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Worthing High School

Worthing High School

Computer Science -Curriculum Information

Curriculum Intent 

Curriculum Sequencing 

Aims of the Computer Science Department

  • To enable every student to reach their potential when using computer technology.
  • To show how Computer Science relates to the outside world.
  • To instil the confidence in our young people to have a go at problem solving using computer technology, no matter how challenging.
  • To put Computer Science on the map.
  • To encourage our young people to take Computer Science further in their academic life.

Departmental Staff

  • Mr S Uddin - Subject Leader IT & Computer Science
  • Mr S Townsend 
  • Mr R Morris 
  • Mr K Rasarathnam

Facilities

To support the learning of Computer Science and digital literacy at Worthing High, we have a number of ICT suites in school, which are used by students of all ages. We also have mobile tablets supported by a new reliable wireless network.

Our Philosophy

The Computer Science department is one that can be accessed by all. Whilst a challenging subject, we believe a love of independent problem-solving is all you need to succeed: you should constantly question "why?" and "how?". We aim to promote a keen interest in the artificial intelligence around us. Anything can be achieved if you work hard, with enthusiasm and resilience. 

 

Key Stage Three (Years 7-9)

Students currently study a variety of Computer Science and digital literacy topics such as:

  1. Data Representation
  • Learn how processors’ instruction sets relate to low level instructions carried out by a computer.
  • Learn how bit patterns represent numbers, images and sound.
  • Learn how digital computers use binary to represent all data.
  • Learn the relationship between data representation and data quality.
  • Learn the different types of data (text, number) and understands how these are used in different situations.
  • Learn how filters or single criteria searches can find information

  2.Networking basics

  • Learn the importance of network security including simple security techniques such as strong passwords
  • Learn how data transmission between digital computers over networks, including the internet i.e. IP addresses and packet switching. Constructs static webpages using HTML.
  • Learn an introduction to Networks,  the Internet and the World Wide Web, Domains and IP
  • Learn the difference between the internet and internet service e.g. World Wide Web.
  • Develop an awareness of, and can use a range of internet services e.g. VOIP.
  • Learn the importance of communicating safely and respectfully online, and the need for keeping personal information private. Understands how to effectively use search engines. Explains the difference between a web browser and a search engine.

3. Software and Hardware

  • Investigate the differences between different Operating Systems, and the advantages and disadvantages of these.
  • Learn about a range of application software to carry out designated tasks.
  • Learn to classify a range of software including operating systems, utility and application software.
  • Learn the difference between hardware and software, and their roles within a computer system with examples of how data is stored on a computer.

4. Python 3 Programming using Turtle

  • Learn where information can be filtered out in generalising problem solutions (abstraction).
  • Learn to use logical reasoning to predict outputs, showing an awareness of inputs.
  • Learn to select similarities and differences in situations and uses these to solve problems (pattern recognition).
  • Learn to constructs solutions (algorithms) that use repetition and two way selection.
  • Learn to solve problems through decomposition.
  • Learn about simple algorithms using loops, and selection. Detects and corrects errors i.e. debugging, in algorithms.

5. Python 3 Programming using Sonic Pi

Sonic Pi is a Python code-based music creation and performance tool. This project progressing Python skills previously learnt using Sonic Pi and creates various cool sounds!  Sonic Pi can be downloaded here for FREE: https://sonic-pi.net

6. Kodu – students learn the principles of programming constructs using Kodu which creates games via a simple visual programming language. Kodu can be downloaded here for FREE:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=10056&mnui=4

 

KS4 (Year 10 and 11)

There are three strands to the course:

1. Paper 1 – Computer Systems

2. Paper 2 – Computational Thinking and Algorithms

3. Controlled Assessment – Programming Project

More information from exam board OCR is provided here:

www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/gcse-computer-science-j276-from-2016

Independent Learning

Enrichment

Worthing High is part of Code Club UK, which is a nationwide network of volunteers and educators who run free coding clubs for young people aged 9-13. Students can learn to code using Scratch, Python, HTML and CSS.

Code Club is on every Tuesday in room D4: 3.15-4.15pm

Intervention – Period 6’s

Computer Science P6 intervention is held Tuesday after school in D4 3.15-4.15pm.  All students are welcome and some students are specifically invited.

www.codeclub.org.uk

Revision Sessions

For Easter Revision Sessions, please see Exam Support and Timetables page - under Teaching & Learning.