Computer Science
All year groups start the academic year learning about E-safety, keeping themselves safe online and using the internet responsibly and effectively
Key Stage 3
Year 7, 8 & 9
Over the course of three years students gain a wealth of knowledge in using many computer programs which will equip them well for any job they wish to take on in the future. They will learn how to use ‘office applications’, develop skills in digital literacy, as well as the fundamentals of logical thinking and problem solving through programming and the principles of computer systems.
Year 7
- Create and safeguard computer passwords
- Understand your digital footprint and how to have a good digital footprint
- Identify Cyberbullying and develop strategies if cyberbullying is encountered – report/block and support others.
- MS Excel skills (IT) – MAX, MIN, SUM, AVERAGE, Conditional Formatting, IF Statements.
- How to use the internet effectively.
- What is computer science?
- What is inside a computer and understand the key components and PC performance
- Computational Thinking – writing algorithms using sequence, selection, iteration
- Programming in Python
Year 8
- Building healthy digital habits (staying staff, screen time, etc)
- Avoiding online scams – types of scams and how to identify, deal with
- Choosing reliable and robust online sources
- MS Office – EXCEL – Count IF, Drop Down Menus, writing Macros
- Data Representation (binary, images, and sound)
- Logic gates
- Computer Networks (wired and wireless)
- Data Encryption and Cryptology
- Programming in Python
Year 9
- Research and develop a topic (digital literacy skills)
- Working collaboratively online using Office 365
- Referencing data sources
- MS Office – Project – Implement an integrated IT system for Delicious Deserts (spreadsheet stock, costs management and create an interactive Delicious Desert selector)
- How the internet works.
- The IoT (Internet of Things) and Smart technology
- How Operating systems work
- Legal, ethical, and environmental issues in Computer Science
- Programming in Python
Key Stage 4 (GCSE)
Why Study Computer Science?
Computer Science is an ideal course for those who want to develop their problem solving and logic skills. It will also appeal to students who are practical and like to create. Students who are curious about digital technology are also very well suited to this course.
Year 10 (AQA)
Lessons are split between the delivery of paper 2 course content (such as data representation, computer systems, computer networks, network security), lessons on the theoretical concepts of paper 1 (data structures, designing programs, and key algorithms) as well as practical programming lessons.
Year 11 (AQA)
Year 11 will see the completion of the full GCSE. We will cover the remainder of the theory topics for the paper 2, such as databases and the legal and ethical issues in computer science. Students will complete a thorough programme of revision including past papers, defining key concepts, exam techniques and how to respond to programming exam paper questions.
Assessment
Assessment is through two written theory exams (2 hours, and 1.75 hours respectively) containing short and medium-length answer questions.
Key Stage 5 (A Level)
For information about A Level Computer Science, please visit our Sixth Form Subjects page.
Departmental Awards
We are very proud to have earned:
- I Belong Champion badge from the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) for our commitment to improving the gender balance in computer science.
- Curriculum Quality Framework badge from the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE)
- Cyber First Gold School Award from the National Cyber Security Centre
- 2025-26 Cyber First Outstanding School national award
