Year 7
7.1 Beginning Computer Science
In this unit, you will learn how to use a school computer system confidently. You’ll practise logging in, organising files and folders, sending emails, and using a word processor to create neat, professional work. You will also learn how search engines work so you can find information more effectively when spending time online.
Read More7.2 Inside My Computer
In this unit, you will learn what is inside a computer and the purpose of some of the core components of a computer. You’ll look at internal components like the CPU, memory, and storage, as well as external hardware such as keyboards, mice, and monitors. You’ll also be introduced to binary, the number system computers use to store and process data.
Read More7.3 My Personal E-Safety
In this unit, you will learn how to stay safe online by understanding dangers such as sharing personal information, cyberbullying, digital footprints, and spending too much time on screens. You’ll also learn how to use presentation software to create professional, well‑designed slides. You will then use these skills to make your own e‑safety presentation.
Read More7.4 Algorithms
In this unit, you will learn what an algorithm is and how instructions play an important part in computer systems. Through following and creating flowcharts, you'll learn some of the key concepts used in programming. You willl gain an insight into how programming controls devices and real world systems through the use of a software mimic system.
Read More7.5 Spreadsheets 1
In this unit, you will learn what a spreadsheet is and its various uses. You will develop your skills in designing and creating well formatted spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel using a range of mathematical formulae and functions.
Read More7.6 Programming 1
In this unit, you will learn to follow and write programs that solve problems using block based code that will deepen your knowledge of the key concepts of programming. You'll use a special method, known as PRIMM, to help scaffold your progression in programming through developing code and working with the Micro:bit computer systems.
Read MoreYear 8
8.1 Binary Maths and Logic
In this unit, you will learn how computers store and understand data. You’ll explore the difference between our normal number system (denary) and the binary system that computers use. You will also discover how logic gates work inside a computer to help it make decisions. As you learn about logic gates, you’ll see how they link to the if, and, and or decisions you use in programming.
Read More8.2 Programming 2
In this unit, you will learn how to write code using a real programming language called Python. Instead of dragging blocks, you will type your instructions, just like programmers do. You’ll use a Python editor to test your code, see what it does, and make changes when needed. This unit introduces you to how text‑based coding works, helping you understand how computers follow instructions, make decisions, and complete tasks.
Read More8.3 Cyber Security
In this unit, you will learn about the important world of cyber security and how people and organisations protect themselves from online threats. You will also develop your word‑processing skills by creating a well‑designed report all about cyber security. Throughout the lessons, you will use tools in Microsoft Word to make your work look professional and easy to understand.
Read More8.4 Digital Graphics
In this unit, you will learn how digital images are created and edited. You will use Adobe Photoshop to explore tools that let you change photos, build shapes, add text and combine different elements to make a finished product. You will learn how graphic designers create digital artwork, and you will try some of these skills yourself.
Read More8.5 Memory and Storage
In this unit, you will learn how computers store, remember and manage information. You will explore important parts inside a computer, such as the CPU, RAM and ROM, as well as the operating system that controls everything. You will also learn about different types of secondary storage, like hard drives and memory sticks, and how they keep data safe even when the power is off.
Read More8.6 App Development
In this unit, you will learn how mobile apps are planned, created, and improved. You’ll start to explore how apps solve real problems and how developers design them so they are easy to use. You will use software to design and build your own simple app, learning how to turn an idea into something people can use.
Read MoreYear 9
9.1 Programming 3
In this unit, you will continue developing your Python programming skills by learning how to make programs that repeat actions and make more complex decisions. You’ll explore important programming ideas used by real developers, such as loops, arrays, and ways to search through information efficiently.
Read More9.2 Spreadsheets 2
In this unit, you will learn how to use spreadsheets to organise data, carry out calculations, and present information clearly. You will explore a range of tools that help people solve real problems, from simple formatting to more powerful functions. You will then move on to bring everything together to create a spreadsheet that meets a specific brief.
Read More9.3 Data Representation
In this unit, you will learn how computers store and represent different types of data. You’ll explore number systems like binary and hexadecimal, and discover how computers use these systems to store numbers, images, and even text. This helps you understand what is happening “under the hood” whenever you use digital devices.
Read More9.4 The Connected World
In this unit, you will learn how computers and devices connect to each other to share information. You will explore the difference between wired and wireless connections and compare how reliable, fast and secure they are. You’ll also discover the key pieces of hardware that make networks work, and how different network types allow people across the world to stay connected.
Read More9.5 Augmented Reality
In this unit, you will explore exciting modern technologies that blend the digital and real world. You will compare Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) to understand how each one works and what makes them different. You will then take a closer look at AR and learn how it is used in everyday life, from fun gaming apps to important commercial tools. Finally, you will design and create your own AR mini‑project using specialist AR software.
Read More9.6 Computational Thinking
In this unit, you will learn how computer scientists plan and break down problems before writing any code/creating a digital product. You will explore the key ideas of abstraction (focusing on the important details) and decomposition (splitting a big problem into smaller, manageable parts). You will then use these skills to plan and design a solution for a project, just like developers do in real life.
Read MoreYear 10
10.1 Memory and Storage 1
In this topic, you will learn how computers store, organise and represent data. You will explore data units like bits, bytes, kilobytes and terabytes, and learn how to calculate file sizes for sound, images and text. You will also study how binary is used to store different kinds of information, such as characters (ASCII/Unicode), images (pixels, colour depth, resolution) and sound (sample rate, duration, bit depth). Finally, you will learn why files sometimes need compression, and the difference between lossy and lossless methods.
Read More10.2 Programming Fundamentals
In this topic, which will span across the course alongside the other topics, you will deepen your understanding of programming using the Python programming language. You will learn how to use variables, constants, inputs, outputs and different operators to make programs perform tasks. You will also explore the three core programming constructs: sequence, selection, and iteration, and apply them to solve problems. As the topic progresses you will work with data types, strings, files, arrays, sub‑programs and even simple SQL commands.
Read More10.3. Memory and Storage 2
In this topic, you will learn how a computer uses primary storage (RAM, ROM, cache and virtual memory) and secondary storage (optical, magnetic and solid‑state devices). You will explore why each type of storage is needed, how they work, and how different devices compare in speed, durability, portability and cost. This knowledge helps you understand how a computer loads, stores and retrieves data during everyday use.
Read More10.4 Networks 1
In this topic, you will learn how computers connect and communicate across networks. You will explore the difference between LANs (Local Area Networks) and WANs (Wide Area Networks), and the factors that affect how well a network performs. You will also study the hardware that allows devices to connect, such as routers, switches, wireless access points and network interface cards. Finally, you will look at the Internet as a huge collection of connected networks and understand services like DNS, hosting, the Cloud, and web servers.
Read More10.5 Systems Architecture
In this topic, you will learn how a computer’s processor works and how it carries out instructions. You will explore how the CPU runs programs using the fetch–decode–execute cycle and how different features affect how fast a computer performs. You will also look at embedded systems (small computers built into everyday devices) and understand what they do and why they are useful.
Read More10.6 Robust Programming
In this topic, you will learn how to write programs that work reliably, even when things go wrong. You will explore defensive design - ways to make your code safe, secure and able to handle unexpected inputs. You will also learn why testing is essential, and how programmers check their work at every stage to ensure a program behaves correctly.
Read More10.7 Network Security
In this topic, you will learn about the dangers that computer systems and networks face, and how attackers try to steal data or disrupt services. You will explore different forms of cyber‑attacks and how organisations protect themselves. You will also learn about security methods used to reduce risks, secure data, and prevent vulnerabilities.
Read More10.8 Operating Systems
In this topic, you will learn what an operating system (OS) is and why every computer needs one. You will explore the key jobs an OS performs, such as managing memory, controlling hardware, organising files and providing the user interface you interact with. You will also look at utility software, which helps keep a computer running smoothly.
Read More10.9 Boolean Logic
In this topic, you will learn how computers make decisions using Boolean logic. You will explore logic operators such as AND, OR and NOT, and use them to build simple logic diagrams. You will also learn how these operators combine to control how information flows through digital circuits and programs.
Read More10.10 Algorithms 1
In this topic, you will learn how to plan and communicate algorithms before writing any code. You will explore two important design tools: structure diagrams and flowcharts. These tools help you break problems into smaller steps and show the order in which tasks should happen.
Read More10.11 Computational Thinking and Programming Project
In this topic, you will use computational thinking to plan and solve problems before writing any code. You will then complete a programming project where you design, write, test and refine a solution using Python. This topic brings together all of your problem‑solving and programming skills from the year.
Read MoreYear 11
11.1 Networks 2
In this topic, you will learn how devices communicate across networks and the internet. You will explore the differences between wired and wireless connections, how data is secured, how devices are identified, and how different protocols work together to move information reliably from one place to another.
Read More11.2 Languages and IDE's
In this topic, you will learn about different programming languages, why they exist, and how programmers choose the right one for a job. You will also explore what an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is, and how its tools help programmers write, test and fix their code more efficiently.
Read More11.3 Algorithms 2
In this topic, you will learn how computers search for information and how they sort data into order. You will study the most common searching and sorting algorithms and learn how to understand and apply their steps, even without writing full code.
Read More11.4 Ethical, Legal, Cultural and Environmental Impacts of Technology
In this topic, you will learn how digital technology affects people, society and the world around us. You will explore the positive and negative impacts of technology, and consider issues such as privacy, the environment, laws, and how technology changes culture and the way people live and work.
Read More11.5 Algorithms 3
In this topic, you will learn how to analyse code. You will practise identifying errors in algorithms, following code step‑by‑step, and understanding how a program behaves by using trace tables. This prepares you for the exam questions where you must read, understand and correct code.
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