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Fulston Manor School

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Computing

Head of Department

 

 

 

 

    Ms L Comer
Subject Teachers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr M Dunt

Teacher of IT and Vocational IT Co-Ordinator

 

 

 

 

Ms M Borges

Teacher of Computing

 

 

 

 

 

Mr J Snyder

Teacher of Computing and IT
Our Curriculum Intent

KS3

Our KS3 curriculum, year 7 to 9, intents to provide students with the key skills and knowledge of computing disciplines. The scheme of work has been designed to ensure that it is relevant to the modern, ever changing digital world and designed to boost computing skills essential for the 21st century. Students will not only learn how computers work, but how to program them. The topics covered will adequately prepare them for progression into GCSE courses offered by the department.  

KS4

Our GCSE in Computer Science builds on our KS3 curriculum. Relevant to the modern, changing world of computing, it’s designed to boost computing skills essential for the 21st century.

The Computer Science specification focuses on:

  • Computational thinking as its core, helping students to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand human and machine intelligence
  • Applying the academic principles they learn in the classroom to real-world systems in an exciting and engaging way
  • Giving students a clear progression into higher education, as the course was designed after consultation with members of BCS, CAS and top universities.

Creative Technology (iMedia) new from Sept 2022 and focusses on:

  • Understanding and applying the fundamental principles and concepts of digital media including factors that influence product design,
  • Developing learning and practical skills that can be applied to real-life contexts and work situations think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically 
  • Students will gain an excellent combination of skills and knowledge which form a solid foundation for students who wish to pursue a career in Media and Advertising workplace or progression onto A levels. 

KS5

The content of the qualifications offered have been developed in consultation with academics to ensure that they incorporate the most up-to-date knowledge and skills to enable progression to higher education.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Computing

This course allows students to gain fundamental knowledge and skills in Computer Science, computer systems, IT security and App Development. This will enable students to progress to broader or more specialist study such as a BTEC Higher National in a computing discipline, a degree in a Computing or where computing-related skills and knowledge may be advantageous, such as Business Studies.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Information Technology

This course is designed for students who are interested in an introduction to the study of creating IT systems to manage and share information alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in IT.  Students will develop a common core of IT knowledge and study areas such as the relationship between hardware and software that form an IT system, managing and processing data to support business and using IT to communicate and share information.

What Will Students Learn In Each Year?

What will my child learn in Year 7? 

Students begin the year with improving basic digital skills and knowledge of Understanding how to use computers Safely and Securely, before moving onto Scratch Programming.  Following on from this they will learn about the parts of a computer and finally develop their presentation skills through the production of a Media product.

Term 1 and 2

Using Computers Safely and Responsibly

 
  • To learn to manage files in File Explorer and the importance of backup, dangers of social networking sites, how to respond to threats on the Internet, how to keep your identity secure on the Internet
  • Send, respond to emails and send image files before
  • Learn how to use a “search engine” effectively and efficiently
  • Appreciate that there is no guarantee that the information on the Internet is accurate

Term 3 and 4

Scratch Programming
  • Understand that Scratch is a programming environment and understand what is meant by an algorithm
  • Create a sprite and write code to make it move
    and bounce
  • Write algorithms which use variables to hold values
  • Annotate a program with comments
  • Understand the purpose of repeat loops and procedures (“broadcasts”)
  • Understand the use of the operators <, =, >, and,
    or, not
  • Learn how to add sound to a Scratch game

 Term 5 and 6

Parts of the Computer
  • Distinguish between hardware and software
  • Give examples of computer hardware and software
  • Suggest appropriate input and output devices for a simple scenario
  • Explain what RAM and ROM are used for
  • Explain the purpose of a Motherboard
  • Understand the purpose of a CPU and fan
  • Understand the purpose of secondary storage and expansion cards

What will my child learn in Year 8? 

Students begin the year with improving basic digital skills and knowledge of Understanding how to use computers Safely and Securely, before moving onto Scratch Programming.  Following on from this they will learn about the parts of a computer and finally develop their presentation skills through the production of a Media product.

Term 1

Using Computers Safely and Responsibly

 
  • To learn to manage files in File Explorer and the importance of backup, dangers of social networking sites, how to respond to threats on the Internet, how to keep your identity secure on the Internet
  • Send, respond to emails and send image files before
  • Learn how to use a “search engine” effectively and efficiently
  • Appreciate that there is no guarantee that the information on the Internet is accurate

Term 2

HTML Programming
  • Understand that the WWW and what HTML is and what it is used for
  • Type basic HTML tags and edit the HTML code and view the changes in a browser
  • Learn how CSS and write CSS code to set styles
  • Learn the main principles of good website design
  • Learn how to create a consistent look and feel throughout a website
  • Add well-formatted content, including text and images, to each page
  • Create internal and external links and make sure they all work

Term 3

Flowol Algorithms
  • Understanding Algorithm and examples
  • Identify control flowchart symbols and understand how they are used to describe systems
  • Understanding Flowol software
  • Understand how the use of subroutines can make programs more efficient
  • Understand what a variable is and explain how variables can be used to control systems

Term 4

Python Programming
  • Know what Python is and some of the applications it is used for
  • Run a simple Python program in Interactive mode using the input and print functions
  • Understand what a syntax error is and how to interpret an error message
  • Understand the use and value of using comments
  • Understand the importance of using correct data types: string, integer or float
  • Write a program involving input, calculation
    and output Use selection statements if, else and elif in a program
  • Use a while loop in a program

Term 5

Spreadsheet Modelling
  • To learn how to use Excel
  • To know the techniques needed to generate a spreadsheet – inputting numbers, formatting, formulae, vlookups, and inserting pictures
  • To understand the importance of using techniques to allow your spreadsheet to update automatically
  • To complete a project based on what you have learnt

Term 6

Parts of the Computer

 
  • Distinguish between hardware and software
  • Explain what RAM and ROM are used for
  • Understand the purpose of a CPU and fan
  • Understand the purpose of secondary storage
  • Understand the purpose of expansion cards

What will my child learn in Year 9?

Students begin the year with improving basic digital skills and knowledge of Understanding how to use computers Safely and Securely, before moving onto Scratch Programming.  Following on from this they will learn about the parts of a computer and finally develop their presentation skills through the production of a Media product.

Term 1

Understanding Computers
  • Distinguish between hardware and software
  • Identify input, output and storage devices and the purpose of the CPU
  • Explain what RAM and ROM are used for
  • Data Representation
  • State the typical capacities, strengths and weaknesses of different storage devices
  • Discuss the different ways and applications in which modern technology is used

Term 2

Spreadsheet Modelling

 
  • To learn how to use Excel
  • To know the techniques needed to generate a spreadsheet – inputting numbers, formatting, formulae, vlookups, and inserting pictures
  • To understand the importance of using techniques to allow your spreadsheet to update automatically

Term 3

Flowol Algorithms
  • Understanding Algorithm and examples
  • Identify control flowchart symbols and understand how they are used to describe systems
  • Understanding Flowol software
  • Understand how the use of subroutines can make programs more efficient
  • Understand what a variable is and explain how variables can be used to control systems

Term 4

Python Programming
  • Know what Python is and some of the applications it is used for
  • Run a simple Python program in Interactive mode using the input and print functions
  • Understand what a syntax error is and how to interpret an error message
  • Understand the use and value of using comments
  • Understand the importance of using correct data types: string, integer or float
  • Write a program involving input, calculation
    and output Use selection statements if, else and elif in a program
  • Use a while loop in a program

Term 5

App Development
  • Know what App Inventor is and some of the applications it is used for
  • Write, save and run an App in Script mode in Interactive mode using the emulator
  • Understand what a syntax error is and how to interpret an error message
  • Know the rules for variable names and use variables in a program
  • Write a program involving input and output Use selection statements if, else and loops in an App

Term 2

HTML Programming
  • Understand that the WWW and what HTML is and what it is used for
  • Type basic HTML tags and edit the HTML code and view the changes in a browser
  • Learn how CSS and write CSS code to set styles
  • Learn the main principles of good website design
  • Learn how to create a consistent look and feel throughout a website
  • Add well-formatted content, including text and images, to each page
  • Create internal and external links and make sure they all work

What will my child learn in Year 10? 

OCR GCSE Computer Science

Term 1/2

 

Component 1: Computer Systems

Systems Architecture:

  • The CPU and its function.
  • To understand ‘embedded systems’

Memory and Storage:

  • The purpose of RAM/ROM in computer systems and Virtual Memory
  • The need for secondary storage/types and advantages/disadvantages
  • Units of data and capacity
  • Binary Conversions/Additions/Shifts/Hexadecimal

Component 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

Programming Techniques:

  • How to identify and use variables,
  • How to understand and use the three basic programming constructs used to control the flow of a program
  • How to understand and use suitable loops
  • How to understand and use basic file handling
  • How to define and use arrays and use functions/sub programs

Term 3/4

 

Component 1: Computer Systems

Data Storage:

  • Characters, Images, Sound, Compression

Networks and Topologies:

  • Network Types/Topologies/Factors that affect networks

Wired and wireless networks:

  • Connection/Encryption/Protocols

Component 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

Principles of computational thinking:

  • Algorithmic thinking
  • Pseudocode
  • Flowcharts
  • Identify common errors
  • Trace tables

Term 5/6

 

Component 3: Programming Project

The Programming Project provides an opportunity for learners to demonstrate their practical ability and skills they have acquired so far. The Programming Project requires learners to create a solution to a set problem.

Creative IMedia (new from 2022)

Term 1/2

 

R093: Creative iMedia in the media industry

Topic Area 2: Factors influencing product design

2.1 How style, content and layout are linked to the purpose

2.2 Client requirements and how they are defined

2.3 Audience demographics and segmentation

2.4 Research methods, sources and types of data

R094: Visual identity and digital graphics

1.1 Purpose, elements and design of visual identity

2.1 Graphic design and conventions

2.2 Properties of digital graphics and use of assets

2.3 Techniques to plan visual identity and digital graphics

Term 3/4

 

R093: Creative iMedia in the media industry

Topic Area 2: Factors influencing product design

2.5 Media codes used to convey meaning, create impact and/or engage audiences

Topic Area 3: Pre-production planning

3.1 Work planning

3.2 Documents used to support ideas generation

3.3 Documents used to design and plan media products

R094: Visual identity and digital graphics

3.1 Tools and techniques of imaging editing software used to create digital graphics

3.2 Technical skills to source, create and prepare assets for use within digital graphics

3.3 Techniques to save and export visual identity and digital graphics

Term 5/6

 

R093: Creative iMedia in the media industry

Topic Area 1: The media industry

1.1 Media industry sectors and products

Learning about the Sectors of the media industry

Learning about Products in the media industry

1.2 Job roles in the media industry

Unit R097: Interactive digital media

Topic Area 1: Plan interactive digital media

1.1 Types of interactive digital media, content and associated hardware

1.2 Features and conventions of interactive digital media

What will my child learn in Year 11?

OCR GCSE Computer Science

Term 1/2

 

Component 1: Computer Systems

Systems Architecture:

  • The CPU and its function.
  • To understand ‘embedded systems’

Memory and Storage:

  • The purpose of RAM/ROM in computer systems and Virtual Memory
  • The need for secondary storage/types and advantages/disadvantages
  • Units of data and capacity
  • Binary Conversions/Additions/Shifts/Hexadecimal

Component 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

Programming Techniques:

  • How to identify and use variables,
  • How to understand and use the three basic programming constructs used to control the flow of a program
  • How to understand and use suitable loops
  • How to understand and use basic file handling
  • How to define and use arrays and use functions/sub programs

Term 3/4

 

Component 1: Computer Systems

Data Storage:

  • Characters, Images, Sound, Compression

Networks and Topologies:

  • Network Types/Topologies/Factors that affect networks

Wired and wireless networks:

  • Connection/Encryption/Protocols

Component 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

  • Principles of computational thinking
  • Algorithmic thinking
  • Pseudocode
  • Flowcharts
  • Identify common errors
  • Trace tables

Term 5

REVISION

Creative IMedia (new from 2022)

Term 1/2

 

R093: Creative iMedia in the media industry

Topic Area 3: Pre-production planning

3.4.1 Legal considerations to protect individuals

3.4.2 Intellectual property rights

3.4.3 Regulation, certification, and classification

 

Unit R097: Interactive digital media

1.3 Resources required to create interactive digital media products

1.4 Pre-production and planning documentation and techniques for interactive digital media

Topic Area 2: Create interactive digital media

2.1 Technical skills to create and/or edit and manage assets for use within interactive digital media products

2.3 Technical skills to create interactive digital media

Term 3/4

 

R093: Creative iMedia in the media industry

Topic Area 3: Pre-production planning

3.4.4 Health and safety

Topic Area 4: Distribution considerations

4.1 Distribution platforms and media to reach audiences

4.2 Properties and formats of media files

REVISION

Unit R097: Interactive digital media

Topic Area 2: Create interactive digital media

2.4 Techniques to save and export/publish interactive digital media

Topic Area 3: Review interactive digital media

3.1 Techniques to test/check and review interactive digital media

3.2 Improvements and further developments

Term 5

REVISION/IMPROVEMENTS

What will my child learn in Year 12? 

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Computing

Term 1/2

 

Unit 2: Fundamentals of Computer Systems

  • Aim A Hardware and software
  • Aim B: Computer Architecture
  • Aim C: Data Representation

Unit 7: IT Systems Security and Encryption

  • Aim A: Understand current IT security threats, information security and the legal requirements affecting the security of IT systems
  • Aim B: Investigate cryptographic techniques and processes used to protect data

Term 3/4

 

Unit 2: Fundamentals of Computer Systems

  • Aim C: Data Representation
  • Aim D: How data is organised on computer systems
  • Aim E: How data is transmitted by computer systems
  • Aim F: The use of logic and data flow in computer systems

Unit 7: IT Systems Security and Encryption

  • Aim C: Examine the techniques used to protect an IT system from security threats
  • Aim D: Implement strategies to protect an IT system from security threats

Term 5/6

REVISION/IMPROVEMENTS

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Information Technology

Term 1/2

 

Aim A: The purpose and structure of relational database management systems

  • A1 Relational database management systems
  • A2 Manipulating data structures and data in relational databases
  • A3 Normalisation

Aim B: Standard methods and techniques to design relational database solutions

  • B1 Relational database design
  • B2 Design documentation

Aim C: Creating a relation database structure

  • C1 Producing a database solution
  • C2 Testing and refining the database solution

Aim A: Explore the impact of social media on the ways in which businesses promote their products and services

  • A1 Social media websites
  • A2 Business uses of social media
  • A3 Risks and issues

Aim B: Develop a plan to use social media in a business to meet requirements

  • B1 Social media planning processes
  • B2 Business requirements
  • B3 Content planning and publishing
  • B4 Developing an online community
  • B5 Developing a social media policy
  • B6 Reviewing and refining plans

Term 3/4

 

Aim C: Creating a relation database structure

  • C1 Producing a database solution
  • C2 design Testing and refining the database solution

Aim D: Evaluating a database development project

  • D1 Database evaluation
  • D2 Evaluation of database testing
  • D3 Evaluation of the database

Learning aim C: Implement the use of social media in a

Business

  • C1 Creating accounts and profiles
  • C2 Content creation and publication
  • C3 Implementation of online community building
  • C4 Data gathering and analysis
  • C5 Skills, knowledge and behaviours

Term 5/6

Unit 1: Information Technology Systems

Aim A: Digital devices in IT systems

  • A1 Digital devices, their functions and use
  • A2 Peripheral devices and media
  • A4 Emerging technologies
  • A5 Choosing IT systems
  • Exam Practise

What will my child learn in Year 13?

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Computing

Term 1/2

 

Unit 1: Principles of Computer Science

  • Aim A: Computational Thinking
  • Aim B: Standard methods and techniques used to develop algorithms
  • Aim C: Programming paradigms

Unit 17: App Development

  • Aim A: Investigate mobile apps and mobile devices
  • Aim B: Design a mobile app that utilises device functions
  • Aim C: Develop a mobile app that utilises device functions

Term 3/4

 

Unit 1: Principles of Computer Science

  • Aim C: Programming paradigms
  • Aim D: Types of programming and mark-up languages
  • Exam practise

 

Unit 17: App Development

  • Aim C: Develop a mobile app that utilises device functions

 

Term 5/6

IMPROVEMENTS/REVISION

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Information Technology

Term 1/2

 

Unit 1: Information Technology Systems

Aim B: Transmitting data

  • B1 Connectivity
  • B2 Networks
  • B3 Issues relating to transmission of data

Exam practise

Aim C: Operating online

  • C1 Online systems
  • C2 Online communities
  • Exam practise for PPE

Unit 6: Website Development

Learning Aim A: Understand the principles of website development

  • A1 Purpose and principles of website products
  • A2 Factors affecting website performance

Learning aim B: Design a website to meet client requirements

  • B1 Website design
  • B2 Common tools and techniques used to produce websites

Term 3/4

 

Exam Practise for PPE

Aim D: Protecting data and information

  • D1 Threats to data, information and systems
  • D2 Protecting data

Aim E: Impact of IT systems

  • E1 Online services
  • E2 Impact on organisations
  • E3 Using and manipulating data

Aim F: Issues

  • F1 Moral and ethical issues
  • F2 Legal issues
  • Exam Practise for PPE

Unit 6: Website Development

Learning aim C: Develop a website to meet client requirements

  • C1 Client-side scripting languages
  • C2 Website development
  • C3 Website review
  • C4 Website optimisation
  • C5 Skills, knowledge and behaviours

Term 5/6

IMPROVEMENTS/REVISION
Accommodation and Resources

The computing department has five dedicated purpose built rooms. The rooms are all very spacious and all have between 24 and 28 computers, printing facilities, teacher stations and interactive boards. The school also has an ethos of ensuring IT resources are based in other departments to allow IT to be taught across the curriculum as well as supporting the delivering of those subjects. To this end there are 11 Laptop Trolleys and a further 6 dedicated network rooms, in all there are approximately 850 computers in the school for students to use. The school has an extensive networked infrastructure which links the whole site back to the main IT office. The school is also fully covered by a managed wireless network. All teaching staff have laptops that are used for electronic registration and teaching.

Extra-Curricular Activities

In the Computing department we open the rooms up at lunchtimes and after school for students to continue with work or to develop new skills.  In addition to this we offer a chance for students to develop their programming skills in the Space Club or take part in an exciting Esports competition.

Extended Opportunities For Learning

All computing courses are based on the schools Learning Platform. This is used to set and assess student work. Students can access this information from any computer that has internet access. The department also runs regular workshops to support KS4 and KS5 students. All students also have access to remote desktop from any internet connected devices giving them access to their work and many of the schools software packages.

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