Computer Science
Subject Leader: Mrs H Draycott
If you have any queries or concerns, please email h-draycott@garthhillcollege.com
YEARS 7, 8 AND 9
Content
- Getting the message across
- Networks
- Scratch Programming 1
- Spreadsheets
- Scratch Programming 2
- Layers of a computer system
- Text and number representation
- Python Programming
- Vector Graphics
- Developing for the web
In year 9 we cover:
- Audiovisual representation
- Business Project
- Cyber Security
Assessment
There are several ways that the student’s comprehension is assessed at Key Stage Three, these are:
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Formative Assessment of the student lesson work and home learning which is assessed against standardised assessment framework.
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Summative Assessment through multiple choice and practical tests which the students complete at the end of each module.
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The final assessment which takes place is the end of year assessment which summarises the student’s comprehension of all the topics that have been covered in Computer Science throughout the year.
Home Learning
A piece of home learning is set every two weeks inline with the topics that is being covered in the lessons to extend the knowledge of the students and to assess their understanding of the topic.
All the home learning for the module is assigned to each student on MS Teams and students are expected to spend 30 minutes on each home learning task they are assigned.
How Parents and Carers Can Support
Ensure that students are completing all home learning that is assigned to them, including revising for end of module and year assessments when they are informed of an impending test and encouraging students to ask for help or support from classroom teachers when required to clear up any misunderstanding that they may have about a particular topic.
Additional Support Available/Useful Links
Assessment Framework - Key Stage 3
Computer Science KS3 Assessment FrameworkAssessment Schedule
Knowledge Organisers - Key Stage 3
Representing images and compression
YEARs 10 and 11
Exam Board and syllabus code
AQA GCSE Computer Science (8525)
Content
Unit 1 – Computational and problem solving skills
In this unit you will develop the following skills: Computational thinking, code tracing, problemsolving, programming concepts including the design of effective algorithms and the designing, writing, testing and refining of code.
Unit 2 – Computing Concepts In this unit you will cover the following concepts:
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Fundamentals of data representation
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Computer Systems
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Fundamentals of computer networks
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Cyber Security
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Relational Databases and Structured Query Language
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Ethical, legal and environmental impacts of digital technology on wider society, including issues of privacy.
Assessment
Paper 1 – Computational thinking and problem solving skills Written exam:
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2 hours
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90 marks
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50% of GCSE
Paper 2 – Computing concepts
Written exam:
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1 hour 45 minutes
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90 marks
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50% of GCSE
Home Learning
Computing home learning will consist of a variety of activities that will help the pupils to learn a programming language to understanding/developing their theory knowledge. Home learning will consist of at least one task per week. We recommend that pupils spend at least 30 minutes per task and that they read around the topics at home. All lesson resources are available on the student common area to aid them in this.
How Parents and Carers Can Support
It would be appreciated if pupils could download Visual Basic on their home computers to help them develop their coding knowledge and understanding at home.
Home learning will be important to help students to revise for the exams and support in ensuring this is completed would be greatly appreciated.
Additional Support Available/Useful Links
Assessment Schedule
Computer Science Assessment Schedule - Year 10
Computer Science Assessment Schedule - Year 11
Knowledge Organisers
GCSE Computer Security Protocols