Computer Science & IT at SRWA

Computational thinking lies at the heart of the computing curriculum but it also supports learning and thinking in other areas of the curriculum.

We want students to discover how rich and interesting the world of computing can be - that the technology is understandable and for them to pursue those aspects which especially interest them.

We want them to be able to approach the challenges, thinking logically by applying the concepts of computational thinking.

We want students to develop the ability

• to reflect using criteria to make sound judgements
• to translate designs into code-form and have the skills of analysis and evaluation to predict and verify outcomes
• to be able to design artefacts using human readable representations such as flowcharts - to analyse with logical thinking in order to understand and evaluate
• to apply some existing solution through pattern recognition for the creation of a new artefact in another context.

Using and developing the computational thinking skills, the students study algorithms, programming and development, data and data representation, hardware and processing, communications and networks and information technology.

These strands are followed in year 7, 8 and 9. By studying these multiple strands, students discover some of the breadth of interests to be explored, and gain a sense of its relevance to today’s and tomorrow's world.

As the curriculum progresses, the balance shifts from being dependent to increasing independence, students are able to find their own answers and creatively use technology.

The KS3 study lays a common foundation for the GCSE choices. They can go on to choose between an Information Technology GCSE or one in Computer Science, laying the foundations for further study in year 12.

Study at Key Stage 4 builds on their knowledge, understanding and skills established through the computer science elements of the programme of study for computing at Key Stage 3. This is a linear course assessed by examination at the of the second year.

Aims and learning outcomes at Key Stage 4 (AQA : Computer Science 8525)

• understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation, analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs
• think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems and to understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society
• apply maths skills relevant to computer science. Study at Key Stage 5 (Course board AQA : Computer Science 7515 ). This course deepens and extends the learning at Key Stage 4.

Over two years the following topics are studied:-

• The fundamentals of programming, data structures, and algorithms.
• The theory of computation and the fundamentals of data representation.
• The fundamentals of computer systems, computer organisation and architecture.
• The consequences of uses of computing and the fundamentals of communication and networking.
• The fundamentals of databases and Big Data.
• The fundamentals of functional programming. A systematic approach to problem solving.

Students also pursue an area of interest to themselves, making it the subject of their own Computing Project. Marks gained from the Non-examined project contribute to the final grade. There are two, end of course exams.

Computing has transformed every aspect of society, here and around the world. Students who have learned to think computationally and have mastered the knowledge and skills taught in this curriculum, are well placed to take advantage of opportunities in the workplace (e.g. IT support, computer game creation, retail, network support) or further academic study (e.g. software engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, internet technologies, mathematics).