Curriculum – Computing
Vision
Computers are ubiquitous and fulfil an important role in everyday life. Being digitally literate is an essential skill for our students to participate fully in society. Students follow the National Curriculum programme of study for Computing in KS3, which incorporates Computer Science, ICT and E-Safety.
Students learn best when they are engaged and enthused, this is achieved through innovative lesson activities. Students currently receive 1 hour lesson per week in KS3 and are taught in mixed ability groups.
Department Virtue
Our department virtue is Knowledgeable. We believe that technologies like the World Wide Web and Internet enhance learning. As teachers, we ensure that students appreciate this and respect the use of technology. In lessons, teachers use catholic teaching where appropriate to enhance students spirituality.
Computing curriculum mapping layer 2 – The overview of KS3
| Year | Half term 1 | Half term 2 | Half term 3 and Half term 4 | Half term 5 | Half term 6 | |
| Year 7 | E-Safety and introduction to the college network Folders, security, gmail, doddle, using search engines, cyberbullying, online grooming, phishing and malware. | Computer Systems Types of computer, input and output devices, internal components, RAM, ROM, virtual memory and secondary storage. | Data Representation and Computational Thinking Analogue to digital conversions, Binary to denary (vice versa). Algorithms, decomposition, pattern recognition and problem solving. | Computer Programming Sequencing, variables, data types and selection. Debugging. Physical computing using robots. | ||
| Year 8 | Computer Security Computer hacking, threats to networks, Copyright, Designs & Patents Act and the Computer Misuse Act. | Computer Networks Difference between the www and the internet. Network hardware. Definition of a network, LAN and WAN, topologies, advantages and disadvantages | Data Representation and AlgorithmsBinary conversion, binary addition,Searching algorithms, decomposition, problem solving and flowcharts. | Computer Programming Sequencing, variables, data types, selection, and iteration. Debugging. Physical computing using robots. | ||
| Year 9 | E-Safety Sexting, selfies, pornography, trolling, online gambling and age rating. | Multimedia product Students evaluate existing Pixar trailers, learn about file types and their characteristics, compression. Creation of Pixar trailer for a specific purpose and audience. | Computer Hardware Systems archictecture (cpu),biinary conversion and adding binary numbers, logic gates, hexadecimal, image representation. | Computer programming Computational thinking, sorting algorithms, sequencing, string manipulation, selection, ‘for’ and ‘while’ loops. Debugging. Physical computing using robots. | ||
GCSE Subjects
We offer three subjects at GCSE, Computer Science which is part of the English Baccalaureate, along with Creative iMedia and Enterprise and Marketing.
Computer Science
Students learn how a computer works and how components like the CPU work with other parts of a computer system. Furthermore, the subject offers an opportunity for students to learn about the moral, ethical and legal issues surrounding computer use in society. Students develop their understanding of the fundamentals of computer science: abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation. The subject is creative, with students designing, writing and debugging code to solve problems.
Creative iMedia
Creative iMedia is a media sector-focused qualification, equipping students with an understanding of how the digital media sector works. Students learn how to work to client briefs, designing multimedia products to meet the clients needs. The subject utilises ICT software to teach students how to create digital graphics, video, animation and sound, and how to edit them for a specific purpose and audience.
Enterprise and Marketing
Students develop their understanding of enterprise and marketing through practical and theoretical activities in the first topic, which can then be applied to topics two and three. In the second topic, students design a business proposal to meet a specific business challenge, currently a hat or pizza business. In the third topic students create a brand identity, promotional plan, including presentation to pitch their idea to an external audience, in a ‘dragons den style’.
GCSE Assessment
Course: OCR Computer Science J277
The GCSE is assessed through two written examinations that are equally weighted and account for 100%.
Paper 1 – Computer Systems
- Written paper: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- 50% of total GCSE 80 marks This is a non-calculator paper.
- All questions are mandatory.
- This paper consists of multiple choice questions, short response questions and extended response questions.
Paper 2 – Computational thinking, algorithms and programming
- Written paper: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- 50% of total GCSE 80 marks This is a non-calculator paper.
- This paper has two sections: Section A and Section B. Students must answer both sections. All questions are mandatory.
- In Section B, questions assessing students’ ability to write or refine algorithms must be answered using either the OCR Exam Reference Language or the high-level programming language they are familiar with.
Computer Science Layer 2 Curriculum Map (OCR J277)
| Autumn Term 1 | Autumn Term 2 | Spring Term 1 | Spring Term 2 | Summer Term 1 | Summer Term 2 | |
| Year 10 | Comp 1 System Architecture: Computer systems,embedded,CPU, characteristics, registers. Comp 2 2.4 Boolean logic: Logic diagrams, truth tables. Comp 1 Memory and storage: Primary storage, binary. | Comp 1 Memory and storage: Hex,Secondary storage, characters, images, sound. Comp 1 Networks, connections & protocols: Wired & wireless networks, modes of connection. | 1.3 cont’d: Encryption,Protocols and layers. Comp 1 Network Security: Threats & prevention methods. Comp 1 System Software: Operating system and utility software. | Comp 1 Impacts of digital technology: Ethical, cultural, privacy, environmental & legal. | Comp 2 2.5 Programming languages and IDEs: HLL and LLL. IDE purpose and tools. Comp 2 2.1 Algorithms: Computational thinking, searching/sorting. Comp 2 2.2 Programming fundamentals: Arithmetic, datatypes. | |
| Yr 10 Mock Examination Paper to be based on: Component 1: 1.1-1.5 and 2.4 from Component 2. | ||||||
| Year 11 | Comp 2 2.2 Programming fundamentals: Random, variables, strings. Ongoing basis when programming: * 2.1 Algorithms – Tracing algorithms ** 2.3 Producing robust programs: authentication, anticipating misuse, validation, maintainability, testing. | Comp 2 2.2 Programming fundamentals: Selection, iteration. | Comp 2 2.2 Programming fundamentals: Iteration, subroutines, arrays. | Comp 2 2.2 Programming fundamentals: Arrays, file handling, SQL. Revision | Component 1 & 2 Exams Topics: Component 1 System Architecture Memory and storage Networks, connections & protocols Network security System Software Impacts of digital technology Component 2 Algorithms Programming fundamentals Producing robust programs Boolean logic Programming languages and IDEs | |
| Yr 11 Mock Examination 1 Component 1 Past Paper from previous academic year. | Yr 11 Mock Examination 2 Component 2 Past Paper from previous academic year. | |||||
Course: OCR Creative iMedia J817
Students gain either a Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction* in this subject. Students complete two mandatory units and two optional units.
Mandatory Units
R081: Pre-production skills
Written paper OCR-set and marked 1 hour 15 mins – 60 marks. Worth 25% of the overall qualification.
R082: Creating digital graphics
Centre-assessed tasks that are then moderated by the examining board (OCR). Approximately 10 hours, worth 60 marks. This unit contributes to 25% of the overall qualification.
Optional Units
R087: Creating interactive multimedia products
Centre-assessed tasks that are then moderated by the examining board (OCR). Approximately 10 hours, worth 60 marks. This unit contributes to 25% of the overall qualification.
R088: Creating a digital sound sequence
Centre-assessed tasks that are then moderated by the examining board (OCR). Approximately 10 hours, worth 60 marks. This unit contributes to 25% of the overall qualification.
Course: OCR Enterprise and Marketing J819
Students gain either a Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction* in this subject. Students complete one written examination and two coursework units.
R064: Enterprise and Marketing Concepts
Written paper OCR-set and marked 1 hour 15 mins – 80 marks. Worth 50% of the overall qualification.
R065: Design a business proposal
Centre-assessed tasks that are then moderated by the examining board. Approximately 10 hours, worth 60 marks. This unit contributes to 25% of the overall qualification.
R066: Market and pitch a business proposal
Centre-assessed tasks that are then moderated by the examining board. Approximately 10 hours, worth 60 marks. This unit contributes to 25% of the overall qualification
Enterprise and Marketing Curriculum Map (OCR Enterprise and Marketing J837)
| Autumn Term 1 | Autumn Term 2 | Spring Term 1 | Spring Term 2 | NEA submission Set assignments are live for One year. R068/69 coursework completion one week after Easter holidays. NEA submitted for external moderation. | Summer Term 1 | Summer Term 2 | |
| Year 10 | R067 (TA1): Characteristics, risk & reward for Enterprise. R067 (TA2): Market research, data, market segmentation. R068 (TA1): Aims of market research, sampling methods, creation of 3 market research tools. | R068 (TA1): Analysis of market research tools. R068 (TA2): Customer profile. R068 (TA3): Create a design mix, review and finalise design. | R067 (TA3): Cost, revenue, profit and loss, break-even and cash. R067 (TA4): Pricing strategies R068 (TA4): Financial viability. | R068 (TA5): Risks and challenges. *Students also have time to complete missing tasks or improve work, albeit they decide how to improve. | R067 (TA4): Marketing mix, advertising, promotion. R069 (TA1): Competitor analysis. | R069 (TA1): Opportunities/ threats, branding. | |
| Yr 10 Mock Examination R067 Topics include (TA1-TA3): Risk and reward for enterpriseMarket researchFinancial viability | |||||||
| Year 11 | R067 (TA4): PR, selling, product lifecycle. R068 (TA2): Promotion campaign. | R068 (TA3): Factors to consider when pitching, practice pitch, handout & peer feedback. | R068 (TA3): Refine of resources, final pitch. R068 (TA4): Reflection on pitch and business proposal. | R067 (TA5): Factors to consider when starting up a business. | R067 Exam Revision Topics include (TA1-TA5): Risk and reward for enterpriseMarket researchFinancial viabilityMarketing mixStarting and running an enterprise | ||
| Yr 11 Mock Examination 1 R067 Topics include (TA1-TA4). | Yr 11 Mock Examination 2 R067 Topics include (TA1-TA5). | ||||||
R067 – Enterprise and marketing concepts (Written Examination) – 40%
R068 – Design a business proposal (NEA) – 30 %
R069 – Market and pitch a business proposal (NEA) – 30%
Higher education pathways
Studying Computer Science, Creative iMedia or Enterprise and Marketing provides a foundation for further learning in higher education. There are a number of courses available locally including:
A-Levels
- Accounting
- Business Studies
- Computer Science
- Graphic Design
Vocational
- Applied Business
- Applied IT
- Extended Diploma in Enterprise and Marketing
- Extended Diploma in Computing
Achieving your potential – Computer Science
Achieving your potential – Enterprise & Marketing
Contact
Head of Department
Mr M Nicholls
mgn4@blessededward.co.uk
2nd in Department
Mrs K Nuttall
knuttall@blessededward.co.uk