Welcome to Computer Science

Computer Science is the study of processes that interact with data and that can be represented as data in the form of programs. It enables the use of algorithms to manipulate, store and communicate digital information. Information technology is the use of computers to store, retrieve, transmit and manipulate data or information.

We believe in the power of Computer Science as a discipline that will enable students to actively participate and thrive in a world heavily influenced by technology. The curriculum ultimately aims to support students in progressing to higher education and training and with their long-term career aspirations in or beyond the tech-industry. 

Through their study, students will develop foundational knowledge including how computers work and how data is represented, transferred, processed, and stored between computational systems. We also want students to understand what computational thinking is and apply these principles to problem solving, creating solutions either in real-life or using computers (through algorithmic design and programming). 

The curriculum will enable students to use technology as a tool for learning and expression in a variety of disciplines and interests, becoming not just consumers of technology, but creators of it. As a result, students will be empowered to use technology as an accessible medium for creative and personal expression, as well as a tool for representing and solving problems. 

Finally, we want pupils to learn about the wider issues surrounding the use of technology in society, through engaging in discussions and reflecting upon the ethical, legal, and environmental issues, and developing digital literacy through exploring and being critical of the media they consume through various digital platforms.

Year Group Design

Students are to be taught in mixed ability class groups and will have 1 lesson per week of ICT/Computer Science in KS3 and 2 lessons for KS4. 

Each year group will study a different unit of work in all the Key stages.   

The National Curriculum is used to ensure correct coverage and progression of the three areas of Computing (digital literacy, 

information technology and computer science). We have created termly planning overviews to support staff with the teaching of these areas, ensuring that learning is revisited to support pupils understanding whilst building year on year to develop and challenge our learners. 

Curriculum Plan

As a faculty we will continue to develop a seven-year curriculum plan working backwards from Y13 to Y7. This document will also factor in what knowledge students bring with them from their KS2 experience.  

The specification is constructed into 3 strands, whose learning outcomes are interwoven. The 3 strands are:  

1. Practices and principles.  

2. Core concepts. 

3. Computer science in practice. 

 Students will learn: 

 * The practices and principles of computer science, such as computational thinking, computers and society, and creative design 

* How to analyse problems in computational terms and understand concepts such as abstraction, logic, algorithms, computer systems, data representation and evaluation. 

 * Programming languages and how to read, write, test and modify computer programs. 

The process of designing computational artefacts such as web pages, digital animations, simulations, games, apps and robotic systems. 

* The ethical, historical, environmental, and technological aspects of computer science, and how it impacts the social and economic development of society.  

The role of programming in computer science is like that of practical work in the other subjects— it provides motivation, and a context within which ideas are brought to life. Students learn programming by solving problems through computational thinking processes and through practical applications such as applied learning tasks. 

KS4 staff will focus on common questions and approaches in topics to improve the consistency of experience for the students. KS5 staff will regularly discuss misconceptions and approaches to content. 

Christian Distinctiveness 

Technology has given Christianity a voice to reach a world-wide audience. Historically there have been advances for Christianity when there have been advances in technology. 

Technology that created good roads for transportation, that bolstered the strongest army in the world to enforce relatively peaceful times, and stabilized governments for common laws, common language, and common culture allowed a small group of Christians to become a large following in a single generation. 

Technology has been good for Christianity in several ways. First, it has greatly magnified the voice of those preaching the gospel. Instead of reaching hundreds or even thousands when preaching a sermon, a pastor now has a possible audience in the millions. Second, it has enriched the message of the Cross by providing more information to more people in a shorter amount of time. Finally, it has increased the number of channels of distribution of the gospel. 

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