury, Berkshire. RG14 6JP

Telephone: 01635 521255 | Email: office@stbarts.co.uk | Full Staff Contact List
Y7-Y11 Attendance: 01635 576372 | Y12/13 Attendance: 01635 576366