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Secondary Phase

Computer Science Aims: 

Our aim in Computer Science at Trinity is to:

  • Global perspective of Computer Science
  • Understand how these technologies evolve and shape society
  • Develop Computational thinking – logical and structured solution-oriented thought process.
  • Emphasis on keywords and development of knowledge
  • Building practical skills in becoming a proficient programmer
  • Knowledge of cross curricular links
  • Career opportunities – introduction into technological sectors

Emphasis of numeracy and literacy and intellectual curiosity for Computer Science:

Mr Z.Spence (Head of Department) z.spence@trinity.lewisham.sch.uk

Computing Curriculum at KS3

The course at KS3 focuses on developing students as computational thinkers and developing digital literacy skills to be competent in using today's’ technology effectively.

Pupils will learn using knowledge organisers to develop knowledge of key information and supplement this through reading and recalling key vocabulary in computing, which will progress onto practical application of skills to create a personalised program or website.

The knowledge and understanding starts at the Primary Phase, where pupils are taught to understand ICT and Computing, in both using a range of applications and skills to develop real world models and understand the true context of computer science.

 

Computing Curriculum at KS4 – OCR J277

The course focuses at KS4 on the physical and logical principles of computers alongside the practical skill of programming. It will develop knowledge and understanding of how technology works and prepare them for their next steps in today’s digital era.

Pupils will learn using knowledge organisers to develop knowledge of key information and supplement this through reading and recalling key vocabulary in computing, which will progress onto writing about the key areas of both hardware and software then progress onto understanding algorithms and programming to develop a real solution to a given problem.

Assessment Information at GCSE

Paper 1 Computer Systems

Paper 1: 80 marks, 90 minutes, 50% of final grade

This component will assess:

 • 1.1 Systems architecture

• 1.2 Memory and storage

 • 1.3 Computer networks, connections and protocols

 • 1.4 Network security

 • 1.5 Systems software

 • 1.6 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology

This paper consists of multiple choice questions, short response questions and extended response questions.

Paper 2 Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

Paper 2: 80 marks, 90 minutes, 50% of final grade

This component will assess:

• 2.1 Algorithms

• 2.2 Programming fundamentals

• 2.3 Producing robust programs

• 2.4 Boolean logic

• 2.5 Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments

Questions will assess students’ ability to write or refine algorithms and must be answered using either the OCR Exam Reference Language or the high-level programming language they are familiar with (python).

Students will engage with a broad range of activities to enable them to learn to program to the standard required for paper 2.
Mastering programming involves much more than simply learning the syntax/semantics of a programming language. It also involves learning strategies for problem solving, embracing mistakes as opportunities to learn, mastering a few simple tools and working together with others to achieve goals.
 We have adopted Python programming language as the vehicle to explore, learn and assess the aspects of problem solving and programming covered in this qualification. Python is popular and commonly used in education. The requirements of this qualification is met by using the Python 3 programming language.

They normally present small challenges where students use the fundamental syntax  to achieve a short-term goal, often based on moving up levels. Using these environments will prepare students for the type of problems they will encounter in Paper 2, which will be a problem that have never encountered before.
Each part of the programming aspect of the course will be building their programming ‘toolbox’ and their computational thinker mindset to allow them to solve a plethora of problems, ranging from creating Wordle to a personalised encryption cipher for their documents.

Students will experience using an IDE to write, run and debug their programming code.