Curriculum Vision

Intent

St Michael’s Computer Science department strives to equip our pupils for life after school by encouraging them to learn the fundamentals of both computer science and IT. The department creates resilient learners who can be challenged and stretched. This enables pupils to choose which pathway they would like to take throughout their education and beyond. As a department, we are committed to the safe use of the computer and developing their creativity and knowledge.

Implementation

In computing at KS3, we implement a blended curriculum with schemes of work that focus on both computer science and IT to improve the engagement of our learners. This allows most of them to choose their own pathway in KS4 but also how to stay safe whilst doing so. Our schemes of work feed into one another where the same computational concepts will be used throughout each unit so that learners deepen their understanding. This goes for all learners, as we aim to be as inclusive as possible and, therefore, differentiate our schemes of work to suit their needs. Moreover, through these differentiated units and STAR challenges, we are able to stretch our more able students. At KS3, during each unit, learners will test their knowledge with a midpoint assessment that they can improve once feedback has been given. This is done at the end of each unit with an end of unit test or portfolio-based project. These assessments feed into KS4, as quality assurance activities are undertaken to rigorously review what knowledge is needed at KS4 to help inform what learners will do at KS3. As KS4 is based on the pathway they take, learners will have regular end of topic assessments for computer science and IT, but a heavy focus will be coursework that is explored through portfolio based units at KS3 to ensure learners make the best possible progress.

Impact – KS3

By the end of KS3, pupils will have experienced the fundamentals of both computer science and IT. Pupils will learn how to think like a computer in order to complete the tasks set in all units. Pupils will be able to understand several key algorithms, how they are formed and how they can be related to real-world problems. Additionally, pupils will acquire a lot of technical language that enables them to explain the keywords and definitions that are present throughout the KS4 Computer Science and IT qualifications. These keywords will be learnt through practical lessons where pupils will acquire skills on how to use multiple software platforms. These activities will enable pupils to undertake creative projects where they can select, use and combine multiple applications. Furthermore, pupils will be exposed to more than one programming language, giving them the confidence to solve computational problems and develop their own programs of which they can be proud. Throughout all of the above, pupils will learn how to stay safe when using technology and how to report concerns if they arise.

Impact – KS4

Computer Science

By the end of KS4, pupils will be capable of applying their analytic, problem-solving and computational thinking skills to enable them to provide responses to examination questions and through practical means when programming. Pupils will acquire technical language that will help them understand how a computer works in terms of how the data goes in and out of the computer and how it is processed. What pupils learn during KS3 and KS4 will prepare them and give them the confidence to engage effectively with computer science, both professionally and personally, if they wish.

IT

By the end of KS4, pupils’ creativity will be stimulated by IT where they will be able to analyse and evaluate different computing devices, programs and applications to help inform their design decisions when creating their own, based on a scenario provided to them. They will also be able to answer questions related to these topics to show their understanding of how Information Technology is used by different demographics in different situations. What pupils learn at KS3 and KS4 will prepare them and give them the confidence to engage effectively with Digital Information Technology, both professionally and personally, if they wish.

Curriculum Journey

Options Information

Qualification Name Computer Science (J277 specification)
Exam Board OCR
Type (e.g. GCSE/BTEC Certificate) GCSE
Level (1,2 or both) Both
GLH (Guided Learning Hours) 120-140 hours
Course Content Outline

(What will I study?)

There are two papers that will be completed as part of the qualification and will cover the following learning objectives:

AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and principles of Computer Science.

AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of key concepts and principles of Computer Science.

AO3: Analyse problems in computational terms:

·        to make reasoned judgements

·        to design, program, evaluate and refine solutions.

The papers will require students to cover the following content:

 

Typical Lesson/Homework Activities

(How will I study?)

Students will study in a variety of ways: Google Classroom, worksheets, quizzes, independent research, video analysis, practice exam questions, programming and PowerPoints. Most of all students will be required to learn and develop their programming knowledge through writing algorithms in the Python programming language.
Success Criteria

(How will I be assessed?)

The course comprises of two assessment elements for which pupils will be awarded a grade ranging from 1-9:

 

Paper 1 – Computer Systems

This written examination is worth 50% of the overall GCSE.

 

Paper 2 – Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming

This written examination is also worth 50% of the overall GCSE.

Succession Paths Post-16

(What can I do with this qualification?)

Once pupils finish at St Michael’s, they can go into higher education in the following areas:

●       IT

●       computer gaming technology

●       creative computing (animation)

●       computer science

●       creative media

●       business information technology

●       architectural technology

●       computer science with business management

●       software engineering

 

Equally, if more institutional education is not for them, they may wish to explore an apprenticeship in IT or HND courses in Network Management where they can learn on the job. The above areas will ultimately help pupils to enter jobs such as:

 

●       application analyst

●       business analyst

●       data analyst

●       database administrator

●       games developer

●       information systems manager

●       IT consultant

●       multimedia programmer

●       SEO specialist

●       systems analyst

●       systems developer

●       UX analyst

●       web designer

●       web developer

Qualification Name BTEC Tech Award in Digital Information Technology
Exam Board Pearson
Type (e.g. GCSE/BTEC Certificate) BTEC Tech Award
Level (1,2 or both) Both
GLH (Guided Learning Hours) 120
Course Content Outline

(What Will I study?)

There are three components that focus on the assessment of knowledge, skills, and practices. The components are interrelated.

Component 1: Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques;

A.     Understand interface design for individuals and organisations

B.     Be able to use project planning techniques to plan, design and develop a user interface

C.      Be able to review a user interface

 

To achieve the above you will complete the following tasks:

Tasks Description
1a – Project proposal – 1.5 hours Describe the purpose and audience, project requirements, user accessibility requirements and constraints.
1b – Planning timescales – 1.5 hours Create a task list and Gantt chart for project.
2 – Interface designs – 1.5 hours Create a wireframe for the interface for the given scenario.
3 – User interface prototype – 2 hours Create the interface.
4 – User interface review – 1 hour Consider strengths, weaknesses and areas of development for interface.

 

Component 2: Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data;

A.     Understand how data is collected and used by organisations and its impact on individuals

B.     Be able to create a dashboard using data manipulation tools

C.      Be able draw conclusions and review data presentation methods.

 To achieve the above you will complete the following tasks:

Tasks Description
1 – Data collection methods – 1 hour Produce a report on the suitability of the data collection methods (e.g. customer interviews) used by the book store e.g. strengths and weaknesses.
2 – Use data collection methods – 2.5 hours Format the data, analyse the data using functions and create a dashboard.
3 – Effectiveness and dashboard and how it affects understanding – 2.5 hours Look at trends, patters, errors and how data is not biased.

Component 3: Effective Digital Working Practices.

AO1: Demonstrate knowledge of facts, terms, processes and issues in relation to digital information technology.

AO2: Demonstrate an understanding of facts, terms, processes and issues in relation to digital information technology.

AO3: Apply an understanding of facts, terms, processes and issues in relation to digital information technology.

AO4: Make connections with the concepts, issues, terms and processes in digital information technology.

To achieve the above the following topics will be covered:

A Modern technologies

•        A1 Modern technologies

•        A2 Impact of modern technologies

B Cyber Security

•        B1 Threat to data

•        B2 Prevention and management of threat to data

•        B3 Policy

C The wider implications of digital systems

•        C1 Responsible use

•        C2 Legal and Ethical

D Planning and communication in digital systems

•        D1 Forms and notation

Typical Lesson/Homework Activities

(How will I study?)

Students will study in a variety of ways: Google Classroom, worksheets, quizzes, independent research, PowerPoints and, wherever possible, the theory component of the course will be linked to the practical. The computers will be used consistently to complete coursework projects and also for exam preparation alike.
Success Criteria

(How will I be assessed?)

Students will be awarded one of the following grades for each unit completed and assessed:

Level 1 Pass

Level 1 Merit

Level 1 Distinction

Level 2 Pass

Level 2 Merit

Level 2 Distinction*

Component 1: Coursework – 30% of qualification

Component 2: Coursework – 30% of qualification

Component 3: Exam – 40% of qualification – 1 hour 30

Succession Paths Post-16

(What can I do with this qualification?)

This qualification will go well with any other choice combination and supports any career path. This qualification will open doors for both A-Level qualifications and also apprenticeships in the following areas:

· IT/IT Support

· computer gaming technology

· creative computing (animation)

· computer science

· creative media

· business information technology

· architectural technology

· computer science with business management

· software engineering

Exam Specification