Computer Science is deeply concerned with how computers and computer systems work, and how they are designed and programmed. Pupils studying computing gain insight into computational systems of all kinds, whether or not they include computers. Computational thinking influences fields such as biology, chemistry, linguistics, psychology, economics and statistics. It allows us to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence. It is a skill that empowers, and that all pupils should be aware of and have some competence in. Furthermore, pupils who can think computationally are better able to conceptualise and understand computer-based technology, and so are better equipped to function in modern society.
Computing at School Working Group
All Key Stage 3 students study Computer Science for 1 hour each week where a variety of content is delivered including:
| Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 | |
| Autumn | Digital Literacy | Python 1 | Python 2 |
| Kodu Game Creation | Grand Designs | Web Development | |
| Spring | Web Awareness | Animation Project | What are Computers? 2 |
| Algorithms and Coding | Coding the Web | Digital Imaging | |
| Summer | Spreadsheets and Databases | What are Computers? 1 | Advanced Databases |
| Working on the Web | Inventions Unit | Research Project |
If the students then choose to they can study the subject at GCSE level following the OCR specification:
| Content Covered | Assessment |
| Computer Systems | Exam – 40 % of course |
| Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming | Exam – 40 % of course |
| Programming Project | Coursework – 20 % of course |