Computer Science

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Introduction

To be productive members of modern society all young people need to be digitally literate and to have an understanding of how computers can be used as part of their everyday lives and in the world of work. Computational thinking is important for developing a student’s ability to solve problems and to think logically. Computer Science is an integral part of our lives, shaping virtually everything from the objects around us to the ways in which we communicate, travel, work, and play. Computer scientists invent the future and this subject is the gateway into the world of technology.

Students will leave the Warren with an in-depth understanding of how computers work, knowledge of current trends, which will continue to develop as they enter the world of work, and with the ability to write computer code to at least a basic level in at least one high-level programming language.

The department has four dedicated computing suites containing over 100 PCs in total. It offers a student-dedicated website to share its resources, enabling students to work independently and at their own pace, both in school and at home via the Internet.

KS3

The Computer Science department offers a breadth of units in Key Stage 3. We have a keen interest in computer science and preparing every student to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.

In computer science students are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Students are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content.

In Year 7, students start off with an introduction into computer and future technology. Students will then be given the opportunity to handle data in a unit about spreadsheets. A unit on understanding how to be safe whilst using technology will be taught, followed by a focus on algorithms and programming, where students study block based visual programming using Scratch.

In Year 8, students start off with an opportunity to design a website for a specific target audience. They will then focus on principles of database design, creating a flat-file database, using forms to display records, queries to search for data and reports to display the results of the queries. Next, they will explore how to keep data safe and behave safely online. A focus on algorithms and programming will follow. This is taught via a unit on programming concepts in Python. To finish off the year, they will explore their creative side by grappling with some Digital Graphics.

In Year 9, students start off with a focus on algorithms and programming. This is taught via a unit on programming with Python. They follow this with studying Logic and Data Representation. Students will then focus on the ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns related to Computer Science. To finish off the year, students will work on animation using Photoshop.

KS4

GCSE Computer Science - Course overview

Students have the opportunity to study aspects of computer science at sufficient depth to allow them to progress to higher levels of study or to a professional career. Students are taught to develop their capability, creativity and knowledge in their analytic, problem-solving, design, and computational thinking skills and understand how technology impacts society.

Computer technology continues to advance rapidly and the way that technology is consumed has also been changing at a fast pace over recent years. The growth in the use of mobile devices and web-related technologies has exploded, resulting in new challenges for employers and employees. For example, businesses today require an ever-increasing number of technologically-aware individuals. This is even more so in the gaming, mobile and web related industries and this specification has been designed with this in mind.

The subject content of the specification combines knowledge and understanding of the principles of computer science with practical problem solving and programming skills.

The subject content is divided into six topics:
Problem solving
Programming
Data
Computers
Communication and the Internet
The bigger picture

Each topic is divided into one or more sections and each section consists of a number of statements; the topics are interlinked. It would not be appropriate to work through the specification teaching one topic after another sequentially. This applies particularly to Topics 1 and 2, which are intended to be taught together and to form a continuous ‘thread’ throughout the course.

Assessment:

Principles of Computer Science – Component 1, 50% of the course, 1 hour and 40 minutes exam
Application of Computational Thinking – Component 2, 50% of the course, 2 hours exam
Non-Examined Assessment – Component 3, 20 hours

Which 6th form options does this course lend itself to?

A Level Computer Science, A Level Maths or a vocational course in Creative Media.

Why you should consider this subject?

In today’s ‘Digital Age’, computer programmes have all but infiltrated every aspect of our lives. Computer scientists theorise, design, develop and apply the software and hardware for the programmes we use day in day out.

Future careers

Careers include:
Database Administrator
Software Developer
Web Developer
Computer Systems Analyst
Mobile App Developer
Market Research Analyst
Information Security Analyst

Extra-curricular opportunities/Homework expectations

Students are expected to complete at least an hour of homework every week. This could be in the form of a project-based task or teacher set task. Students are encouraged to attend the various coursework catch up clubs and revision classes weekly. There is a Coding club to develop the programming skills of our students.