At Hurstmere, we would like our Computing students to understand how to be responsible, competent, confident and creative users of Information Technology and be ready to take their place in a world of ever-evolving technology.

The Purpose of the Computing Curriculum at KS3 is for our pupils to: 

• understand the risks that they might face whilst online and know how to deal with them  
• understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science  
• analyse problems using computational thinking skills  
• have practical experience of writing computer programs in graphical and text-based languages  
• be able to identify the components of a computer system and how they work together  
• understand why binary is used in computer systems and be able to convert between binary and denary  
• evaluate and apply Information Technology to solve problems  
• be responsible, competent, confident and creative users of Information Technology  
• understand how technology has developed in the past and where it might be going in the future  
• be aware of computer networks and the communication of data  
• be aware of the environmental impact that technology is having on our planet  
• be prepared with the background knowledge that they need for the KS4 GCSE in Computer Science  
• be ready to take their place in a world that has an ever-changing landscape of technology and technological innovations  

• Mrs V Hirani – Curriculum Lead for Computing 
• Mr S. Waghorn – Director of Digital Strategy and Teacher of Computing 
• Mr P Fujamade – Teacher of Computing (Wed to Fri) 

In Key Stage 3, students follow a curriculum which gives them a solid grounding in the theoretical side of Computing which includes online safety; computer systems; computational thinking and programming.

It also gives them the skills to be able to use the main Microsoft 365 applications to create and amend digital products for different audiences and purposes. 

More information about the topics listed can be found in the Student Resources area of Sharepoint

In Key Stage 4, we currently offer the OCR GCSE in Computer Science which will give students an even greater in-depth knowledge of how computers work. It will also give them great problem-solving skills and the knowledge and skills to be able to start them out on the path to a great career where there is a possibility that they will change the world.

Please see below for course details:

• Examination Board: OCR 
• Syllabus Number: OCR GCSE Computer Science – J277 (601/8355/X) 

Course content: 

All pupils will have 5 hours of lessons over a 2-week period throughout Years 10 and 11 to complete the courses. 

This newly developed qualification for first teaching in 2020 gives pupils an in-depth understanding of how computer technology works and an opportunity to investigate computer programming, including algorithms. This course should help pupils to gain an insight into related sectors and prepare them to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices. This is a very technical course and, in order to succeed, the pupil wishing to take it should have previously shown some interest and aptitude in Computing at Key Stage 3. 

The course comprises of two components, both of which are examined at the end of Year 11. 

• Component 01: Computer Systems 

Introduces students to the central processing unit (CPU), computer memory and storage, data representation, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, system security and system software. It also looks at ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns associated with computer science.

The exam is 90 minutes in duration, consists of 80 marks and makes up 50% of the qualification.  The examination will be undertaken in the Summer term of Year 11. 

• Component 02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming 

Students apply knowledge and understanding gained in component 01. They develop skills and understanding in computational thinking: algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic and translators. The exam is 90 minutes in duration, consists of 80 marks and makes up 50% of the qualification.  The examination will be undertaken in the Summer term of Year 11. 

Students are also given the opportunity to undertake programming tasks during their course of study which allows them to develop their skills to design, write, test and refine programs using a high-level programming language. Students will be assessed on these skills during the written examinations. 

More information about the topics listed can be found in the Student Resources area of Sharepoint

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