Computer Science
Why learn computing? Computers are now part of everyday life and, for most of us, technology is essential to our lives, at home and at work. ‘Computational thinking’ is a skill that all students must learn if they are to be ready for the workplace and able to participate effectively in the digital world. The new national curriculum for computing has been developed to equip young people in England with the foundational skills, knowledge and understanding of computing they will need for the rest of their lives. Through the new programme of study for computing, they will learn how computers and computer systems work, they will design and build programs, they will develop their ideas using technology, and create a range of digital content. Computing brings new challenges and opportunities that should excite and empower students. Computer Science study ❖ Computing is part of everything we do! ❖ Expertise in computing enables you to solve complex, challenging problems. ❖ Computing enables you to make a positive difference in the world. ❖ Computing offers many types of lucrative careers. ❖ Computing jobs are here to stay, regardless of where you are located. ❖ Computing offers great opportunities for true creativity and innovativeness. ❖ Future opportunities in computing are without boundaries. Course Structure:
Computer Science, ICT and Digital Literacy is taught across The Durham Federation. In Years 7, 8 and 9, all students study 1 period per week covering all 3 disciplines. Students in Years 10 and 11 study the OCR GCSE Course in Computer Science for 3 periods per week. Summary of Course
KS3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) – students design, use and evaluate computational abstractions, understand several key algorithms that reflect computational thinking [for example, ones for sorting and searching]; using logical reasoning. Students will use two or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual, to solve a variety of computational problems and understand simple Boolean logic. Part of the KS3 course involves students being able to carry out simple operations on binary numbers, understand the hardware and software components that make up computer systems and understand how instructions are stored and executed within a computer system. Being digitally literate is important and students are taught a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, including protecting their online identity and privacy; recognise inappropriate content, contact and conduct and know how to report concerns. KS4 (Years 10 and 11) - OCR GCSE Computer Science is suitable for students who have sound maths and English ability and a logical approach to problem solving. Currently year 11 students undertake 2 controlled assessments worth 30% of the overall mark each and sit one examination at the end of year 11 worth 40%. Students in year 10 will sit 2 examinations at the end of year 11 with a weighting of 80% so revision and examination preparation is essential, the final 20% of marks are awarded from a controlled assessment which includes a programming task. Any specific ways parents/carers can help:
❖ Parents/carers can help students by making sure that all home learning is completed on time and to a
K. Gr ai nger @Dur hamf eder at i on. net
Computer Science, ICT and Digital Literacy is taught across The Durham Federation. In Years 7, 8 and 9, all students study 1 period per week covering all 3 disciplines. Students in Years 10 and 11 study the OCR GCSE Course in Computer Science for 3 periods per week. Summary of Course
KS3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) – students design, use and evaluate computational abstractions, understand several key algorithms that reflect computational thinking [for example, ones for sorting and searching]; using logical reasoning. Students will use two or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual, to solve a variety of computational problems and understand simple Boolean logic. Part of the KS3 course involves students being able to carry out simple operations on binary numbers, understand the hardware and software components that make up computer systems and understand how instructions are stored and executed within a computer system. Being digitally literate is important and students are taught a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, including protecting their online identity and privacy; recognise inappropriate content, contact and conduct and know how to report concerns. KS4 (Years 10 and 11) - OCR GCSE Computer Science is suitable for students who have sound maths and English ability and a logical approach to problem solving. Currently year 11 students undertake 2 controlled assessments worth 30% of the overall mark each and sit one examination at the end of year 11 worth 40%. Students in year 10 will sit 2 examinations at the end of year 11 with a weighting of 80% so revision and examination preparation is essential, the final 20% of marks are awarded from a controlled assessment which includes a programming task. Any specific ways parents/carers can help:
❖ Parents/carers can help students by making sure that all home learning is completed on time and to a
K. Gr ai nger @Dur hamf eder at i on. net
