Computing
“Harness the power of code to transform lives with knowledge, compassion, and an unwavering spirit. In the face of challenges, let perseverance be your guide as you forge a path in computer science, creating solutions that make a meaningful difference in the world.” Mr M El Moudden, Head of Computing
We are thrilled to introduce our exciting new Computing curriculum! By acquiring these skills, our students will be equipped to navigate the digital world and pursue further studies in computer science and related fields. They will gain the knowledge and abilities to thrive in our ever-changing technological landscape and become responsible digital citizens.
Thirds (Year 7)
- Combining the use of digital tools and online collaboration to produce media.
- Understanding how text and numbers are represented using binary digits.
- Recognising networking hardware and explaining how networking components are used for communication.
- Creating a digital product for a real-world cause.
- Programming a robot using turtle and applying the programming constructs of sequence, selection, and iteration in Python to program a chatbot.
- Sorting and filtering data and using formulas and functions in spreadsheet software.
Lower Fourth (Year 8)
- Developing for the Web, using HTML and CSS to create webpages.
- Using binary digitals to represent numbers and text.
- Using event-driven programming to create an online gaming app.
- Creating vector graphics through objects, layering and path manipulation.
- Exploring the fundamental elements that make up a computer system.
- Applying the programming constructs of sequence, selection, and iteration in Python.
Upper Fourth (Year 9)
- Understanding how text and numbers are represented using binary digits and constructing logic circuits using Boolean expressions.
- Manipulating strings and lists in a programming project.
- Creating 3D animations through object manipulation and tweaking and adjusting lighting and camera angles.
- Using data to investigate problems and make real-world changes.
- Identify how users and organisations can protect themselves from cyberattacks.
- Sensing and controlling with the BBC micro:bit.
Lower Fifth (Year 10)
OCR GCSE Computer Science specification (J277)
GCSE in Computer Science is engaging and practical, encouraging creativity and problem solving. It encourages students to develop their understanding and application of the core concepts in computer science. Students also analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing, and evaluating programs.
Content of the course:
Component 01: Computer systems
Introduces students to the central processing unit (CPU), computer memory and storage, data representation, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, system security and system software. It also looks at ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns associated with computer science.
Component 02: Computational thinking, algorithms, and programming
Students apply knowledge and understanding gained in component 01. They develop skills and understanding in computational thinking: algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic, and translators.
Practical programming
Students are to be given the opportunity to undertake a programming task(s) during their course of study which allows them to develop their skills to design, write, test and refine programs using a high-level programming language. Students will be assessed on these skills during the written examinations, in particular component 02 (section B).
Assessment:
There are two written examination papers.
Component 1: Computer systems (01) – 1 hour 30 minutes (50%)
Component 2: Computational thinking, algorithms, and programming (02) – 1 hour 30 minutes (50%)
Upper Fifth (Year 11)
AQA GCSE Computer Science specification (8525)
The specification content is assessed in these two papers:
Paper 1: Computational thinking and programming skills
What’s assessed:
Computational thinking, code tracing, problem-solving, programming concepts including the design of effective algorithms and the designing, writing, testing, and refining of code. The content for this assessment will be drawn from subject content 3.1 and 3.2 above.
How it’s assessed:
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 90 marks
- 50% of GCSE
Questions:
A mix of multiple choice, short answer and longer answer questions assessing programming, practical problem-solving and computational thinking skills.
Paper 2: Computing concepts
What’s assessed:
The content for this assessment will be drawn from subject content 3.3 to 3.8 above.
How it’s assessed
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 90 marks
- 50% of GCSE
Questions
A mix of multiple choice, short answer, longer answer and extended response questions assessing SQL programming skills and theoretical knowledge.
OCR A LEVEL Computer Science specification (H446)
From September 2023, FHS is pleased to introduce A Level Computer Science to the curriculum. The qualification helps students understand the core academic principles of computer science. Classroom learning is transferred into creating real-world systems through the creation of an independent programming project. The A Level will develop the student’s technical understanding and their ability to analyse and solve problems using computational thinking.
Component 01: Computer systems
Students are introduced to the internal workings of the (CPU), data exchange, software development, data types and legal and ethical issues. The resulting knowledge and understanding will underpin their work in component 03.
It covers:
- The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output, and storage devices
- Types of software and the different methodologies used to develop software
- Data exchange between different systems
- Data types, data structures and algorithms
- Legal, moral, cultural, and ethical issues
Component 02: Algorithms and programming
This builds on component 01 to include computational thinking and problem-solving.
It covers:
- What is meant by computational thinking (thinking abstractly, thinking ahead, thinking procedurally etc.)
- Problem solving and programming – how computers and programs can be used to solve problems
- Algorithms and how they can be used to describe and solve problems
Component 03: Programming project
Students are expected to apply the principles of computational thinking to a practical coding programming project. They will analyse, design, develop, test, evaluate and document a program written in a suitable programming language. The project is designed to be independently chosen by the student and provides them with the flexibility to investigate projects within the diverse field of computer science. We support a wide and diverse range of languages.
Assessment overview
Students must take all three components to be awarded the OCR A Level in Computer Science.
Component 1: Computer systems (01) – 2 hours 30 minutes written examination (40%)
Component 2: Algorithms and programming (02) – 2 hours 30 minutes written examination (40%)
Component 3: Programming project (03) – Non-exam assessment (20%)
The Future
A Level Computer Science provides students with a strong foundation for pursuing higher education in computer science and related fields, as well as a range of high-paying and rewarding careers in the technology industry. In addition to developing programming skills, students gain industry-relevant skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking. The rise of technology startups also presents entrepreneurial opportunities for those with innovative ideas. With the growing demand for skilled professionals in the technology industry, A Level Computer Science offers excellent prospects for students.
Competitions
We are thrilled to share our excitement about the developments in the computer science department! As part of our commitment to providing a well-rounded education, we are introducing a range of computer science-related competitions that will take the learning of our students beyond the classroom. These competitions include prestigious events such as the NASA Space Apps competition, Bebras, Cyber First, Codementum, Oxford University Computing Challenge (OUCC), and the Perse Coding Team Challenge. By participating in these competitions, our students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios, solve complex problems, and collaborate with like-minded individuals.
Our students will have the chance to work on innovative projects and tackle challenges that push the boundaries of their understanding. These experiences will foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, which are essential in today’s digital age. By participating in a range of these competitions, our students will be given a platform for recognition and achievement. They will have the chance to showcase their talents, earn accolades, and build a competitive portfolio that stands out when applying for universities and internships.
We are dedicated to nurturing the potential of our students and empowering them to become the next generation of innovators and leaders in the field of computer science. We can’t wait to see our students excel and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead!
Mr M El Moudden – Head of Computing
Ms V Rusu – Teacher of Computing
Mrs Y Johnson – Teacher of Computing
Mr M Britland – Director of Information Services (FHST)
Mr R Singdia – IT Systems Manager
Dr S Mukhtar – Senior IT Systems Administrator
Mr R Zilinskas – IT Technician
