Computer Science Curriculum
Building digital confidence, computational thinking and problem-solving skills
Why study Computer Science?
What Computer Science develops
Student voice
“Computer Science helps me understand how technology works and gives me the skills to create my own solutions.”
Key Stage 3 Computer Science – Cycle Overview
Cycle 1
Year 7 – Using Computers Safely and Digital Literacy
Knowledge focus
Key skills
- Logging onto computer systems
- How to e-safe in school and online
- Essential skills in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
Links to prior learning
- New content
Assessment
- Self-assessment each lesson
- Peer-assessment SAP1
- End of topic assessment – SAP2
Key Vocabulary
- Username
- Password
- Network
- Cyberbullying
- Phishing
- Fonts
- Colours
- Images
Year 8 – Understanding Computer Systems
Knowledge focus
Key skills
- The different elements of a computer system, including key components
- The difference between hardware and software
Links to prior learning
- Cycle 1
Assessment
- Self-assessment each lesson
- Peer-assessment SAP1
- End of topic
Key Vocabulary
- Hardware
- Software
- CPU
- RAM
- ROM
- Memory
Year 9 – Scratch Game Development
Knowledge focus
Key skills
- Designing algorithms
- Abstraction and decomposition
- Designing and creating a game
Links to prior learning
- KS2 Scratch Programming
Assessment
- Self-assessment each lesson
- Peer-assessment SAP1
- End of topic
Key Vocabulary
- Variable
- Input
- Output
- Sprite
- Movement
- Sensing
Cycle 2
Year 7 – Introduction to Digital Graphics Skills
Knowledge focus
Key skills
- Image colourisation
- Layers
- Text masks
- Image correction
- Zoo Marketing Tool
Links to prior learning
- New content
Assessment
- Self-assessment each lesson
- Peer-assessment SAP1
- End of topic
Key Vocabulary
- Layers
- Masks
- Colourisation
- Correction
- Graphics
Year 8 – Introduction to Python Programming
Knowledge focus
Key skills
- Python
- Input
- Output
- Variables
- Sequence, selection and iteration
- Algorithm design and creation
Links to prior learning
- Year 7 – Cycle 3
Assessment
- Self-assessment each lesson
- Peer-assessment SAP1
- End of topic
Key Vocabulary
- Algorithm
- Variable
- Input
- Output
- Sequence
- Selection
- Iteration
Year 9 – How Computers Work
Knowledge focus
Key skills
- CPU
- Binary
- ROM and RAM
- Secondary storage
- Networked computers
- Currys Website Tool
Links to prior learning
- Year 7 – Cycle 2
Assessment
- Self-assessment each lesson
- Peer-assessment SAP1
- End of topic
Key Vocabulary
- Hardware
- Software
- CPU
- RAM
- ROM
- Memory
- Optical
- Magnetic
- Solid State
Cycle 3
Year 7 – Python Coding and Computational Thinking
Knowledge focus
Key skills
- Advanced Python
- Turtle Graphics
- Creating algorithms
- Drawing shapes on screen
Links to prior learning
- Year 8 Cycle 2
Assessment
- Self-assessment each lesson
- Peer-assessment SAP1
- End of topic
Key Vocabulary
- Algorithm
- Variable
- Input
- Output
- Sequence
- Selection
- Iteration
Year 8 – Digital Graphics Design
Knowledge focus
Key skills
- Client brief
- Visualisations
- Mood boards
- Logo analysis and design
- Digital Kiosk
Links to prior learning
- Year 8 – Cycle 1
Assessment
- Self-assessment each lesson
- Peer-assessment SAP1
- End of topic
Key Vocabulary
- Client brief
- Visualisation
- Mood board
- Logo
- Design
Year 9 – Modelling and Website Development
Knowledge focus
Key skills
- Planning digital products
- Website development
- Applying modelling skills
Links to prior learning
- Earlier KS3 computing and digital design units
Assessment
- Self-assessment each lesson
- Peer-assessment SAP1
- End of topic
Key Vocabulary
- Website
- Development
- Modelling
- Design
- Planning
Key Stage 4 Computer Science – Cycle Overview
Cycle 1
Year 10
Knowledge focus
- Boolean Logic
- Algorithm Design
- Programming Fundamentals
- Ethical and Legal
- Programming Techniques
Key skills
- Completing truth tables
- Creating algorithms using input, variables and outputs
- Understanding legal and ethical considerations related to Computer Science
Links to prior learning
- KS2
- Scratch programming in Year 7
- KS3 Python modules in Years 8 and 9
Assessment
- In lesson assessment practice
- Regular topic assessments
- Mock assessment
Key Vocabulary
- Mathematical operators
- Boolean operators
- Data Types
- Sequence
- Selection
- Iteration
Year 11
Knowledge focus
- Wired and Wireless Networks
- Network Topologies
- Network Security
- Designing Robust Programs
Key skills
- Creating algorithms to solve problems
- Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of using computer networks
- Understanding the difference between wired and wireless networks
Links to prior learning
- Year 10 programming skills and topics
Assessment
- In lesson assessment practice
- Regular topic assessments
- 2x full paper mock assessments
Key Vocabulary
- Star topology
- Mesh topology
- Partial mesh topology
- Standalone
- Networked computer
Cycle 2
Year 10
Knowledge focus
- Data Storage
- Systems Architecture
- Memory and Storage
- Programming Practice
Key skills
- Creating algorithms
- Recall and application of knowledge in exam questions
Links to prior learning
- KS2 Scratch programming in Year 7
- KS3 Python modules in Years 8 and 9
Assessment
- In lesson assessment practice
- Regular topic assessments
- Mock assessment
Key Vocabulary
- Data storage
- Architecture
- Memory
- Storage
- Programming
Year 11
Knowledge focus
- Systems Software
- Programming Languages and IDEs
- Programming Practice
- Final Exam Preparation
Key skills
- Creating algorithms
- Recall and application of knowledge in exam questions
Links to prior learning
- Year 10 programming skills and topics
Assessment
- In lesson assessment practice
- Regular topic assessments
- 2x full paper mock assessments
Key Vocabulary
- System software
- IDE
- Language
- Programming
- Preparation
Cycle 3
Year 10
Knowledge focus
- Memory and Storage
- Programming Practice
Key skills
- Creating algorithms
- Recall and application of knowledge in exam questions
Links to prior learning
- KS2
- Scratch programming in Year 7
- KS3 Python modules in Years 8 and 9
Assessment
- In lesson assessment practice
- Regular topic assessments
- Mock assessment
Key Vocabulary
- Memory
- Storage
- Programming
- Algorithm
Year 11
Knowledge focus
- Final Exam Preparation
Key skills
- Creating algorithms
- Recall and application of knowledge in exam questions
Links to prior learning
- Year 10 programming skills and topics
Assessment
- In lesson assessment practice
- Regular topic assessments
- Mock assessment
Key Vocabulary
- Revision
- Algorithm
- Programming
- Exam technique