Beginning Computer Science

Overview

This unit allows students to gain the skills and knowledge to use and access work on a computer system, communicate with emails and use word processors to present information well. Students will gain knowledge of how search engines work to improve the way they search for information.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

E-Safety
Practice using a keyboard and mouse
Working with files
Understanding how to turn on, log on and off a computer

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Set passwords to log onto the school system. Log onto the school system.
Log onto email accounts. Use and send emails. Read and reply to emails.
Create files and folders to save work. Use basic formatting tools to improve the presentation of a document. Save work with appropriate names in folders.
Log onto Teams accounts to download and upload work. Use a range of formatting tools to improve the presentation of a document.
Use keywords to search for information on a search engine. Use advance techniques NOT search, Exact word or phrase search. Save work into folders.

Skills you will develop this unit…

Cultural Capital

Students learn how to communicate appropriately using email and access digital literacy tools that are used in work and adult life (word processing, email, cloud storage/content management systems).

Inside My Computer

Overview

This unit covers the key components inside a computer and explains how they work together. Students are introduced to representation and the binary number system that computers use to represent text in computers. Through this learning students gain a foundation of how hardware and software are used together.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

Understanding storage capacity for common devices.
Identifying the file size of files saved previously.

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Select hardware, input and output devices for a situation.
Compare the different internal computer components. Sequence the operation of internal components when a file is opened.
Represent and convert binary and denary numbers.
Order different files based on their units of storage. Represent characters using binary and ASCII.
Compare storage devices based on characteristics. Sequence what happens with internal hardware components when a file is saved.
Compare software and their use. Select and reason software for a situation or user.

Skills you will develop this unit…

Cultural Capital

The knowledge from this unit allows students to understand the equipment and components used in computers for their own use and selection in the world of work. Each lesson is concluded with a practice Bebras activity that tests and challenges students logic thinking and problem solving. During this unit students will enter and attempt the Bebras challenge - a computer science problem solving competition.

My Personal eSafety

Overview

This unit teaches various dangers of using the Internet and the online world including, personal information on profiles, cyberbullying, digital footprints, fake news and screen time. Students will learn the dangers and the ways to minimise or remove threats from the online world. Furthermore, students learn additional digital literacy skills using office based presentation software and cover design based concepts to improve the look of publications.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

Email communication. E-Safety.

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Use personal information in online profiles. Protect against the dangers of online communication. Use presentation software to set up slides and text.
Protect against cyberbullying. Use contrast and colour to be effective in formatting information for a purpose and audience.
Consider digital dirt and footprints when online. Select and use images for presentations. Use white space when presenting information for audience and purpose.
Use search engines to find information and images for a publication. Select and use animations and transitions on a presentation for purpose and audience.
Use tables within office applications. Select and refine a presentation using text, images, colour and animation.

Skills you will develop this unit…

Cultural Capital

The unit has key links with safeguarding and protecting young people while exposed to the online world. It helps equip students with the knowledge based and literacy to describe what is happening but also with the tools and advice to remove and reduce threats and impact to their personal lives.

Flowcharts

Overview

This unit allows students to learn the main concepts used in computer programming which are essential to be able to select and use in problem solving. The unit gives students access to programming is a simplified and visual way that does not overload with both substantive and disciplinary knowledge commonly associated with learning to code. Students gain an insight into how programming controls devices and real world systems through the use of software mimic systems.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

This unit builds on learning of hardware and software and their connectivity, showing students that input and output devices combine to make systems but they now need the software and instructions to run.

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Computers are based on a model of input, process and output and run instructions sequence, one after another.
Instructions use conditions that are either evaluated to True or False. Instructions can use selection that chooses which instruction is executed next. Iteration is needed when you need to repeat instructions.
Computer programs use variables to store data.

Skills you will develop this unit…

Create algorithms that use subroutines in the control of a system.
Evaluate an algorithm.

Cultural Capital

This unit provides students with the base knowledge of programming terms and concepts that are used in both programming. It helps students to develop skill sets in creating, developing, testing and evaluating systems through the use of the flowchart mimics that reflect real world systems. It helps to highlight that hardware needs software and how that software is programmed to work in those real world systems.

PRIMM Programming

Overview

This unit allows students to write programs that solve problems using block based code and deepens the knowledge of the key concepts of programming. The use of the PRIMM methodology supports students learning and scaffolds their progression in programming through developing code. The block based code allows students to have a visual representation of what their code will do and can easily recognise their practical work and success.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

Programming and coding completed at Key Stage 2.

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

- Sequences run instructions one after another. Variables are used to store data for a program
- Selection is making choices of which instruction is next. A condition is used within selection to make choices and can be either True or False. A subroutine is a set of instructions outside of the main program, ran and called when needed.
- Comparison operators are used in conditions to compare two values or variables against each other. Logic operators use AND, OR and NOT to extend possible comparisons
- Count controlled iteration will repeat instructions for a set amount of loops
- Programmers need to be resilient to solve problems and to find and fix bugs in code

Skills you will develop this unit…

Solve a problem with a programming solution using sequence, selection and iteration. Use the PRIMM methodology of programming.

Cultural Capital

Students will develop tracing and problem solving by reading through code to understand what is happening. Learners will further develop resilience in programming, making mistakes but finding out how to debug and fix issues independently.

Micro:bit Computing

Overview

This unit allows students to be independent with programming and problem solving in a new but familiar block-based programming environment. Students will branch out using literacy based problems cards to encourage reading and provide the tasks and support to problem solve and create useful programs for testing. Following research in gender imbalance for computer science, the use of physical computing devices helps to engage both girls and lower ability background students with programming and code rather than other programming experiences.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

Use of Sequence, Selection and Iteration to create working and efficient programs.

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

- An emulator will allow them to test and refine a program before testing on a physical device. Inputs and outputs on a physical device can be controlled with programming
- There are other types of inputs that can be used such as the accelerometer. Using elif in selection will give more options and branches for you instructions
- Variables and store, change and have the data used within a program
- Programs can be designed using flowcharts. To debug code you can isolate code, substitute code or output variables to help
- Programs can be produced with different code but result in the same outcomes

Skills you will develop this unit…

Create a block based program that uses sequence, selection and variables for a physical computing device. Decide of code based on field testing of the physical device.

Cultural Capital

Each lesson allows students to practice reading with the problem cards. Students can build independence by completing tasks read on the cards, using the support and guidance and pushing onto other tasks when ready. It develops physical device responsibility and data transfer skills allowing students practise of downloading their code and testing their work in the real world. Students can begin to see that programs don't live just on computers but in other devices and the link between technology and engineering careers are close to computer science.

Binary Maths

Overview

This unit allows students to build on elements of both representation and programming. It also shows the links between the number systems and physical aspects of a computer through use of logic gates. Students explore representation further looking at key skills in conversion and addition. Furthermore, they will see the links between logic gates and expression seen in programming and how they use binary to control and create useful circuits in computers.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

Students build they introduction to binary numbers by looking at representation further and breaking down why binary is used in number systems, text representation and its use in logic circuits. The use of logic circuits in computers can be layered due to prior learning on the components inside a computer. Furthermore, the area of representation is so sufficient that this learning supports the next step into image and sound representation in future units of work and does not overload the students understanding of the area now. From this students will understand that binary is the basis of how computers represent and can convert between number systems.

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Computers need a system to represent communication. We record information to store, communicate or process it. ASCII is used to represent text and that is based on binary numbers
Binary digits are used in computers. Computers represent numbers using binary
Binary measurements are used in computers to measure the size of files and data. Files of different types will hold different amounts of data
There are 4 rules to follow when adding numbers in binary. Binary and Denary have similar patterns in how they work for counting
Logic gates use logical expressions to evaluate if a condition is True of False. The three basic logic gates are AND, OR and NOT
Logic gates have different uses within computers. There are other logic gates such as XOR and NAND

Skills you will develop this unit…

Use representation to communicate text and messages
Convert numbers between the Binary and Denary number systems
Calculate, convert and compare binary measurements into appropriate units. Convert bits to bytes and bytes to bits
Add binary numbers together. Check binary addition sums using conversion into Denary
Create logic gates and circuits to solve problems and test truth tables for AND, OR and NOT
Create logic gates and circuits to solve problems and test truth tables including XOR and NAND
Use binary conversion and logic circuits to solve a puzzle

Cultural Capital

The unit provides a strong support to the Numeracy curriculum with repeated practice and comparison to basic mathematical expression and calculations throughout. There are clear links to the world of electronics and technology based careers in engineering showing students the level of logic circuits and diagrams and how there form components inside of computers. Finally, the unit takes time to introduce British Computer Science pioneers of George Boole through the area of logic gates and Alan Turing through a summary puzzle based lesson.

Paired Programming

Overview

This unit allows students to build on block based programming and knowledge of the concepts of programming from previous learning. Students will begin to learn text-based programming through the use of pairing; driver who codes and a navigator who problem solves, reads and debugs. Research-based practice shows that paired programming safely introduces text-based programming to students and raises success and engagement with the area of learning due to the safety net of working in pairs but swapping roles within lessons. Most programming is text-based with this unit preparing students for the approach and techniques needed to code without blocks.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

Students have a foundation of programming from prior learning and use this to deepen the concepts, key literacy and problem solving skills of programming. The introduction of text-based programming can be a jump for many but especially affects low ability and girls from research with the solution being the use of paired programming where the teachers careful choose the pairings to build confidence with text based programming languages. The learning will lead to students being able to use text based programming more independently in future learning. From this students will be aware of the errors, issues and ways to solve and fix code with text-based programming languages.

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Text-based programming has both logical and syntax errors. We use assignment to store data to variables
Inputs can be cast as data types of string, integer and float
Comparison operators are used in selection conditions and are evaluated to either True or False
Selection can have more choices by using elif
Iteration can be used to repeat instructions. Iteration can used conditions to control loops. Trace tables can be used to check and model what is happening when a program is run
Flags are variables used to control loops and use the Boolean data type

Skills you will develop this unit…

Use paired programming to code and debug programs. Create python programs that use input and outputs. Check for common syntax errors
Use paired programming to code and debug programs. Create python programs that use input and outputs, arithmetic expressions and numerical data. Check for common syntax errors
Create python programs that use selection to make choices. Check for common syntax errors
Create python programs that use selection to make multiple condition checks for choices. Check for common syntax errors
Create python programs that use iteration to repeat instructions. Create programs that use random number generators. Check for common syntax errors
Create python game that uses sequence, selection and iteration. Check for common syntax errors

Cultural Capital

A strong focus on team work is key to this unit as students work in pairs throughout swapping between roles of driving where they code an navigate where they support and work out the task. Consequently, reading to retrieve and decode focus heavily in lessons with the student who is currently navigating. they are responsible for reading the tasks, support and scaffold advice to orally communicate to the driver the task at hand. Text based programming is essential in the development and programming world of careers and provides students with the base knowledge to explore that area of roles and jobs.

Cyber Security

Overview

Students need to protect both themselves and the data and systems for their jobs or businesses. This unit allows them to learn the key aspects of malware threats, social engineering and the methods to prevent or protect with. Students showcase their learning through the development of a digital artefact (a poster) that has already been started and styled. They will refine both with information and the quality of that information; making better choices to find what is needed quickly, assess, select and format that information appropriately.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

Students have a base knowledge concerning protecting themselves from online dangers but need to understand the value of data, both there own and that of companies and organisations. Students need to explore the wider world of cyber security threats and the methods to protect against those threats. The unit also allows students to refine and improve the presentation of a given digital artefact using spaced retrieval on aspects such as formatting, search and selecting of information but within another common office based package. From this unit students will understand the world of cyber security and will be able to create DTP products for audience and purpose with a higher degree of refinement.

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Data is raw facts and figures and can be collected online to profile and make assumptions about you; data is valuable and can be collected and sold by companies
Humans are vulnerable in security systems by both mistakes made and social engineering; there are a range of techniques for social engineering
Hackers are all different with different intentions and motivations; script kiddies can be a danger to others and themselves
Malware is malicious software and can attack in many different ways; bots are automated programs that are used as part of a DDoS attack
Firewalls and anti-malware are the main forms of protecting systems; there are a range of other techniques used to protect data and systems

Skills you will develop this unit…

Use mind mapping software to create diagrams and organise ideas
Develop an given artefact using learning and online sources; edit images within the artefact to improve presentation for purpose and audience
Use a search engine to refine searching for online resources; refine a digital artefact with formatting
Refine both text formatting and images for a digital artefact, send work using teams for assessment
Find information quickly using scan and skim techniques

Cultural Capital

The learning in this unit supports students personal and professional growth about the dangers of the information age and the use of online technologies. The disciplinary knowledge gives students greater depth in digital literacy being able to use DTP software together with the ability to search, find and refine information for a key audience and purpose. The introduction of white hat hackers introduces students to the world of working in cyber security and the importance of cyber security based careers for all businesses and organisations going forward.

How My Computer Works

Overview

Students need to be able to understand how computer systems work as they expand into everyday life and the world of work in many different formats. The knowledge from this learning will develop students understanding of the key components inside a computer system and more importantly how they all work together to allow the computer to function. The final lesson introduces the basis of machine learning and AI which is at the forefront of current computing in the information age.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

Students will build on these concepts from the previous year by refreshing the key internal components but learning their characteristics and what makes them different. The key of this unit is to strengthen how each component works together and understand the link between hardware and systems software. This will develop again in further years looking at how computers communicate. From this unit students will understand how the components work together and what happens when a computer is powered on.

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Historical and modern computers have similarities but also key differences. Computers are a mix of internal and external hardware
Internal components work together to store and process both software and instructions
Operating systems control the computer system and manage both the software and the hardware to allow the user to interact; different activities will affect the hardware of the computer in certain ways
ROM is used to start up a computer system; when power is given to a computer system this starts off the same series of events each time
Computers can be trained using machine learning, computers can have AI, computers can be more than general or specific purpose

Skills you will develop this unit…

Identify key hardware and software used in computer systems, follow instructions like a piece of software
Recognise the similarities and differences of computer specifications by comparing computer systems; use and create concept maps to model complex ideas
Outline how the operating system works with key internal hardware
Create a diagram using outlines, images and connection that shows how internal hardware and software combine when a computer is powered on
Train an AI using machine learning to recognise different types of fruit

Cultural Capital

This unit focus on a variety of literacy areas by building key terms and listening through activates during the instruct phase of the lesson. Students have opportunities to use the reading ruler when comparing specifications and when following an instruction set. The unit is ambitious by bringing in both the overview and practical use of machine learning to introduce current computer developments within the world of Artificial Intelligence. The learning from this unit will open students thinking into the careers associated with hardware and allow them a better insight into specifications to pick their own computer devices in the future.

Digital Graphics

Overview

Students need to be able to edit, combine and use graphical media to enhance their ability to communicate ideas either through that graphic or by using that as part of a bigger graphical product. The development of a digital graphic product will highlight the impact and influence of composition, colour and the use of text that when combined give the final product. Some of the substantial knowledge begins to introduce representation of images allowing students to understand how display screens work using pixels.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

Students build on information technology learning from previous areas of study by using an industry standard digital graphic product to produce, refine and create artifacts for both audience and purpose. This allows students to prepare for the use of digital graphics needed in future project work and for possible use in KS4 options and cross-curricular by being able to create and manipulate graphics. From this unit students will be able to use and combine multiple objects on layers to create a real world digital graphic for comparison to real world examples.

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Layers are used to control what you see on a digital graphic canvas; graphic objects use properties to control their look and handles to control positioning
Shapes are defined by the lines called paths that can be manipulated and adjusted; layers can be combined in different and effective ways
Bitmaps are made of pixels; vector images are made of mathematical shapes and instructions; bitmaps are effected when resized but vectors are not
Fonts can have impact on the way a graphic product looks; fonts are measured in points and that different fonts do not always compare in point size
Layers and effects can be adjusted to improve the look of an object on a digital graphic

Skills you will develop this unit…

Create, draw and modify shapes by adjusting properties; edit the positioning of shapes by manipulating layers
Adjust a path using different tools o move anchor and direction points; combine layers and change defaults; combine shapes to create an image
Take corrective action on bitmap images using tools; select bitmap images and adjust to add to a graphic product; develop a digital graphic for audience and purpose
Change and use fonts by selection, sizes and adjusting properties; develop a digital graphic for audience and purpose by using text
Use layer styles such as stroke, overlay and drop shadow to improve the appearance of a digital graphic for purpose and audience; check and meet the needs of a specification

Cultural Capital

This unit shows students that graphics and images can be manipulated with tools to improve their appearance or look. This can be easily linked to Safer Internet day and PSHE on the effects of social media and influences editing images. It promotes learning through challenge in lessons and exploration of the tools and software to scaffold learning and allow students to apply independently. The learning from this unit can open students understanding of careers in digital marketing, art, social media and publicity or design based industries.

Augmented Reality

Overview

• Adobe Aero Systems
o Navigating a 3D workspace
o Importing Assets
o Layers
o Behaviours & Triggers
• Design Tools
o Mind Maps
o Flowcharts
• Creating an AR prototype for audience and purpose

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Skills you will develop this unit…

Cultural Capital

Careers Links: Emerging Technologies Careers

Programming 3 (Text Based)

Overview

• Build upon skills developed in Unit 8.2 along with . . .
• Build and test programs using the selection & iteration constructs alongside lists/1D arrays
• Mathematical and relational operators
• Comparing algorithms
o Linear Search
o Binary Search

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Skills you will develop this unit…

Cultural Capital

Careers Links: Programming Careers

Spreadsheets

Overview

• Build upon skills developed in Unit 7.5 along with . . .
• Formulae & Functions (inc. the IF function)
• Formatting (inc. conditional formatting)
• Navigation between sheets
• Create a spreadsheet for audience and purpose

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Skills you will develop this unit…

Cultural Capital

Careers Links: Data Analysis Skills

Data Representation

Overview

• Number Systems
o Binary & Denary
o Hexadecimal

• Data Representation
o Text (Character Sets)
o Bitmap Images
o Sounds

• Calculating File Sizes

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Skills you will develop this unit…

The Connected World

Overview

• Wired & Wireless Networks
• LAN’s & WAN’s
• Network Hardware
• Methods of connectivity
o 4G / 5G
o Bluetooth
o Wi-Fi

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Skills you will develop this unit…

Cultural Capital

Careers Links: Network Engineer Careers

Computational Thinking

Overview

Project based assignment based around the principles of:
o Audience & Purpose
o Use of a range of Software
o Design Tools
 Mind Maps
 Flowcharts
 Visualisation Diagrams

o Computational Thinking
 Abstraction
 Decomposition
 Algorithmic Thinking

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Skills you will develop this unit…

Memory and Storage

Overview

You will begin by learning some of the most important fundamentals of Computer Science, such as how data is stored and represented in different parts of the computer and for different types of data.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

The use and manipulation of Binary numbers
- Storage Devices
- Data units

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Hexadecimal numbers
-Representation of characters
-Bitmap images
-Sound
-Compression
-Primary memory - RAM and ROM
-Virtual memory
-Secondary storage
-Calculation of data storage requirements

Skills you will develop this unit…

Number conversions from Denary to Binary and Hexadecimal
-Apply different storage devices to different contexts

Cultural Capital

This topic is arguably the foundation for every other topic in Computer Science. It forms the basic principles that relate to networks, programming, security and logic. It provides the necessary understanding you will need in order to make sense of how computers work overall.

Programming Fundamentals

Overview

Programming Fundamentals builds on the introductory programming unit, first introduced in year 8. You will explore Programming constructs, in addition to several key Python functions. This unit will span the entire year, alongside the learning of theory topics.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

Use of an interpreter
-Mathematical Operators
-Computational and logical thinking
-Use of MOD and DIV
-The main programming constructs; sequence, selection, iteration
-Use of data types
-Casting
-Working with strings and integers

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Iteration; condition controlled and count controlled
-String manipulation techniques
-Exponentiation
-Variables Vs Constants
-Boolean operators
-The use of Arrays
-File handling operations; open, read, write, close
-The use of records and SQL
-Using sub programs (functions and procedures)
-Global and local variables

Skills you will develop this unit…

Identifying For and While loops
-Interpreting and adapting algorithms
-Able to use a wide range of programming techniques to independently write programs for a range of purposes

Cultural Capital

Learning to program is arguably one of life's most valuable skills. It enables you to see everyday processes in a different light and enables you to question the way that the technology around us is designed and developed.
The skills are transferable to many other careers, such as engineering and Mathematics.

Computer Networks

Overview

You will learn the purpose of function of Computer Networks, from small LAN Networks to the largest Network we use - the Internet. This includes an understanding of the different hardware used and the functions of different topologies used today.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

Storage units
-Data representation
-Compression

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Purpose of Networks
-Types of Network
-Factors that affect performance
-Client server vs Peer to Peer
-Network Hardware
-The Internet
-Star and Mesh Topologies
-Wired vs Wireless

Skills you will develop this unit…

Comparing the pros and cons of different types of Network
-Consideration of factors when designing a Network

Cultural Capital

We use and rely on Computer Networks everyday. In all industries they are used as a way of communicating and sharing information and data.

System Architecture

Overview

In System Architecture you will look at the Fetch, Decode and Execute cycle and how this is applied within processors using Von Neumann Architecture. You will study the individual registers that make up a processor and how their individual roles support the processing of data and instructions.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

Main memory including RAM and Cache
-The purpose of the CPU
-Inputs and outputs
-FDE cycle

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Common components and their function including; Arithmetic Logic Unit, Control unit, Cache
-Von Neumann Architecture and the stored program concept
-Registers including the Memory address Register, Memory data register, Program counter and the accumulator.
-CPU performance and factors that affect it such as clock speed, cache size and number of cores
-Embedded systems

Skills you will develop this unit…

Using the simulator Little man computer to understand the flow of data inside the CPU
-Able to interpret the technical specifications of a CPU and how different changes will affect performance

Cultural Capital

The CPU is responsible for all the processing in every piece of technology, and therefore arguably the most integral part of the computer. Von Neumann and his architecture had a groundbreaking influence in the world of Computer Science. The changes to the way data and programs were stored meant that the industry could move on in leaps and bounds.

Robust Programming

Overview

This unit takes programming up a notch! You will learn how to anticipate misuse within your programs, and implement input validation and sanitisation in order to improve their reliablity. You will practice different methods of testing to ensure your programs are fully operational and are free of errors.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

All previous knowledge of writing programs
-Algorithms
-debugging programs
-Testing programs with data
-Data validity and reliability
-Input methods
-Use of commenting and indentation

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Defensive design considerations such as anticipating misuse and authentication
-Input validation
-Maintainability such as use of sub programs, naming conventions, indentation and commenting
-Purpose of testing
-Types of testing- iterative and terminal
-Identifying syntax and logic errors
-Using suitable test data
-Refining algorithms

Skills you will develop this unit…

A developed eye for spotting issues and predicting program outcomes
-Ability to suggest test data to enter into programs
-An understanding of which parts of a program will need to be explained by the use of comments

Cultural Capital

Producing Robust programs teaches the importance of ensuring that the final product is not only suitable for the user, but provides an interface that is fool proof. It links closely to other careers that are dependent on data entry and manipulation.

Network Security

Overview

The Network Security unit teaches about the threats that are posed to computer systems and networks. You will then investigate ways to prevent attacks and mitigate damages received by systems.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

Cyber crime and security
-Legislation
-Protection of personal data with passwords
-User management

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Forms of attack
-Social engineering
-SQL injection
-Identifying and preventing vulnerabilities
-Common prevention methods
-Penetration testing
-Anti-malware software
-Firewalls
-User access levels
-Physical security

Skills you will develop this unit…

Identify appropriate security methods to use in different situations
-Ability to use some basic SQL statements

Cultural Capital

Cyber security is a major issue in the world today, with many new developments happening every year that Computer Scientists need to stay ahead of.

Boolean Logic

Overview

You will be introduced to several logic gates found inside computer systems. You will then investigate how logic is used within computers in order to solve problems through the use of logic diagrams and truth tables.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

Boolean operators
-Data types

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Logic gates AND, OR and NOT
-Understanding logic diagrams
-Truth tables
-Combining gates to solve problems

Skills you will develop this unit…

Understanding of how to create, complete or edit logic diagrams and truth tables for given scenarios
-Able to work with more than one gate in a logic diagram.

Cultural Capital

Logic gates which are built into electronic circuits are used in every piece of technology; from computer games to home security systems. They are an integral part of how circuits work.

Algorithms

Overview

Reading, understanding and changing algorithms are an essential Computer Science skill. You will learn in this unit how to abstract key information out of problems, decompose problems into smaller sections and think "like a computer". You will learn to express algorithms in several ways such as, Flowcharts and Pseudocode.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

Computational thinking
-Algorithms and flowcharts
-Programming constructs
-Data types

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Abstraction
-Decomposition
-Algorithmic thinking
-Algorithm design
-Trace tables
-Common searching and sorting algorithms

Skills you will develop this unit…

Identifying inputs, process and outputs
-Creating, interpreting and correcting given algorithms
-Identifying common errors

Cultural Capital

The ability to think computationally is an important and useful life skill that can be transferred to many different situations and sectors. Problem solving provides opportunities to develop and improve solutions to make them more efficient.

Programming Project

Overview

You will undertake a substantial programming project in order to apply the programming skills you have learnt since Year 9. A set scenario will be given to you with a list of success criteria for you to achieve.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

Programming skills and techniques

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Writing success criteria
-Project requirements
-Testing
-systems life cycle
-Additional programming skills will be developed

Skills you will develop this unit…

Independent problem solving
-Report writing

Cultural Capital

If you enter the world of programming, you will need to be able to work to a set of requirements given to you. It would be your job to work out how best to solve the problem, and to manage your own time effectively. This project gives you the opportunity to rise to this challenge!

Network Protocols and layers

Overview

This unit investigates Computer Networks in more depth, this time looking at the different protocols (or rules) that are followed at different levels within the Network layers to enable error-free communication.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

Using computers (sending emails)
-Connection methods such as Wifi
-Intro to Networks in Year 9

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Common communication protocols
-Data encryption
-Network layers
-IP and MAC addressing

Skills you will develop this unit…

Determine the difference between network connection methods and suggest advantages and disadvantages of connection types
-Recommend the most appropriate methods of connection

Cultural Capital

Networking is used by businesses worldwide in order to share ideas and colaborate, in addition to setting up new IT infrastructure and accessing essential platforms. Many compentent individuals are required to support this ever-developing network.

Programming Languages and IDEs

Overview

This unit explores the different generations of programming languages and the differences between them. It also teaches the different tools that are integrated within development environments in order to support programmers when creating code.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

Knowledge of Python as a high level language
-The use of Interpreters and compilers when writing programs
-Some basic features of IDEs

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Characteristics and purpose of different levels of programming language
-Purpose of translators
-Compilers and interpreters
-Tools and facilities available in an IDE such as: editors, error diagnostics, run-time environment, translators

Skills you will develop this unit…

Using a range of IDEs along with its tools and features
-Able to use the error checking facility when debugging programs
-Basic use of assembly code to write programs

Cultural Capital

Being able to use a range of different IDEs when writing programs is a useful skill as you may come across a variety of plaforms. You may also go on to learn other languages so having an understanding of the features of high level languages would be an advantage.

Programming Fundamentals

Overview

Programming Fundamentals builds on the introductory programming unit, first introduced in year 8. You will explore Programming constructs, in addition to several key Python functions. This unit will span the entire year, alongside the learning of theory topics.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

Use of an interpreter
-Mathematical Operators
-Computational and logical thinking
-Use of MOD and DIV
-The main programming constructs; sequence, selection, iteration
-Use of data types
-Casting
-Working with strings and integers

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

• 1D and 2D Arrays
• Using SQL to search for Data
• Sub programs - Functions / Procedures
• Coding Scenarios using Functions

File Handling Operations:
• Open
• Read
• Write
• Close

Exam-style Programming Scenarios

Skills you will develop this unit…

Identifying For and While loops
-Interpreting and adapting algorithms
-Able to use a wide range of programming techniques to independently write programs for a range of purposes

Cultural Capital

Learning to program is arguably one of life's most valuable skills. It enables you to see everyday processes in a different light and enables you to question the way that the technology around us is designed and developed.
The skills are transferable to many other careers, such as engineering and Mathematics.

Algorithms

Overview

Reading, understanding and changing algorithms are an essential Computer Science skill. You will learn in this unit how to abstract key information out of problems, decompose problems into smaller sections and think "like a computer". You will learn to express algorithms in several ways such as, Flowcharts and Pseudocode.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

Computational thinking
-Algorithms and flowcharts
-Programming constructs
-Data types

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Search Algorithms:
• Binary Search
• Linear Search

Sorting Algorithms:
• Bubble Sort
• Merge Sort
• Insertion Sort

• Trace Tables
• Exam-style Programming Scenarios

Skills you will develop this unit…

Identifying inputs, process and outputs
-Creating, interpreting and correcting given algorithms
-Identifying common errors

Cultural Capital

The ability to think computationally is an important and useful life skill that can be transferred to many different situations and sectors. Problem solving provides opportunities to develop and improve solutions to make them more efficient.

Ethical, legal, cultural impacts

Overview

Within this unit you will learn how the developing use of technology can cause issues in the wider society. You will discuss Ethical, Legal, Cultural, Environmental and Privacy issues, and the laws that are associated with them.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit…

Cyber crime and security
-Legislation and law relating to hacking and computer misuse
-Implications of using automation (Chatbot unit)

New Knowledge you will learn in this unit...

Impacts of technology on wider society
-Ethical issues
-Cultural issues
-Environmental issues
-Privacy issues
-Legislation including; Data protection Act, Computer Misuse Act, Copyright Designs and Patents Act, Software licenses.

Skills you will develop this unit…

Able to consider the positive and negative impacts of technology on society and its stakeholders.
-Able to recommend a type of license for a given scenario including the benefits and drawbacks.

Cultural Capital

This unit looks at the impact of technology on the world around us and allows us to consider both positives and negatives on all associated stakeholders. It ensures that we are forward thinking in a world where technology is ever changing.