Computer Science
Why study Computer Science?
Computing and computer technology are part of just about everything that touches our lives from the cars we drive and the movies we watch, to the ways businesses and governments deal with us. Understanding different dimensions of computing is part of the necessary skill set for an educated person in the 21st century.
How will I study Computer Science?
Pupils study Computer Science through substantive and procedural knowledge. The curriculum teaches pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to solve problems. Pupils will learn the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to create programs and systems of their own using high-level programming languages. As a result, our pupils will become responsible, competent, confident, and creative users of information and communication technology, with the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand human and machine intelligence. They will learn how to apply the academic principles they learn in the classroom to real-world systems in an exciting and engaging way.
What will I study at Key Stage 3?
Students in KS3 will explore computer systems and digital devices, including both physical and digital components. They will master problem solving through using computational thinking and create algorithms to solve problems. The curriculum introduces students to text-based programming with Python. The lessons form a journey that starts with simple programs involving input and output, and gradually moves on through arithmetic operations, selection, iteration and string manipulation. Students develop essential knowledge on binary representations and how computers translate human interaction. Students are introduced to binary digits and how they can be used to represent text and numbers.
Students go on to develop their understanding of information and digital literacy skills. Students will develop software formatting skills and master spreadsheet skills including the use of formulas and functions. Students look at social engineering techniques used by cybercriminals and how to prevent these threats. This is followed by students exploring the technologies that make up the internet and the World Wide Web.
Enrichment
Intervention sessions are provided to consolidate prior learning and ensure maximum progress is at the heart of our delivery model.
Careers
The study of Computing can lead to future careers ranging from Games Programmer, Digital Content Producer and Software Engineer to Analyst, Formula 1 Engineer and Coder. Famous Computing graduates include James Gosling (creator of Java), Anita Borg (founding director of the Institute for Women and Technology (IWT) and the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing).