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Introduction

At Tabor we are very proud of the facilities that are available for all our students. We have numerous computer suites, containing between 20 and 30 PC’s in each, plus laptops, meaning every student is guaranteed a PC to themselves when he/she needs to work individually.

Tabor has both a wired and wireless network so that students can carry out their studies throughout the school. In addition, we have a network that allows every student to access their individual profile anywhere within the building.

Every student has a school e-mail account that can be used both in and out of school to e-mail work home and vice versa. Students also have access to Google Classroom via a school account enabling students to access lessons and home learning outside of school. We expect students to respect the hardware and software they use in order that they can make the best possible progress in every lesson. We also expect students to complete classwork and homework the best of their ability.

Aims

To ensure that students become proficient in a wide variety of hardware and software so that they can make best and safest use of digital technology in their lives.

For all students to develop important computational thinking skills which will enable them to think and analyse in a logical fashion, preparing them for a wide range of career opportunities.

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KS3

AUTUMN TERM

Year 7 students will learn about E-safety to help them stay safe on-line. Students will then study how to handle data effectively using spreadsheets and databases.

Year 8 students will start the term with learning vital computational thinking skills with a text-based programming language called Small Basic. Students will also study algorithms which will help them to understand how to break down and simplify problems.

Year 9 students will be studying programming and problem solving using the Python programming language which prepares them for GCSE and A Level courses in the subject.

 

SPRING TERM

Year 7 students learn about how sound and images are stored inside a computer.

They will also gain an understanding of how computers work including the role of binary numbers which is a foundation for KS4 and 5 courses.

Year 8 students will study website design and the high-level language HTML to gain an understanding of how to design websites and the function of the code behind sites.

Year 9 students will look at how networks function and the role of logic gates in a computer. Following on from this they will look at Networks and security. Both topics feature in greater depth at KS4 and 5.

 

SUMMER TERM

Year 7 students will learn how problem solve and program using text-based programming languages including Scratch and Python.

Year 8 students will learn programming with Python and then look at the topic of Ethics and the Environment in relation to technology. Again, these topics are stepping stones to the subject content in KS4 and 5.

Year 9 students will look at the rapidly expanding area of cybercrime and cybersecurity. Year 9 will also consider the environmental, social, and moral issues involved in relation to technology, linking to the KS4 and 5 content in computer science.

KS4

Computer science plays a key role in helping to solve problems across all aspects of society. This course helps students to prepare to play their part in shaping the future of the world.

  • The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:
  • 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
  • understand the impact of digital technology on wider society, including issues of privacy and cybersecurity
  • apply mathematical skills relevant to computer science.

 

Year 10 Course

Students in year 10 GCSE Computer Science will be studying Edexcel GCSE 9-1 in Computer Science.

Examination Level: GCSE

Examination Group: EDEXCEL

Examination Value: 100 %

Examination Code: 1CP2

Examination Structure: 2 examinations: Paper 1 - Principles of Computer Science (1 hour 30 minutes); Paper 2 – Application of Computational Thinking (2 hours);

 

Units studied:

Component 1 – Principles of Computer Science - 1 hour 30 minutes; 50% of the grade. Externally assessed. This paper consists of five compulsory questions, each one focused on one of the topic areas.

This paper will assess Topics 1 to 5:

Topic 1Computational thinking – understanding of what algorithms are, what they are used for and how they work; ability to follow, amend and write algorithms; ability to construct truth tables.

Topic 2Data – understanding of binary, data representation, data storage and compression.

Topic 3Computers – understanding of hardware and software components of computer systems and characteristics of programming languages.

Topic 4: Networks – understanding of computer networks and network security.

Topic 5: Issues and impact – awareness of emerging trends in computing technologies, and the impact of computing on individuals, society and the environment, including ethical, legal and ownership issues

Component 2 – Application of computational thinking – 2 hours; 50% of the grade. On screen examination. Externally assessed.

This practical paper requires students to design, write, test and refine programs in order to solve problems.

This paper will assess Topic 6: Problem solving with programming.

 

The focus of this paper is:

  • understanding what algorithms are, what they are used for and how they work in relation to creating programs
  • understanding how to decompose and analyse problems
  • ability to read, write, refine and evaluate programs.

GCSE Results 2019

Congratulations to the Year 11 students on achieving 43% grades 9-4.

GCSE Results 2022

Congratulations to the Year 11 students on achieving 53.3% grade 9 to 4

Support for learning

KS3

The following websites are useful for our KS3 students:

The link below is very useful for students who wish to practice their programming but might not have Python or JavaScript installed locally.

https://www.w3schools.com/

The links below are useful for students and parents who might want to find out more about internet safety.

https://www.nspcc.org.uk

https://www.ceop.police.uk

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/

 

KS4

These websites are useful for our KS4 students (please note that Year 10 students will be following the new 2020 Edexcel GCSE 9-1 in Computer Science):

The link below will stake students to the subject page for Computer Science on the Edexcel site where past papers and mark schemes can be downloaded.

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (2020 specification)

The following links feature walkthroughs of sample assessments for both papers:

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Paper 1 walkthrough on You Tube

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Paper 2 walkthrough on You Tube

The following video clips are excellent to watch before a topic is taught in class for either GCSE Computer Science course. They are also excellent revision sources.

Craig N Dave Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (You Tube clips)

These two revision books are extremely useful for KS4 students are they approach mock and final GCSE exams (Year 11 students only)

Pearson Edexcel GCSE Computer Science 9-1 Revision Guide and Workbook (ISBN numbers 9781292131207 and 9781292131191 respectively).

Supporting Students outside the Classroom

Accessing work from home - Students in all years have a Google Classroom account where most lesson materials and home study can also be found. This can be accessed by students using their school Gmail accounts on any device.

Programming - The link below is very useful for students who wish to practice their programming but might not have Python or JavaScript installed locally.

https://www.w3schools.com/

Why consider this subject?

Computer Science encourages students to be inspired, and challenged through completing a qualification that teaches students to think logically and computationally. It will prepare students a range of careers and post 16 options with transferrable skills which are in high demand.

Extra Curricular

KS3

We run a lunchtime club for our KS3 students using BBC Microbit providing an opportunity to develop an understanding of Python and Javascript for programming a physical device. This club runs every Thursday lunchtime in room 118 from 1.30 – 1.55. This club is run by Mr Coulson.

 

KS4 and 5

We offer support every Friday afterschool in room 118 between 3.30 – 4.10 for our KS4 and 5 students. This session is for any student that would like to further develop their skills and understanding of GCSE and A Level Computer Science. These sessions are run by Mr Coulson.