The year 7 Computer Science course aims to bridge the gap between KS2 and KS3. The students will be introduced to a number of important concepts ranging from E-Safety to understanding how a computer works and how networks can be used to connect them together. We develop their KS2 programming skills by introducing them to some basic programming early in the year, then later looking at ways of thinking computationally and then moving to text programming using Small Basic.
Students will build upon their knowledge from Year 7 by looking at some of the modern implications of technology usage with respects to cyber-security and AI. They will learn how to use different graphical packages to produce professional-standard images. We also pull back the curtain and look at how computers work on a fundamental level through the use of Binary Code. Their programming skills are really pushed as they are challenged with their first fully-fledged programming language: the popular industry-standard Python. They will learn basic Python programming and then be introduced to more complex concepts at the end of the year.
Looking towards the possibility of Computer Science GCSE, students learn about the wide variety of opportunities that a career in Computer Science could offer them. They will continue to increase their knowledge of Python as they learn more advanced programming skills. Finally students evaluate the implications of using technology in the real world as they learn about the legal, environmental and ethical implications of Computing.
Students will learn about the fundamentals of programming during year one of the course. Here, they will be reintroduced to the concept of algorithms and their importance in computer systems and programming. As well as understanding and writing algorithms, students will learn the basic and some more advanced features of Python.
Students will return to, and deepen their knowledge of all the key concepts of computer systems and programming. The third year of the course is a real opportunity to review all content covered in the previous two years and become exam ready.
Year 1: The first year of the DIT course will introduce the students to the specification and the 3 main components that make up their final grade. Students will understand what a user interface is, the many different versions that exist and their design principles, how they help different users and then use this knowledge to help them plan and create a Graphical User Interface for a given case study.
Year 2: The second year of the DIT course will introduce the students to the idea of business data and data modeling. Students will understand the difference between data and knowledge, how data is collated and then interpreted using spreadsheet software. They will then use this knowledge to manipulate data and create a dashboard using spreadsheet software and its many tools. Students will also learn the importance of data backup and security as well as the many forms of communication, business management and collaboration software that are available and its many benefits and potential drawbacks. Additionally, students will spend time preparing for their final examination