COMPUTER SCIENCE

INTRODUCTION

Ever wanted to learn; how to build a Computer? How to create your own games using code? Program robot’s to be controlled by your smart phone?

The Computer Science Department aim is to develop student’s technical knowledge of new computing technologies and ignite a passion for students to go on to innovate new ideas using such technologies to change the world for the better. We aim to provide a curriculum that encourages students to get both hands on experience to apply their theory knowledge learnt. The department will continue to bring passion for teaching students the subject with expertise and innovation for a future with both promising & exciting career opportunities.

1. WHAT WILL I STUDY?

Over the course of the Y7 – Y9, you will be introduced to Computer Science through hands on practical experience of Computing theory topics which give you an idea of what is studied in Y10 & Y11.

In Y10 & Y11, over the course of 5 lessons per 2 weeks you will study OCR Computer Science. This is assessed through 2 exam papers lasting 1 hour 30 minutes each. Computer Science at Wright Robinson will provide you with engaging and practical opportunities encouraging creativity and problem solving. Students will also analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs.

The topics covered as part of this include;

  • Programming
  • Computer Hardware
  • System Security
  • Networks
  • Software
  • Algorithms / Problem Solving
  • Ethics of Technology
2. CURRICULUM IN YEAR 7

Within Year 7 ICT lessons, you will complete a unit of work which will introduce you to Computer Science. Within the Unit of work, you will learn the basics of programming and problem solving before creating your own interactive game within Scratch. 

Lunch time club; Computing – Robot Wars. Come along and learn how to program robots to be controlled using phones or our very own controllers to battle each other in the arena! 

3. CURRICULUM IN YEAR 8

Within Year 8 ICT lessons, you will complete a unit of work in which you will build upon your knowledge of programming and problem solving from Y7 by using a programming language called Python. Python is a language used by NASA, YouTube & some console games! You will learn how to use basic sequence, selection & iteration statements to create your own program! 

Lunch time club; Computing – Robot Wars. Come along and learn how to program robots to be controlled using phones or our very own controllers to battle each other in the arena! 

4. CURRICULUM IN YEAR 9

Within Year 9 ICT lessons, you will complete a unit of work which will give you a taste of what GCSE Computer Science will be all about. Within this unit you will learn about the different parts of a Computer before selecting pieces of hardware to build for people’s requirements. You will learn about new technology within the world such as self-driving cars and their impact! You will complete an escape room challenge to unlock a code used to lock a network! You will also understand how computers use binary to represent images, sound and letters on a keyboard!  

Lunch time club; Computing – Robot Wars. Come along and learn how to program robots to be controlled using phones or our very own controllers to battle each other in the arena! 

5. CURRICULUM IN YEAR 10 & 11

As part of your study of Computer Science, students will be awarded with a GCSE of Grade 9-1 from a range of exciting topics assessed over 2 exam papers from the OCR examining board.

Our commitment to ALL students completing Computer Science is to provide personalised trackers with revision cards mapped to all content to help support you through your journey of the course! As well as this, we provide engaging revision sessions such as escape room challenges with prizes and plenty of opportunity to apply your knowledge to exam questions!

The topics covered as part of the course include;

Exam Paper 1 (1 hour 30 Minutes) – 50%

  • Hardware & Software
  • Binary
  • Computer networks
  • System Security
  • Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology

Exam Paper 2 (1 hour 30 Minutes) – 50%

  • Algorithms
  • Programming fundamentals
  • Defensive Design & Testing

For more information on OCR, please visit and go to page 5; https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/268867-computing-qualifications-summary-brochure.pdf