Year 7

In Year 7, students will dive into the fundamental aspects of Information Technology, which are crucial for their digital development. They will explore the following key areas:

• How to research and discover information effectively
• Cultivating creative ideas and bringing them to life
• Sharing and communicating information with responsibility
• Continuously improving and evaluating their work as they progress

Topics covered include understanding the school network, using computers safely and responsibly, mastering basic spreadsheet skills in a playful "spy school" setting, comprehending the inner workings of computers, taking initial steps in programming with Small Basic, honing their computer thinking abilities, and even creating their first computer game.

Year 8

In Year 8, students will further their Information Technology skills and knowledge. They will continue to build on the foundational elements:

 

• Effective research and information gathering
• Developing innovative ideas and transforming them into reality
• Sharing and exchanging information thoughtfully
• Adapting, refining, and assessing their work as it evolves

 

Topics for this year will include delving into the world of computer crime and cyber security, gaining insights into website development using HTML and CSS, starting their journey in coding with Python, exploring network topology, enhancing spreadsheet modelling skills, and venturing into physical computing projects.

Year 9

As students progress to Year 9, they will continue to enhance their Information Technology proficiency with an emphasis on the essentials:

 

• Conducting efficient research and finding information
• Cultivating creative ideas and turning them into actionable projects
• Sharing information with peers and the wider community
• Continuously reviewing, modifying, and evaluating their work as it evolves

 

Topics in Year 9 will cover a range of areas, including deepening their understanding of computers, honing their modelling skills with Small Basic, furthering their Python programming skills, exploring animation using Blender, and investigating the world of mobile apps.

 

Year 10 and 11

In Year 10 and 11, students will embark on a more advanced journey in Computer Science, with a focus on OCR GCSE in Computer Science. This will prepare them for their future studies and career choices in the field.

J277/01: Computer systems This component will assess:   

1.1 Systems architecture

1.2 Memory and storage

1.3 Computer  networks, connections and protocols

1.4 Network security

1.5 Systems software

1.6 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology

 

J277/02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming This component will assess:

2.1 Algorithms

2.2 Programming fundamentals

2.3 Producing robust programs

2.4 Boolean logic

2.5 Programming languages and Integrated Development   Environments 

Year 12 and 13

As students reach Year 12 and 13, they will delve deeper into the field of Information Technology, gaining advanced knowledge and skills to prepare them for higher education or their chosen career paths. This will involve OCR A Level in Computer Science. Content of the course is:

• The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
• Software and software development
• Exchanging data
• Data types, data structures and algorithms
• Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues
• Elements of computational thinking
• Problem solving and programming

 

Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms The learner will choose a computing problem to work through according to the guidance in the specification.

• Analysis of the problem
• Design of the solution
• Developing the solution
• Evaluation