Computer Science

In Year 9 students are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Students are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content.

Computer Science also ensures that students become digitally literate and are able to use and express themselves and develop their ideas at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in an ever increasing digital world. A key area in Year 9 is for students to understand and develop algorithms that reflect computational thinking (for example, sorting and searching) and use logical reasoning to compare the utility of alternative algorithms for the same problem.

COURSE CONTENT

● Year 9 students are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. ● Students will learn the basics of HTML and CSS by developing web pages. ● Students will develop their computational thinking skills further by learning more advanced programming concepts such as using arrays and nested statements. Building on their knowledge from Year 8 they will develop more complex algorithms and programs and improve the efficiency of their programs ● Students will be introduced to another 3 logic gates - NAND, NOR and EX-OR gates and develop electronic circuits and truth tables. They will learn that these gates are part of the building blocks that make up the computer's hardware. ● Building on their knowledge from Year 8 students will study cybersecurity in greater detail looking at the threats that are out there and how individuals and enterprises protect themselves against unauthorized access.

SKILLS DEVELOPED

● Computational thinking ● Problem solving ● Troubleshooting ● Knowledge and understanding of computer systems

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Students will be expected to bring a set of headphones to lessons.

SETTING

Teaching will be delivered in form groups.

ASSESSMENTS

Students will be assessed every half term based on the work covered up to that point. There will also be an end of year assessment, where students will be assessed on the topics covered throughout the year. This will consist of both a practical and written paper.