Computer Science

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

During Year 7 you will be introduced to a range of programming concepts and software. In Years 8 and 9 you will build on your knowledge to develop increasingly advanced applications and solutions to problems.

The skills you develop will enable the most efficient use of programming and professional presentation of your work. In all years, we regularly work with other departments to reinforce the use of Computer Science and software skills as a tool to aid the development and presentation of your work across the curriculum. In Computer Science, we are keen to equip pupils for life in a world where they will increasingly need computational thinking skills. In Years 7 and 8 pupils are introduced to the concept of writing algorithms using decomposition and abstraction. They develop a logical approach to problem solving and gain exposure to a wide range of software. By the end of Year 9 they have developed sufficient skills to solve a range of complex computational problems. The course covers both practical and theoretical understanding and is intended to give students the opportunity to develop the Computer Science skills laid out in the National Curriculum.

In addition to computational thinking skills, by the end of Key Stage 3 pupils have gained an understanding and practical use of software skills which are relevant to their everyday learning experiences as well as laying solid foundations for future Computer Science courses at higher levels. They will also understand how computers use algorithms to solve problems and will have developed a core understanding of key programming concepts using a text based language.

• Under the hood of a computer – learn how to

‘think’ like a computer, and understand how computers process data

• Project based learning – creating solutions to a variety of problems including a self-driving vehicle, environmental protection systems and remote communication whilst working as part of a team in a number of different roles.

• Internet of Things – create a physical device using a micro:bit which acts as a web enabled micro controller.

• Micro:maths – writing a program to solve a number of mathematical challenges.

• Sensors – creating a device to operate autonomously through a range of sensor based inputs.

• Sequence, selection and iteration – learning about the fundamentals of text based languages whilst creating solutions to a range of global goals.

• Crash detector – generate a sensor to automatically alert people when there has been an impact above a certain speed.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?

• The ability to develop algorithms to solve problems. • An understanding of how computers use binary data. • The ability to select the appropriate tool(s) for any task undertaken. • The confidence to use software independently and efficiently.