Welcome to the Computing Department: Curriculum information 2020 - 2021
Mr Neil Brand Head of Computing
The Team:
Mr Chris Legg Classroom Teacher & Assistant Head Teacher
Mrs Helen Atkin Classroom Teacher
Introduction to the Department
Welcome to the Computing Department Curriculum information page. Our aim within the department is to build up the students’ confidence in computational thinking, problem solving, programming and in working with range of technology. Our KS3 curriculum has three main themes; Computer Science, Digital literacy and IT. Students learn about hardware and processing, building algorithms, programming, data representation, online safety all delivered through a blended learning style. In KS4 students can, and a large proportion do, opt to study GCSE Computer Science. In the following section I have outlined an overarching view of the curriculum for Computer Science however, due to current circumstances, sections may change or delivered in a varied structure.
Key Stage 3 Information
In Key Stage 3 we periodically review our curriculum to ensure that we can deliver a curriculum that is fun, current and relevant to the students we teach. The curriculum supports learners in developing their computational thinking, problem solving and programming skills. Students learn about abstraction, decomposition, sequencing and core programming constructs. Students use a range of hardware and software, creating programs using a range of programming languages and learn how computers operate. E-safety is another strand of our curriculum that we take great pride in exploring with the students. The department and the school understand the importance of ensuring all individuals are safe, kind and knowledgeable when engaging with online communities and services. We also explore networking, web development and the presentation of information in computer systems.
KS3 Overview
NOTE: The above is a general outline of the KS3 Computing Curriculum, subject to change. |
Key Stage 4 Information
Option GCSE Computer Science
Currently in KS4 we have two specification running concurrently. Year 11 students are following OCR J267 and will be working towards completing 3 units of work. Unit 1 (examined 50%) looks into computer system architecture, memory, storage, networking, system security, software and computer ethics. Unit 2 (examined 50%) is focussed on developing students computational thinking, algorithm development and programming skills. Students learn a range of programming techniques such as; iteration, selection, sequencing, working with data and file management etc. Unit 3 (non-examined assessment) consists of an extended programming project, where students apply their programming and problem-solving skills to produce a computer system.
From September 2020, GCSE Computer Science switched to a reviewed specification. Students in Year 9 and 10 will follow the OCR GCSE Computer Science J277 specification. The new spec will consist of 2 units of study.
Unit 1 Computing Systems (examined 50%) that will introduce system architecture, memory, storage, networking, system security and computer ethics. Unit 2 Computational Thinking (examined 50%) will explore their understanding of computational thinking, algorithm and will support the development of their programming skills. Programming in the exam has been introduced in the revised specification. Students will be taught how to develop algorithms to a problem. They will also have to develop their skills in planning, testing and programming through written mini programs in the terminal exams at the end of Year 11.
Option GCSE Computer Science Overview:
Year |
Term 1 (Autumn) |
Term 2 (Spring) |
Term 3 (Summer) |
9 |
Intro to python programming: |
Unit 1: |
Unit 1: |
10 |
Unit 2: |
Unit 2 & python recap: |
Programming techniques: A programming project / technique that will allow students to develop their python knowledge further |
11 |
NEA Completion (Estimated Completion: November 2020) Unit 1: |
Unit 2: |
Examination prep for Unit 1 and Unit 2
|
Exam board and qualification obtained
OCR GCSE Computer Science (J267) – Current Year 11 Specification
Useful Link: https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j276-from-2016/
OCR GCSE Computer Science (J277) – New Specification (first teach September 2020)
Useful Link: https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j277-from-2020/
Other information
Code Club – During Eggar’s experience club nights. Programming fun for everyone!
Lego Mindstorms – Thanks to the generosity of the PTA and other kind donations, the Eggar’s Computing department will be running a robotics club during Eggar’s Experience.
Digital Leaders – A student led group which aims to develop the use of technology across the school. Students must apply, interview and be selected to join this group. Members of the digital leaders are highly regarded across the school; tasked with supporting and leading digital innovation in a variety of ways.
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