Key Stage 3 Curriculum Summary
Our KS3 Computer Science curriculum aims to teach students a range of skills and knowledge of the use of computers. The curriculum has come away from learning how to use applications such as Word, Powerpoint and Excel and instead, there is a heavy focus on the way computers work. Content such as programming, networks and data is taught to get students thinking about how they can apply these skills to a range of careers as the computing sector is rapidly developing with many paths in which it can be used.
There are 4 topics in KS3 which are taught at different levels depending on the year group. Students are assessed mid-year and at the end of the year using GCSE style questions and they are marked using the GCSE grade boundaries. Below is a summary of the topics and what is involved throughout KS3:
|
KS3 Topics and content
|
|
Topic
|
Content
|
|
Data
|
How computers represent text, images and sound and be able to perform binary calculations.
|
|
Hardware
|
The difference between hardware and software with an in depth look into how computer components function.
|
|
Internet
|
Students will learn how to build basic webpages as well as understand how computer networks work and the hardware, models and protocols involved in networks. E-safety is also taught in this tiopic.
|
|
Programming and algorithms
|
Students learn how to program using a text based language (Python). They also understand how to break problems down and write solutions using algorithms.
|
Key Stage 4
Information on the Key Stage 4 course is available on Page 16 of the Options Booklet, please click here to download >>>
Key Stage 5
Sixth Form course is available from the Sixth Form page, click here >>>