Computer Science

Technology is constantly changing and in the Computer Science department (formerly ICT) we are continually evolving.

The Computing Department aims to develop students’ understanding of both the hardware and software of computer systems, encourage computational thinking and improve digital literacy.

Our varied curriculum gives students’ the opportunity to learn to program in multiple languages, use a range of software packages often needed for employment and will also cover e-safety.

The subject is an available option for both GCSE and A level. Students are also welcome to come along to our weekly lunchtime programming club.

KS3

Our key stage 3 curriculum is in line with the national curriculum and has been designed to give students the knowledge to use a range of different applications, develop their computational thinking skills and to understand how digital computers operate.

Year 7 Computing – ICT

What will you learn about?

Topics are assessed using a range of methods including producing a product, practical on-screen tests and written exams.

Year 8 Computing – ICT

What will you learn about?

Boolean algebra
Technology
Python programming
Databases including sorting and searching
E-safety
Website Design and programming in HTML

Topics are assessed using a range of methods including producing a product, practical on-screen tests and written exams.

Year 9

What will you learn about?

How to apply Computation thinking and ICT skills effectively in a variety of situations.

Python programming
Computer hardware and networks
Cyber security
The effects of computing on society (AI, environment etc)
Representation of data and sound using binary
Spreadsheets, word processing and presentation software

Topics are assessed using a range of methods including producing a product, practical on-screen tests and written exams.

To be successful in this subject students will need to be good at and enjoy:

Mathematics and problem solving. You need to be tenacious and not give up when something does not work first time. You need to be willing to embrace new technologies and learn a programming language.

Progression routes & career opportunities

Those who enjoy and are good at the programming and computer science theory aspect of this subject would be suitable to take GCSE Computer Science.

Homework/extended learning

Occasional homework is set in preparation for a class activity.

KS3 Curriculum Sequence

KS3 map (student)

KS3 Curriculum Map

Key Stage 3 Scheme of Work

KS4 (GCSE)

Edexcel Computer Science GCSE:

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/computer-science-2020.html

The course is examined by two written papers both worth 50% of the final GCSE grade. The first is a 90minute written theory exam while the second is a two hour on screen exam where students code using Python

What will you learn about?

There are 6 main topics;

Computational Thinking
Data
Networks
Computers
Issues and impact

Component 1 – Principles of Computer Science
1 hour 30 mins written paper
All 5 topics as above
50%

Component 2 – Application of Computational Thinking
2 hour on screen exam Problem solving with programming using Python
50%

To be successful in this subject students will need to be good at and enjoy:

Mathematics and problem solving. You need to be tenacious and not give up when something does not work first time. You need to be willing to embrace new technologies and learn a programming language. Pupils should be aware that this is a challenging GCSE and should only opt for it if they have strong mathematical skills and a deep interest in the subject.

Progression routes & career opportunities

This course develops ‘underpinning knowledge’ and transferable skills for progression to A levels or BTEC Nationals and to higher education or the workplace. It includes topics that extend students’ understanding and aid progression, such as the internet and databases. It will provide learners with a range of transferable skills which will facilitate personal growth and foster cross curriculum links in areas such as maths, science and design and technology. Computer Science is a very creative subject and skills such as problem solving and analytical thinking will all be refined and explored as learners progress through the learning and assessment programme.

The skills and knowledge developed through this qualification help students to:

understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation
analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs,
think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems
understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society
apply mathematical skills relevant to computer science

Homework/extended learning

There is some homework relating to the theory aspect of the subject. In addition students are expected to practise their programming skills. Learning a programming language is like learning a natural language and the more they practise the better.

Computer Science GCSE Content

Computer Science KS4 Schemes of Work

Computer Science Key stage 4 Overview

KS5 A Level

A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems.

The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-computing-programmes-of-study/national-curriculum-in-england-computing-programmes-of-study

A level Course description

OCR Computer Science A level:

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-a-level-gce/computer-science-h046-h446-from-2015/

Computer Systems 01
140 Marks, 40% weighting
Duration: 2h30m
The internal workings of the (CPU), data exchange, software development, data types and legal and ethical issues. Calculators not allowed.

Algorithms and programming (02)*
140 Marks, 40% weighting
Duration: 2h30m
Using computational thinking to solve problems. Calculators not allowed.

Programming project (03)*
70 Marks, 20% weighting
Non-exam assessment.
Students will be expected to analyse a problem (10 marks), and design (15 marks), develop and test (25 marks), and evaluate and document (20 marks) a program. The program must be to solve it written in a suitable programming language.

What will you learn about?

Students will learn about many different aspects of computer science.

Paper 1

The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
Types of software and the different methodologies used to develop software
Data exchange between different systems
Data types, data structures and algorithms

Paper 2

Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues
What is meant by computational thinking (thinking abstractly, thinking ahead, thinking procedurally etc.)
Problem solving and programming – how computers and programs can be used to solve problems
Algorithms and how they can be used to describe and solve problems

Our students learn to program in Pascal using a virtual machine in order to assist with paper 2 and to enable them to code a solution to their chosen problem for their programming project.

To be successful in this subject students will need to be good at and enjoy:

Mathematics and problem solving. You need to be tenacious and not give up when something does not work first time. You need to be willing to embrace new technologies and learn a programming language. There are no prior qualification requirements for this specification but at Coopers’ Coborn we ask students to have gained GCSE Mathematics grade 6 or above.

Progression routes & career opportunities

This course will enable learners to progress to higher study or to progress directly to employment. This qualification is suitable for learners intending to pursue any career in which an understanding of technology is needed. The qualification is also suitable for any further study as part of a course of general education. It will provide learners with a range of transferable skills which will facilitate personal growth and foster cross curriculum links in areas such as maths, science and design and technology. Computer Science is a very creative subject and skills such as problem solving and analytical thinking will all be refined and explored as learners progress through the learning and assessment programme.

Homework/extended learning

There is some homework relating to the theory aspect of the subject; traditional questions and essays. In addition students are expected to practise their programming skills. Learning a programming language is like learning a natural language and the more they practise the better.

Additional information

We try to provide an environment for our students to learn about new technologies and be aware of what developments there are in the real world. To this end they participate in conferences and cyber challenges. Our A level students are encouraged to work with our younger students at clubs; helping with programming and other STEM activities.

A Level Computer Science Curriculum Map

The Coopers’ Company & Coborn School, St. Marys Ln, Upminster, RM14 3HS

Tel: 01708 250500 Email: info@cooperscoborn.org.uk Directions: Click Here

The Coopers’ Company and Coborn School is a company limited by guarantee, and an exempt charity, registered in England and Wales under company number 07547060.
The registered address is: St Mary’s Lane, Upminster, Essex. RM14 3HS

Computer Science

Technology is constantly changing and in the Computer Science department (formerly ICT) we are continually evolving.

Year 7 Computing – ICT

What will you learn about?

Year 8 Computing – ICT

What will you learn about?

Year 9

What will you learn about?

Progression routes & career opportunities

Homework/extended learning

The Coopers’ Company & Coborn School, St. Marys Ln, Upminster, RM14 3HS

The Coopers’ Company and Coborn School is a company limited by guarantee, and an exempt charity, registered in England and Wales under company number 07547060. The registered address is: St Mary’s Lane, Upminster, Essex. RM14 3HS

The Coopers’ Company and Coborn School is a company limited by guarantee, and an exempt charity, registered in England and Wales under company number 07547060.
The registered address is: St Mary’s Lane, Upminster, Essex. RM14 3HS