Computing
2024/2025 Teaching staff: Mr S Pugh, Mr N Tunstill, Mr E Dornfield and Mr C Scott.
Follow us on twitter @OakwoodCompSci
Oakwood School – Curriculum Overview
Download the Pathway Doctument below:
Head of Computer Science | Mr Steve Pugh Contact for more details of Computer Science curriculum |
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Oakwood School – Curriculum Overview
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| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | Rationale |
Year 7 | Topic Area/Key Question
| Introduction and e-Safety | Binary/ Animation (Xmas lesson) | People and Ciphers | Spreadsheets | Flowcharts | Software, Hardware & Networking |
We start with e-Safety, as this is paramount. Other topics are built from the National Curriculum Program of Study. Computing is a very wide-ranging subject that travels from abstraction and modelling, through algorithmic thinking and programming, Boolean logic and representation of data, instructions, graphics, sound and text in binary, hardware, software and networking, to graphics, creating digital artefacts for end users and understanding the law and safety concerns. Our Key Stage 3 curriculum covers all of these themes in detail and in a way that is fun and engaging. In addition, we cover some of the history of computing, celebrating the women and men who breathed life into this technology. The Year 7 topics build basic skills that are revisited, such as layout, design, animation, data handling and algorithmic and logical thinking alongside the topic content.
You will note that there are units with themes that are repeated in each year during the Key Stage: - Data Handling - Programming/ algorithms - e-Safety - Creating digital artefacts
Each year builds towards our three-subject offer at KS4: - Computer Science (CS) - Creative i-Media - Vocational ICT
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Content covered
| Lesson 1 Hierarchical Folder Structures Lesson 2 Staying Safe Online Lesson 3 Caught in the Web - Cyberbullying Lesson 4-5 SMART with a Heart Lesson 6 Digital Footprint Final Outcomes Identify dangers and risks online and know what to do. Explain the effects of Cyberbullying and know where to get help if needed. Understand our Digital Footprint and reflect critically on sharing data. | Week 1 – Binary Numbers, Binary to Denary Week 2 – Denary to Binary, Binary Addition Week 3 – Binary to ASCII Week 4 – Representation of Images Week 5 – Assessment and marking Final Outcomes Conversion of Binary to Denary Conversion of Binary to ASCII Conversion of Binary to Graphics Assessment grade A working Animation | Development of computers through code breaking. Hypertext and the beginnings of the web. How Babbage made a machine to calculate. How Lovelace was the first computer programmer. Algorithms in simple problems. | Formulae and Functions. Sorting, Charts, Formatting. Modelling, Conditions and Conditional Formatting Drop downs and Lists. Final Outcomes A number of completed spreadsheets, A working model
| Computer Control, Sensors, Algorithms and Flowcharts, Subroutines Branching Conditional logic Final Outcomes A number of completed flowcharts, A complex, efficient flowchart for a greenhouse with subroutines | CPU structure, Build a computer, Hardware and peripherals, properties and capacity Input/ Output Systems Software, Utility software, Applications How networks work and are built, hardware involved
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Assessment
| Self-Assessment: File and Folder structure only. | Levelled Learning outcomes Peer assessment of work with feedback Individual discussions with students | Self-Assessment (moderated) alongside a practical assessment (marked) | Self-Assessment (moderated) alongside a practical assessment (marked) | Written Assessment (marked) | Self-Assessment (moderated) | ||
Literacy focus
| Keywords & definitions given, referred to, tested. Group/paired discussion/questions. Plans using pencil and annotations is pen. Learning Outcomes clearly displayed every lesson for each level. Digital Literacy | Keywords & definitions given, displayed, referred to, tested. Group/paired discussion/questions. Learning Outcomes clearly displayed every lesson for each level. | Keywords: Encryption, Decryption, Encode, Decode, Cipher WWW, Internet, Hypertext, Browser, Prototype Bubble sort, loops, theorise, Difference Engine | Keywords around spreadsheets and data handling | Flowchart symbol names Control, Sensor names, Algorithmic language (branching, logic, IF etc) | Keywords: Case, keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, CPU, Cache, RAM, ROM, HDD, SSD, USB stick, Storage, Motherboard, Network Cable, Switch, Hub, Router | ||
Opportunities (links to careers/EDI/PSHCE)
| Graphics/Art: layout design PSHE: Bullying, e-Safety, Phishing, ID theft, Legality, Grooming 8Cs: Compassion | Maths: Binary, Denary, Conversion into and from denary, Addition in binary Art: Pixels, old photos, graphical representation
| Numeracy: Logic with ciphers and codes Moving three to the left/right Codes used to encode letters and symbols History: history of computing, women in computing, history of the invention of the hyperlink and the web EDI: historical differences in gay rights and education for women and men Careers: GCHQ | Maths/Numeracy: Functions, graphical representation of data, logic, +-*/. Careers: Data handler, Systems Analyst, Systems Architect | Numeracy: Flowcharts, logic, +-*/. Mathematical comparison Careers: Programmer | Numeracy: Capacity and Memory, Speeds, Comparison, Prices Careers: Network engineer | ||
National Curriculum links / GCSE connections | “Understand a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, including protecting their online identity and privacy; recognise inappropriate content, contact and conduct, and know how to report concerns” | Direct Preparation for CS at KS4 “Understand how numbers can be represented in binary, and be able to carry out simple operations on binary numbers [for example, binary addition, and conversion between binary and decimal]” “create, re-use, revise and re-purpose digital artefacts for a given audience, with attention to trustworthiness, design and usability” | Direct Preparation for CS at KS4 “Understand several key algorithms that reflect computational thinking [for example, algorithms for sorting and searching]; use logical reasoning to compare the utility of alternative algorithms for the same problem” | Direct Preparation for Vocational ICT at KS4 “design, use and evaluate computational abstractions that model the state and behaviour of real-world problems and physical systems” “including collecting and analysing data and meeting the needs of known users” | Direct Preparation for CS at KS4 “design, use and evaluate computational abstractions that model the state and behaviour of real-world problems and physical systems”
| Direct Preparation for CS and Vocational ICT at KS4. “understand the hardware and software components that make up computer systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems” |
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| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | Rationale |
Year 8 | Topic Area/Key Question
| Multimedia | Cybersecurity | Micro:Bit Programming | Logic Gates | Murder Most Horrid - Databases | Connected World – e-Safety |
We move into Year 8 with topics set at a more challenging level. Programming now comes with a language to learn (block code) and Cybersecurity is not just about keeping your own data secure as in Year 7 but moving on to the wider world of business security. Multimedia is focussed not on the digital artifact that we want to develop but carefully tied to a client’s requirements. Databases are introduced to cover data handling in preparation for Vocational ICT at KS4. The PSHCE unit was introduced in response to a school-wide need to focus on Year 8 e-Safety education around phones and social media. It was developed hand-in-hand with the head of PSHCE to ensure coverage of the ”Connected World” UKCIS research across both departments.
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Content covered
| Wk1: Give client brief; discuss navigation; draw one page design; Wk2: Start home page; Show master slide; navigation Wk3: gain assets - images, sounds, music Wk4&5: work on slides Wk6: Verbally Peer assess and improve Skills and Knowledge Templating Navigation and link building Adding visual and audio effects to assets and links Consistency and House style | Lesson 1: You and your data (data control, privacy) Lesson 2: Social engineering: people as the weak point, scams, phishing Lesson 3: Script kiddies: Hackers, ethics, brute force, DDoS, CMA. Lesson 4: Rise of the bots: malware Lesson 5: There’s no place like 127.0.0.1: cyberthreats & defense. Lesson 6: Under Attack: Scenario-based assessment building strategy, budgeting and reflection | Wk1: Hello World Wk2: Digital Dice Wk3: Compass Wk4: Pong Wk5: Python Wk6: 7 Seconds Wk7: Assessment Skills and Knowledge Coding, Compiling, Flashing Decomposition and Abstraction Higher/Lower-Level languages/Machine code Hex files Variables Plotting Coordinates Condition/Selection AND, OR, NOT Syntax of programming Debugging Maths: comparison, greater than, equal to | Week 1: AND OR NOT gates Week 2: Combining Logic Gates Week3: Truth tables
| Unit still in development; Tables, Queries, Forms, Reports Import data sheets, data error checking | Wk1: Self-image and identity: formatting Wk2: Online reputation and Digital Footprint - shapes Wk3: Online Bullying & Pressure - infographic Wk4: Managing online content: deep fake, echo chamber, reliability - bullets Wk5: Privacy and Security, ©, CCL and plagiarism: tables Wk6: Assessment: both WP and knowledge Skills and Knowledge Word Processing: Text formatting/Styles Image formatting Hdr/Ftr & TOC – Doc management Infographic/Smart Art/Layout/Text Boxes Shapes/Layers/Text Direction Bullets/Hierarchy Handling Tables e-Safety: Online identity, Online reputation and Digital Footprint Online Bullying and Pressure
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Assessment
| Self-Assessment (moderated) of final piece with time for upgrades | Written summative assessment (peer marked and moderated) | Self-Assessment (moderated) of final piece with time for upgrades | Written summative assessment (peer marked and moderated) | Self-Assessment (moderated) of database with time for upgrades | Self-Assessment Sheet - Teacher to moderate | ||
Literacy focus
| Digital Literacy of research and copyright, intellectual property rights Keywords Navigation; hyperlinks, consistency, house style, client brief Spelling Grammar Advertising language | Search terms, Writing styles: Risk Report Explain to friends
| Algorithmic thinking Logical thinking Keywords: Accelerometer, bearing, compile, flash, variable, coordinates, selection, syntax, input, output, LED, decomposition, abstraction, comparison | Digital Literacy Keywords: Logic, Logic Circuit, | Keyword Poster will be displayed in classroom. Tables, Queries, Forms, Reports | Keyword poster will be displayed. Digital Literacy Self-image Online Identity Digital Footprint Curate Cyberbullying Peer Pressure Deepfake Echo Chamber Oversharing Confirmation Bias Copyright Creative Commons Plagiarism Styles & Formatting Table of Contents Header Footer Infographic SmartArt Reliability
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Opportunities (links to careers/EDI/PSHCE)
| Art; Graphics; Media | Education for a Connected World (Y9 Project) links Careers: Security Analyst, Penetration Tester, GCHQ, Cryptographers, Security Architect
| Maths: comparison, greater than, equal to, Logic, counters, co-ordinates, X/Y axes, comparison Numeracy: Sorting Data Ascending/Descending Boolean Searches/And Or Not Greater/Less than/Dates/milliseconds Careers: Software Engineer | Maths: Logic | Careers: Data analyst, Database designer, Enterprise Architect
| PSHCE: the entire unit is directly linked with the PSHCE curriculum at Oakwood and has been developed with the PSHCE department. | ||
National Curriculum links / GCSE connections | Direct preparation for Creative iMedia at KS4 “undertake creative projects that involve selecting, using, and combining multiple applications, preferably across a range of devices, to achieve challenging goals, ~~ and meeting the needs of known users.” “create, re-use, revise and re-purpose digital artefacts for a given audience, with attention to trustworthiness, design and usability” | Direct preparation for CS GCSE. “Understand a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly, and securely, including protecting their online identity and privacy; recognise inappropriate content, contact, and conduct, and know how to report concerns” | Direct preparation for CS GCSE. “use two or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual, to solve a variety of computational problems; make appropriate use of data structures [for example, lists, tables or arrays]; design and develop modular programs that use procedures or functions” “understand simple Boolean logic [for example, AND, OR and NOT] and some of its uses in circuits and programming” | Direct preparation for CS GCSE. “understand simple Boolean logic [for example, AND, OR and NOT] and some of its uses in circuits and programming” | Direct preparation for Vocational ICT. “undertake creative projects that involve selecting, using, and combining multiple applications, preferably across a range of devices, to achieve challenging goals, including collecting and analysing data and meeting the needs of known users” | PSHCE has no specific POS. “understand a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, including protecting their online identity and privacy; recognise inappropriate content, contact and conduct and know how to report concerns.” |
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| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | Rationale |
Year 9 | Topic Area/Key Question
| Python | Graphics | Hardware, Software, Networks | Life After Oakwood | Animation | Developing for the Web |
Year 9 is a crucial year for making informed choices. Each of the units is chosen to give students a challenging flavour of what the 3 different subjects are like at KS4. We repeat H, S & N in Year 9 as the lesson content is in much greater depth here and more closely presages KS4 content. We have included web design as this is a regular request from both students and parents. This is the first year that we have been able to offer animation and web design as we now have increased curriculum time KS3.
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Content covered
| Wk1: Functions: Input/Print Wk2: Data Types Wk3: Conditions/Selection Wk4: Loops Wk5: Defining Function Wk6: Extension Tasks Final Outcomes Multiple copied programs Programs show own creativity New programs created to give a solution to a given problem New programs created to give a solution to own problem | Wk1: Photopea Skills Session Wk2: Client Brief, Bad & Good Advert, HS, write Success Criteria, Wk3: Create advert; BG, Text Wk4: Create advert; Use PS skills, extra: blend Wk5: Create advert; peer assessment, finished or not Wk6: Create advert; Finish, print and display. Final Outcomes A Specification document that guides the project A logo that is appropriate for the purpose and target audience An A4, 72dpi graphic advertisement that is appropriate for purpose and TA | This unit is still in development: Hardware: CPU (von Neumann), cache, registers, data storage, I/O and peripherals, Design a PC. Software: OS with options like mouse, speaker, drivers, utilities; updates; off the peg/bespoke, apps for your phone. Security Software; use case scenarios Networking/Internet: Star/Mesh; WAN LAN, Router/WAP/Hub/Switch, cabling, WiFi, URLs, HTTP/S, Browser, HTML/CSS | L1&2: Tax and NI Job role on Unifrog Complete a template spreadsheet Input Salary Calculate Monthly take home pay L3: Monthly expenditure Lifestyle choices Understanding Rent/Mortgage Entertainment Utilities Car expenses Savings Budgeting Calculate disposable income L4&5: Infographic types Data transfer to other programs Layout, icons, colour schemes, using templates. Final Outcomes A working spreadsheet that can calculate monthly income, budget monthly outgoings and disposable income An appropriate and engaging Infographic that describes their future career and finances
| L1: Move, rotate, scale, colour L2: Animation, names, parenting L3: Complex models and colours L4: Organic modelling L5: Lights, camera, render L6: Project: Create a 3–10 second animation and render it.
| L1: Website building blocks: HTML, tags, web page structure (head, body) L2: Words are not enough – image display L3: Taking shortcuts: CSS, Stylesheets L4: Searching the web: Search engines L5: Tightening the web: Improving searches L6: Navigating the web: hyperlinks, multipage sites, hierarchy, implementing navigation to a functioning website and assessment. | ||
Assessment
| Programs will be summatively assessed. Peer assessment of programs for feedback and improvement cycle | Peer assessment of adverts for formative feedback and improvement cycle Adverts will be summatively assessed into 1-9 mark-bands | Self-Assessment (moderated) alongside a practical assessment (marked) | Products will be summatively assessed. Peer assessment of infographics for feedback and improvement cycle | Sts will self-assess against a set of skills, and ask a peer to assess their work when it is completed. | Summative assessment of website build & Multiple Choice Test | ||
Literacy focus
| Logical reasoning discussed with partners. Keywords displayed: Function, Variable, Integer, String, Condition, Selection, While Loop, For Loop. | Digital Literacy of research and copyright, intellectual property rights, Text vs. Image importance, Text recognition psychology, Keywords displayed in rooms Spelling Grammar in Advertising Language and Project planning: Success Criteria | Keywords displayed: Case, keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, CPU, Cache, RAM, ROM, HDD, SSD, USB stick, Storage, Motherboard, Network Cable, Switch, Hub, Router PC design advantages and disadvantages debated | Keywords: Salary/wages Tax/NI Monthly income Gross/Net Monthly Outgoings Future finances Take home pay Disposable Income Infographic, Formulae Functions
| Keywords: Scale, Rotate, texturing, parenting, render, keyframes, tweening, stop motion, loop cut, face editing, proportional editing, modelling, subdivision, lighting, camera angle, ray tracing.
| Keywords: HTML, tags, hyperlinks, hierarchy, online, offline, upload, download, ftp, navigation, CSS, Stylesheets search parameters, search ranking algorithms, crawl, index | ||
Opportunities (links to careers/EDI/PSHCE)
| Maths/Numeracy: Addition, Subtraction, Division, Multiplication, Picking from a Numbered Text List, 0-4 computer numbering Careers: Coder, Software Developer | Art, Design Tech, Graphics, Media Careers: Graphic Designer, Multimedia Product Designer | Numeracy: Capacity and Memory, Speeds, Comparison, Prices Careers: Network engineer | Careers: Unifrog features heavily in this unit. It is a good opportunity for students to revisit the site and to use the information they find there. | Numeracy: Frame numbering, Frames per second vs smoothness, timing of frames to meet FPS choices Careers: Animator
| Careers: Web designer, Web coder | ||
National Curriculum links / GCSE connections | Direct preparation for CS GCSE. “Use 2 or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual, to solve a variety of computational problems; make appropriate use of data structures [for example, lists, tables or arrays]; design and develop modular programs that use procedures or functions. Understand simple Boolean logic [for example, AND, OR and NOT].” | Direct Preparation for Creative iMedia at KS4 “Undertake creative projects that involve selecting, using, and combining multiple apps, preferably across a range of devices, to achieve challenging goals, including collecting and analysing data and meeting the needs of known users” | Direct Preparation for CS and Vocational ICT at KS4. “understand the hardware and software components that make up computer systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems” | Direct Preparation for CS and Vocational ICT at KS4. Citizenship: “the functions and uses of money, the importance and practice of budgeting, and managing risk.” Computing: “Undertake creative projects that involve selecting, using, and combining multiple applications, preferably across a range of devices, to achieve challenging goals, including collecting and analysing data and meeting the needs of known users. Create, re-use, revise and re-purpose digital artefacts for a given audience, with attention to trustworthiness, design and usability. | Direct Preparation for Creative iMedia at KS4 “Create, reuse, revise, and repurpose digital artefacts for a given audience, with attention to trustworthiness, design, and usability” | “Create, reuse, revise, and repurpose digital artefacts for a given audience, with attention to trustworthiness, design, and usability.” “use two or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual, to solve a variety of computational problems;” |
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| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | Rationale | |
Year 10 Computer Science GCSE | Topic Area/Key Question Unit 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming
Unit 1: Computer Systems | 2.1 Algorithms | 2.2 Programming Fundamentals | 2.3 Producing Robust Programs 2.4 Boolean logic
| 2.5 programming languages and IDEs
Unit 2 Mini-Mock | 1.1 Systems Architecture
1.6 Ethical Legal, Cultural & Environmental Impacts of Digital Technology | 1.5 Systems Software
1.4 Network Security
| GCSE Computer Science leads on nicely from a number of the main strands of KS3 Computing including: hardware, software and networking, Boolean logic, abstractions and modelling, algorithmic thinking, developing programs with procedures and functions, Binary representation and using technology safely. It prepares students whose interest lies in how computers work for the world behind games, social media platforms and websites.
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Content covered | 2.1.1 Computational Thinking 2.1.2 Designing, creating and refining algorithms 2.1.3 Searching and sorting algorithms | 2.2.1 Programming fundamentals 2.2.2 Data Types 2.2.3 Additional Programming Techniques | 2.3.1 Defensive design 2.3.2 Testing 2.4.1 Boolean Logic
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Assessment
| Every unit has an end of Unit test which tests the current unit and brings in questions from all the previous units. These assessments are graded against exam boundaries and a grade is produced per test. Parents are informed where there is underperformance. Students are also required, before each test, to complete Revision Cards to help them prepare for terminal examinations. These also help them look back over previous learning ready for each test. This means that they will have reviewed their learning a good number of times and over longer and longer gaps before the actual mocks and exams. Year 10 includes a mock exam near the end of Summer Term. This is marked and returned to students with a full breakdown of area of strength and areas for development and linked to revision RAG sheets, | ||||||||
Literacy focus
| Keywords: Computational Thinking, Abstraction, Decomposition, Algorithmic thinking, inputs, processes, and outputs, structure diagrams, Pseudocode, Flowcharts , Reference language/high-level programming language, trace tables, Binary Search, Linear Search, Bubble sort, Merge Sort, Insertion Sort | Keywords: Variables, Constants, Operators, Inputs, Outputs, Assignments, Programming constructs, Sequence, Selection, Iteration (count and condition-controlled loops), arithmetic and Boolean operators:, Data Types, Integer, Real/Float, Boolean, Character and String, Casting, String manipulation, File handling operations:, Open, Read, Write, Close, Records, SQL, One dimensional and two-dimensional arrays, Lists, Subprograms, Random number generation | Keywords: Defensive design, Anticipating misuse, Authentication , Input validation, Maintainability, Use of sub programs, Naming conventions, Indentation, Commenting , Testing, Iterative, Final/terminal, Syntax and logic errors, Test data, Normal, Boundary, Invalid, Erroneous, Refining algorithms, Boolean Logic, Logical operators:, AND, OR, NOT, Truth tables, |
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Opportunities (links to careers/EDI/PSHCE)
| “All pupils must have the opportunity to study aspects of information technology and computer science at sufficient depth to allow them to progress to higher levels of study or to a professional career. All pupils should be taught to: Develop their capability, creativity and knowledge in computer science, digital media and information technology Develop and apply their analytic, problem-solving, design, and computational thinking skills Understand how changes in technology affect safety, including new ways to protect their online privacy and identity, and how to identify and report a range of concerns.”
Leads to KS5 A Level CS, Cambridge Technicals IT level 3; University, Employment or Apprenticeships at L3 or Higher. | ||||||||
Links to GCSE syllabus /AO | Leads to KS5 A Level CS, Cambridge Technicals IT level 3; University, Employment or Apprenticeships at L3 or Higher. | ||||||||
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| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | Rationale |
Year 11 Computer Science GCSE | Topic Area/Key Question: Unit 1 Computer Systems
| 1.2 Memory and Storage | 1.3 Computer Networks, Connections and Protocols Mock Paper 2 | 1.3 Computer Networks, Connections and Protocols | Revision
Unit 1& 2 Mocks | Revision | Final Exams for both Unit 1 and Unit 2 |
See Above
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Content covered
| 1.2.1 Primary Storage (Memory) 1.2.2 Secondary Storage 1.2.3 Units 1.2.4 Data Storage 1.2.5 Compression | 1.3.1 Networks and Topologies
| 1.3.2 Wires and Wireless Networks, Protocols and Layers | Overview of both Papers / Command Words, Revision techniques, Exam techniques Practice Papers | Overview of both Papers / Command Words, Revision techniques, Exam techniques Practice Papers |
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Assessment
| Every unit has an end of Unit test which tests the current unit and brings in questions from all the previous units. These assessments are graded against exam boundaries and a grade is produced per test. Parents are informed where there is underperformance. Students are also required, before each test, to complete Revision Cards to help them prepare for terminal examinations. These also help them look back over previous learning ready for each test. This means that they will have reviewed their learning a good number of times and over longer and longer gaps before the actual mocks and exams. Year 11 includes three mock exams: Unit 2 in November to refresh Year 10 learning, Unit 2 (easy questions) in January to support lower ability students and to encourage all students that the programming exam is not to be feared(!) and Units 1& 2 full mock near the end of Spring Term. This is marked and returned to students with a full breakdown of area of strength and areas for development and linked to revision RAG sheets, | |||||||
Literacy focus
| Keywords: Primary Storage, Memory, Secondary Storage, Units, Data Storage, Compression, RAM and ROM, Virtual Memory, Optical, Magnetic, Solid state, Storage media, Capacity, Speed, Portability, Durability, Reliability, Cost, Bit, Nibble, Byte, Kilobyte, Megabyte, Gigabyte, Terabyte, Petabyte, Binary conversion, data capacity calculation, denary to binary, binary addition, overflow, hexadecimal conversion, binary shifts, binary to represent characters, character set, ASCII, Unicode, pixels, Metadata, colour depth, resolution, sound sampling and storage, sample rate, duration, bit depth, playback quality, compression, Lossy, Lossless | Keywords: Networks, Topologies, LAN, WAN, Network performance, Client-server, Peer-to-peer, Stand-alone computer, | Keywords: Wireless access points, Routers, Switches, NIC, Transmission media, DNS (domain name server), Hosting, the cloud, Web servers and clients, Star and mesh network topologies, Wired- ethernet, Wireless- Wi-Fi, Wireless - Bluetooth, Encryption, IP addressing, MAC addressing, Network standards, Protocol, TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, POP, IMAP, SMTP, Network layers |
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Opportunities (links to careers/EDI/PSHCE) | CS prepares for careers in many areas of computing: Programmer, software engineer, security expert, penetration tester, white-hat hacker, network engineer and many other areas. | |||||||
Links to GCSE syllabus /AO | “All pupils must have the opportunity to study aspects of information technology and computer science at sufficient depth to allow them to progress to higher levels of study or to a professional career. All pupils should be taught to: Develop their capability, creativity and knowledge in computer science, digital media and information technology Develop and apply their analytic, problem-solving, design, and computational thinking skills Understand how changes in technology affect safety, including new ways to protect their online privacy and identity, and how to identify and report a range of concerns.”
Leads to KS5 A Level CS, Cambridge Technicals IT level 3; University, Employment or Apprenticeships at L3 or Higher. |
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| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | Rationale | |
Year 10 Vocational ICT | Topic Area/Key | Unit 1: ICT in Society | Unit 2 ICT in Context Digital Graphics and Spreadsheets |
Unit 1 allows learners to explore the wide range of uses of hardware, application and specialist software in society. Learners will investigate how information technology is used in a range of contexts, including business and organisations, education and home use of information technology.
Unit 2 introduces learners to a broad working knowledge of databases, spreadsheets, automated documents and images and enables learners to apply their knowledge and understanding to solve problems in vocational settings. | |||||
Content covered | This unit allows learners to explore the wide range of uses of hardware, application and specialist software in society. They will investigate how information technology is used in a range of contexts, including business and organisations, education and home use. 1.1 How IT can be used to fulfil the needs of organisations and individuals 1.2 How data and information is used and transferred 1.3 Legal, moral, ethical, cultural and environmental impacts of IT and the need for cybersecurity | · Planning and designing an image · Creating and modifying an image using appropriate tools and techniques · Storing the image appropriately and outputting the final image in a format that is fit for purpose | · Planning/designing a spreadsheet · Creating/formatting a spreadsheet · Formatting data and using suitable validation rules · Using formulae and functions to meet set outcomes · Using data to support decision making · Modifying data to make predictions · Test and evaluate spreadsheets | ||||||
Assessment
| Externally assessed through a 1hr 20min online written examination, worth 80 marks. Format: Questions requiring objective responses, short and extended answers, based around applied situations. Learners will be required to use stimulus material to respond to questions. This assessment contributes 40% to the overall qualification grade. | This unit is internally assessed through 40hrs of Controlled Assessment. Learners complete a series of set tasks as prescribed annually by WJEC. This assessment contributes 60% to the overall qualification grade | |||||||
Literacy focus
| Keywords and Concepts: Computing devices, Input devices, Output devices, Storage devices, Basic internal components, Ports, System software, Applications software, Utility software, Specialist software, Information handling software, Open-source software, Communication software, Smart tv, Image capture and manipulation, Webcam services, Social networking, E-commerce systems, Payroll, Modern mail handling methods, Control processes (feedback), Robotics and bionics, Artificial intelligence (ai) and expert systems, Online shopping and searching for products on websites, Booking online, Registration systems, Management information systems, Weather forecasting systems, Remote storage technologies, Online education and blended learning, Security systems, Accessibility, Virtual reality and augmented reality, 3d printing, Wearable technologies, Cloud computing, Disabled accessibility, Emerging technologies, Raw facts and figures, information is processed data, knowledge is derived from information by applying rules to it, encoding data, data access and storage, file types, data compression, file properties., data input checks, data capture methods, validation, verification, data transfers, LAN, WAN, Networks, protocols, network topologies, bus, star and ring, internet/extranet/intranet, potential threats to data transfer, packet sniffing, cloud computing vs in-house servers, emerging technologies., connectivity, connection methods, short range wireless connection (802.11 Bluetooth), near-field, communication (NFC), radio-frequency Identification (RFID), medium range wireless connection (3G/4G/5G), long range wireless connection (microwave, satellite), ethernet, USB, micro USB and USB C, cybersecurity, data loss, theft or manipulation, digital footprint, accidental damage, unintended disclosure, incorrectly assigned access levels, malicious software, viruses, worms, Trojan Horses, spyware, ransomware, DDoS, key logging, hacking (white, black and grey hat), social engineering, financial implications, competitor advantage, data manipulation, loss of service, loss of intellectual property, loss of reputation., authentication,, firewalls, anti-malware applications, password protection, encryption, physical protection including locks, biometrics, backup systems, security staff, security policies, disaster recovery, staff responsibilities, acceptable use policy, staff training, cookies and data collection, General data protection regulation (GDPR) 2018, Data Protection Act (Dpa) 1998, Computer Misuse Act 1990, Communications Act 2003, Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2016, Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, Health and safety legislation., employment patterns, retraining, working practices, collaboration, hot desking, teleworking, homeworking, videoconferencing, drones, green IT and non-green IT, e-waste, rare earth element mining, global production lines, the digital divide – local and global, social media including cyberbullying and Fake News, net neutrality, addiction, mental health, digital footprint, online identity, identity theft
| Keywords and Concepts: Database, Tables, relationships, forms, queries, reports, fields, primary and foreign keys, data types, field properties, validation rules, Minimising data redundancy, Field types, Primary key, Error messages, Key fields, Relationships, Import data, CSV file, Error-free, Interrogating, Criteria, Wildcard, Parameter, calculations, Fitness of purpose., User interfaces, Data entry forms, Purposes, User friendly, Visual basic (VB), Macros, Test plan, Valid, extreme and erroneous data, Spreadsheet, Worksheets, Formulae, Check box, drop-down lists, combo boxes, spinners, scroll bar, Print area, Navigation menu, Customise, Data formatting, Currency, Percentage, Decimal places, Conditional formatting, Date/time function, Drop-down lists, combo boxes, spinners, scroll bar, Validation checks, Range check, Type check, Presence check, Format check, Validation messages., Formulae, Functions, Operator (+, -, *,/ ), Brackets to prioritise calculation, Simple function, SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, MIN, RAND, COUNT, COUNTA, COUNTIF, INT/ MOD, Relative and absolute referencing, Complex functions, IF, NESTED IF, IF(OR), IF(AND), SUMIF, AVERAGEIF, VLOOKUP, COUNTIF, goal seek, pivot tables, Macros to link native function., Arranging data, reducing data and outputting data, Sorting, Filters, Legend, axis, label, Model 'what if' scenarios, Automated document, Merging, Data source, Salutation/valediction, Proofread, Add appropriate formatting and features: letterhead, watermark, auto-date, alignment, Justification,, Indexing, automatic fields, bullets, File types, png, tiff, jpeg, Scalability, Vector/raster, RGB/CMYK, Canvas size, Hybrid image, Select marquees, lassos, crop, group, rotate,, Distort, enlarge/shrink, magic wand, bring to front/send to back,, Brushes/pencil, adjust line thickness/style, simple lines, shapes,, Curves (freehand and auto), fill, Blur, blend, smudge, sharpen, colour mode, brightness, contrast,, Layers, merge layers, masking/mask layer, change alpha, cloning,, Background eraser, airbrush, gradient., Version control, Optimised format, | |||||||
Opportunities (links to careers/EDI/PSHCE)
| Jobs in ICT exist in a variety of contexts. However, there are key areas of knowledge that any ICT specialist will be required to know. This base knowledge allows them to provide the best service and advice possible for their clients and the industries they are working in. ICT usage is becoming increasingly widespread in day-to-day life, as people become progressively dependent on their digital devices. In 2018, Ofcom6 reported that 78% of UK adults owned a smartphone and 64% of adults described the internet as ‘an essential part of their life’. In the workplace, ICT is also vital for the smooth running of many everyday tasks as well as enabling organisations to operate in a more efficient manner. There are a number of key skills that employers look for which centre around understanding, and the practical ability to use, a range of computer programmes, software and other applications. PSHCE: there is a unit with a deeper look into the legislation and the threats to our personal life/data/well-being and our online safety. | ||||||||
Links to GCSE syllabus /AO | Leads to KS5 A Level CS, Cambridge Technicals IT level 3; University, Employment or Apprenticeships at L3 or Higher. | ||||||||
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| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | Rationale | |
Year 11Vocational ICT | Topic Area/Key | Unit 2 Spreadsheets | Unit 2 Databases | Unit 2 Automated Docs | Unit 2 Controlled Assessment | Unit 1 Revision |
Unit 1 allows learners to explore the wide range of uses of hardware, application and specialist software in society. Learners will investigate how information technology is used in a range of contexts, including business and organisations, education and home use of information technology.
Unit 2 introduces learners to a broad working knowledge of databases, spreadsheets, automated documents and images and enables learners to apply their knowledge and understanding to solve problems in vocational settings. | ||
Content covered | · Planning/designing a spreadsheet · Creating/formatting a spreadsheet · Formatting data and using suitable validation rules · Using formulae and functions to meet set outcomes · Using data to support decision making · Modifying data to make predictions · Test and evaluate spreadsheets | · Planning/designing a database · Creating/modifying a database · Interrogating a database · Creating User Interfaces · Testing and evaluating a database | · Planning/designing an automated document · Creating an effectively structured data source and linking this to a standard document · Structuring the content of the document master and inserting fields · Merging and outputting final documents |
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Assessment
| This unit is internally assessed through 40hrs of Controlled Assessment. Learners complete a series of set tasks as prescribed annually by WJEC. This assessment contributes 60% to the overall qualification grade | ||||||||
Literacy focus
| Keywords and Concepts: Database, Tables, relationships, forms, queries, reports, fields, primary and foreign keys, data types, field properties, validation rules, Minimising data redundancy, Field types, Primary key, Error messages, Key fields, Relationships, Import data, CSV file, Error-free, Interrogating, Criteria, Wildcard, Parameter, calculations, Fitness of purpose., User interfaces, Data entry forms, Purposes, User friendly, Visual basic (VB), Macros, Test plan, Valid, extreme and erroneous data, Spreadsheet, Worksheets, Formulae, Check box, drop-down lists, combo boxes, spinners, scroll bar, Print area, Navigation menu, Customise, Data formatting, Currency, Percentage, Decimal places, Conditional formatting, Date/time function, Drop-down lists, combo boxes, spinners, scroll bar, Validation checks, Range check, Type check, Presence check, Format check, Validation messages., Formulae, Functions, Operator (+, -, *,/ ), Brackets to prioritise calculation, Simple function, SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, MIN, RAND, COUNT, COUNTA, COUNTIF, INT/ MOD, Relative and absolute referencing, Complex functions, IF, NESTED IF, IF(OR), IF(AND), SUMIF, AVERAGEIF, VLOOKUP, COUNTIF, goal seek, pivot tables, Macros to link native function., Arranging data, reducing data and outputting data, Sorting, Filters, Legend, axis, label, Model 'what if' scenarios, Automated document, Merging, Data source, Salutation/valediction, Proofread, Add appropriate formatting and features: letterhead, watermark, auto-date, alignment, Justification,, Indexing, automatic fields, bullets, File types, png, tiff, jpeg, Scalability, Vector/raster, RGB/CMYK, Canvas size, Hybrid image, Select marquees, lassos, crop, group, rotate,, Distort, enlarge/shrink, magic wand, bring to front/send to back,, Brushes/pencil, adjust line thickness/style, simple lines, shapes,, Curves (freehand and auto), fill, Blur, blend, smudge, sharpen, colour mode, brightness, contrast,, Layers, merge layers, masking/mask layer, change alpha, cloning,, Background eraser, airbrush, gradient., Version control, Optimised format, | ||||||||
Links to careers EDI/PSHCE | See Year 10 | ||||||||
Links to GCSE syllabus /AO | See Year 10 | ||||||||
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| Autumn 1 | Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 – Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Rationale | |
Year 11 CREATIVE i-MEDIA | Topic Area/Key | R094 Controlled Assessment | R097 Interactive Digital Product | Mock Exam Prep R093 | R097 Interactive Digital Product | R097 Controlled Assessment | R093 Revision for Final Exam |
This course will provide learners with essential knowledge, transferable skills and tools with the aim of enhancing their employability when they leave education. The qualification will encourage independence, creativity and awareness of the digital media sector. The course will appeal to learners who may be considering a career in the creative and digital media sectors. It provides the core skills for researching, planning & creating products & assets and encourages creativity and originality with a vocational focus. Learners will acquire a range of creative media skills and opportunities to develop a range of transferable skills Through the use of these skills, learners will ultimately be creating fit-for-purpose creative media products such as interactive multimedia products and digital graphics
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Content covered | Topic Area 1: Develop visual identity
Topic Area 2: Plan digital graphics for products
Topic Area 3: Create visual identity and digital graphics
| Topic Area 1: Plan interactive digital media
Topic Area 2: Create interactive digital media
Topic Area 3: Review interactive digital media
| Content from R093
Students have been provided an exam board revision guide and booklet of past papers
Lesson power points and electronic revision support is on the school network
Students are given time to prepare their own revision resources | · Completion of unit content · Mock Controlled Assessment completed in class (12 lessons) | Topic Area 1: Plan interactive digital media
Topic Area 2: Create interactive digital media
Topic Area 3: Review interactive digital media
| Topic Area 1: Media industry
Topic Area 2: Factors influencing product design
Topic Area 3: Pre-production planning
Topic Area 4: Distribution considerations
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Assessment
| R094: 10hr task (2 days off timetable for students) set by exam board. Marked and moderated internally. Externally verified by exam board.
| Mock Exam (R093) based Past Paper, marked against exam board mark scheme and June 2024 grade boundaries | R097: 12hr task (3 days off timetable for students) set by exam board. Marked and moderated internally. Externally verified by exam board. |
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Literacy focus
| Typography for communication, laying out both text and image to convey meaning are covered. Keywords: Visual identity, Recognition/familiarity, Establish a brand, Develop brand loyalty, Visual communication, Audiences/consumers, Component features, Slogan/strap line, Elements, Shape/symbol, Typography, Colour palette and meaning, Layout/complexity, Visual identity design style, Business type, Brand values, Brand positioning, Economy, Mid-range, High-end, Encapsulate, Graphic design, Conventions, Concepts, Application of visual identity, Alignment, Colour systems, White space, Layout conventions, Headlines, copy, Image content, Titles and mastheads, Leaflets, Magazine/book covers, Multimedia products, Packaging, Posters, Assets, Bitmap/raster, Colour depth, Colour mode, Compression settings, Overall quality, Transparency, Vector graphic properties, Compatibility, File size, Scalability, Software support, Licences and permissions to use assets sourced from, Stock library, Third-party assets, Asset tables, Concept sketch, Visualisation diagram, Image/canvas size, Layout tools, Drawing tools, Brightness/contrast, Selections, Layers and layer styles, Retouching, Filters and effects, Grids, guides and rulers, Colour fill, Gradients, Brightness and contrast, Balance, hue, saturation, Edge contrast, Merge, Rename, change opacity, Layer styles, enhance visual impact, Drop shadows, effects, textures, Cloning, healing, blur, colour swatches, colour picker, pencil, brush, Filters and effects, Stylise, monochrome, colour toning, vignette, sharpen, Sourced assets, derivative assets, Technical compatibility, Print graphics, Resize and resample, Image properties, Resampling, Product-checking, Pixel dimensions, dpi, Resolution, Size of reproduction, Rasterising vector-based graphics, Bitmap graphics, Save, export, Proprietary format master files, Repurpose, Appropriate file formats, |
| Keywords: Interactive digital media, Information points, Mobile apps, E-learning products, Digital maps, Tables, Lists, Forms, Navigational buttons, Layers, Games consoles, Kiosks, Smart tv, Tablets, Touch screen/stylus, Voice controls, Gui (graphical user interface) design, Colour scheme, House style, White space, Interface and interaction styles, Touch/gesture, Voice control, Motion/movement, Drag/drop, Feedback/closure, Accessibility, Alternate text, Text readability, Captions, Contrasting colour, Resizable text, Flexible input, Mobile device accessibility, Screen size, orientation adjustments, Non-linear navigation, User-friendly intuitive interfaces, Suitability for target audiences, Originality, Imaginative design, Derivative design, Mouse/trackpad, Stylus, Monitor, Graphics tablet, Web authoring software, App creation software, Authoring tools, Kiosk interface software, Wire frames, Storyboards, Master page/page template design, Asset table, Age appropriateness, Quality, Size on screen, Technical compatibility, File size, File type, Resolution, Screen designs, Navigation features, Gui (menus, buttons, links), Interaction with media elements, Hierarchical navigation diagrams, Interactive features and controls, Feedback/closure, Advanced searching, Libraries, Exporting assets, Flip, skew, rotate, Elements - using cloning, healing, blur, colour swatches, colour picker, Cut, Split, Trim, Extend, Optimise file size/format, Enhancing sounds in audio editing software, Volume editing, Speed/pitch tempo, Roll over buttons, Banners, Navigation bars, Product folder management, Root, images, media content, styles, File naming conventions, Master page/template elements, Navigation system, Fixed/editable content, Master page/template, Product content, Playback controls, Triggers and behaviours, Navigation bar, rollovers, hyperlinks, hotspots, Version control, Techniques for exporting/publishing, Platform independent file formats, Test plan, Checklist, Testing input or behaviours, Trying to “break” inputs, Navigation paths, Functionality tests, Testing user controls for multimedia, White box testing, soak testing, load testing,, Regression testing, Interactive digital media, Suitability, Accessibility, Audio-visual aesthetics,, Interaction, engagement, Constraints, Interactive digital media constraints, Resources, Content and concept, Feasible improvements, Scope, Additional multimedia elements, More or different interactivity, Altering product type | Media industry, Sectors, Products, Traditional media, Special effects (SFX, VFX), Digital imaging, Social media platform, Graphic novels, Multimedia, eBooks, AR/VR, phases of production, Project scale, Purposes of media, Style, content and layout, Conventions of genre, Formal/informal language, Client requirements, Client brief formats, Audience demographics, segmentation, Primary research methods, Secondary research sources, Qualitative and Quantitative Methods, Media codes, Planning Documents, Hardware, Software, Legal Considerations, Regulation, certification, classification, Health and safety, Distribution platforms, File Formats and Properties File compression | ||||
Opportunities (links to careers/EDI/PSHCE)
| The entire specification directly targets the vocational training aspect of gaining a job in the creative internet media sector. Indeed, sub-topic 1.2 is about careers in the industry and covers: Creative, animator, content creator, copy writer, graphic designer, illustrator/graphic artist, photographer, script writer, web designer, Technical, camera operator, games programmer/developer, sound editor, audio technician, video editor, web developer, Senior roles, campaign manager, creative director, director, editor, production manager. But this is not the only mention of jobs. In essence J834 prepares students for the world of work. This unit looks at all aspects of work involved the media industry. | |||||||
Links to GCSE syllabus /AO | Students can progress onto Level 2 and Level 3 vocational qualifications including Cambridge Technicals in Digital Media and Information Technology, A Levels, T Levels or apprenticeships. |
Subject Documents |
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List of useful resources for OCR J277 GCSE Computer Science |