Computing, Science, Digital Literacy and Information Technology

Subject Leader: Mr L Challenor – lchallenor@knoleacademy.org

Subject Teachers: Miss C Shea and Mrs C Gouli

Exam Board: AQA

Over the last decade, the curriculum has changed significantly, introducing computer science as a stand-alone subject. The subject is an important part of the modern digital age. As we prepare students for the ever-changing technological environment, computer science helps students understand technology’s pivotal role in the modern world.

Intent

Computational Problem-Solving:
We aim to empower all students with the skills needed for computational problem-solving. This includes the ability to break down complex problems into manageable components, recognise patterns, and develop efficient algorithms. By integrating project-based learning and real-world applications, students will cultivate creativity and innovative thinking, preparing them to design original solutions to contemporary challenges.
Programming and Technical Skills:
Our curriculum focuses on developing strong programming and technical skills by offering hands-on experience with coding languages, algorithms, and hardware systems. Students will learn to design, implement, test, and debug programs, gaining the confidence and competence needed for further education and careers in computer science and technology-related fields.
Ethical Computing:
A central component of our curriculum is promoting ethical and responsible engagement with computing technologies. Students will explore the societal impacts of computer science, including topics such as online safety, data privacy, artificial intelligence ethics, and the responsible use of digital systems. This ensures they understand the moral and legal responsibilities associated with technology use.
Inclusive and Accessible Learning:
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible learning environment where every student has equal opportunities to engage with computer science. Our curriculum is designed to cater to diverse learning needs, inspire curiosity, and empower all students—regardless of background or prior experience—to succeed in this dynamic and evolving field.

Implementation

Computer science is now a core subject in both Years 7 and 8; students in the Grammar stream have at least one lesson per week, while the rest of the students learn computer science as part of the ICT curriculum. After the end of year 8, all students have the option of taking Computer Science as a precursor to them studying it at GCSE when they select their options.

Computer science students will complete several different units ranging from Computational thinking and Algorithms to programming. They will get hands-on experience in programming and learn how computers work and their impact on society.

When students reach Year 10, they will start their GCSE preparation

Impact

Future-Ready Learners:
Our students will leave school with a strong foundation in computer science, prepared to succeed in further education, the workforce, and their personal lives in an increasingly digital and technology-driven world. They will possess the adaptability needed to engage with emerging technologies confidently.
Responsible Digital Citizens:
Students will cultivate critical thinking skills and a deep awareness of ethical computing practices. They will be equipped to navigate complex technological environments thoughtfully and contribute responsibly to society as developers, users, and innovators of technology.
Creative Problem-Solvers:
Through their study of computer science, students will become creative and analytical problem-solvers. They will have the skills to design innovative solutions, tackle challenges using computational methods, and thrive in an ever-changing technological landscape.

Computer Science in Each Stage

Computer Science at Key Stage 3 (KS3)

MODULES
The programme of study is split into various topics that link all three strands.

Year 7

Term 1: Unit 1: E-safety

Presentation skills
Audience & Purpose
Information reliability
E-safety – fundamentals

Term 2: Unit 2: Hardware & Networks

Computer systems
Peripherals & storage devices
Networks presentations
File permissions & security

Term 3: Unit 3: Coding with Scratch

Game making
Sequencing instructions
Graphical imagery
Scoring
Iterations
Selection

Term 4: Unit 4: Coding with Python

Introduction to programming with Python
Programming basics
Sequences
Selection

Term 5: Unit 5: Cryptography

Computing icons past & present
History of Cryptography
Codebreaking
Encryption/Decryption
Vigenère, Ceaser & pig pen ciphers

Term 6: Unit 6: Hour of Code

Block coding
Code sequences
Python output, debugging, variables and assignment for loops, iteration,

Year 8

Term 1: Unit 1: Information Systems

Spreadsheets
Spreadsheet key terms – cell, column, cell reference, formula
Formatting cells
Functions – SUM, AVERAGE
Creating formulae functions – MIN, MAX, Creating charts, conditional formatting
Filtering, IF statements, data validation

Term 2: Unit 2: Control Algorithms

System lifecycle
Control devices
Procedures
Sequencing
Sensors
Systems design and user-centred design

Term 3: Unit 3: Coding 1

Code sequences
Python output, debugging, testing
Python input, variables & assignment for loops
Functions

Term 4: Unit 4: Coding 2

Algorithms
For loops
White loops
Functions, lists

Term 5: Unit 5: Data Representation

Binary
Using binary to represent whole numbers, boolean, logic gate
AND gate, OR gate, NOT gate
converting from binary to decimal, converting from decimal to binary, pixels
Bitmaps, resolution, Vectors
Character sets, ASCII, character codes

Term 6: Unit 6: Web Design

Create a website
HTML basics
Further HTML
Publishing on the web
Blogs and wikis
Internet broadcasting

Year 9

Term 1: Unit 1: Coding with Turtle

Using Python Turtle Commands
Python Syntax, using loops/repetition, using selection (If Statements)
Using basic functions, using data structures i.e. sequences

Term 2: Unit 2: Text Programming

User output, variables, assignment
If, if-elif-else, conditional statements for loops
While loops, functions

Term 3: Unit 3: Game Development

Creating algorithmic solutions
Using the program library pygame, if, if-elif-else,
variables
For loops, while loops, keyboard events
Interrupt Events, Event Listeners, Event Handlers
Sprites, X,Y coordinates

Term 4: Unit 4: Game Development – Project

Creating algorithmic solutions
Project management
Modular programming
Sequence selection iteration

Term 5: Unit 5: Databases

Tables
Fields, Data types, records
Queries, Boolean operators, AND, OR or NOT,
Wildcards, user interface
Forms, SQL

Term 6: Unit 6: How Computers Work

Binary
Using binary to represent whole numbers,
boolean, logic gate
AND gate, OR gate, NOT gate
Converting from binary to decimal, converting
from decimal to binary, pixels
Bitmaps, resolution, ASCII
Character codes, Vectors, character sets

Computer Science at Key Stage 4 (KS4)

AQA Computer Science GCSE

General Description

AQA Computer Science has been created specifically to get students working with real-world programming and to provide a good understanding of the fundamental principles of computer science.

The scheme of work includes computational thinking, looking at how computer programs are developed from algorithms and how students can create their own algorithms using abstraction and decomposition to solve real-world problems. Other units cover the areas of programming and computer systems as well as specific skills like cyber security, which are in high demand in industry. The units of work provide an academically challenging specification for students of all ability levels.

The AQA Computer Science GCSE has built-in progression to further studies and is recognised as developing the skills that employers value.SPECIFICATION (8525)

Assessment

AQA Computer Science GCSE

General Description

AQA Computer Science has been created specifically to get students working with real-world programming and to provide a good understanding of the fundamental principles of computer science.

The AQA Computer Science GCSE has built-in progression to further studies and is recognised as developing the skills that employers value.SPECIFICATION (8525)

Assessment

Examination Information

Exam Board: AQA

Qualification: GCSE Computer Science 8525

These assessments are split into two components:

Component 1: Paper 1: Computational Thinking & Programming Skills (50%)

A mix of multiple choice, short answer and longer answer questions assessing programming, practical problem-solving and computational skills

2-hour written exam. Externally assessed.

3.1 Fundamentals of Algorithms
3.2 Programming

Component 2: Paper 2: Computing Concepts (50%)

The content for this assessment will be drawn from subject content 3.3 to 3.8

1 hour 45 minutes written exam. Externally assessed.

3.3 Fundamentals of data representation
3.4 Computer systems
3.5 Fundamentals of computer networks
3.6 Cyber Security
3.7 Relational databases and structured query language (SQL)
3.8 Ethical, legal and environmental impacts of digital technology on wider society, including issues of privacy

ICT and Computing Future Paths

Students can progress further in IB IT in the Digital Society.

Computer programmer (building new software by coding solutions), System administrator (managing corporate networks and IT infrastructure), and Computer technician (diagnosing and solving hardware and software-based problems).

Computer Science