Computer Science Curriculum Intent
At Winterhill School, we recognise the importance of ICT/CS and the role it has to play in an ever-changing digital world. Knowledge and understanding of ICT is of increasing importance for student’s future both in society and for future careers. Our ICT/CS curriculum focuses on a progression of skills in digital literacy, computer science, information communication technology and online safety to ensure that students become competent in safely using, as well as understanding, modern technology.
It is our vision for every student to become not just responsible, safe competent ICT users, but have a technical understanding of what goes on behind the user interface. to succeed and achieve their potential as well as to lead physically active lifestyles. We strive to inspire our students through fun and engaging ICT/CS lessons that are enjoyable, challenging and accessible to all. We want our students to be responsible and respectful when using technology, providing them with the confidence to work safely in a digital environment.
As students move through their journey at Winterhill School they will learn new skills, but also repeat and refine existing ones to become fully ICT/CS literate. Our examination courses are designed to develop student’s independence, develop effective programming or multimedia products that are used as a stepping stone to achieving employable skills.
Curriculum Intent Key Principles:
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Develop learners' desire for using ICT beyond gaming and socialising.
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Inspires all students to delve into greater exploration to inside the computer itself.
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Enable students to show great resilience when problem solving, using computational thinking.
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Develop student's independence in using a range of software packages, to produce multimedia products.
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Be equipped with the understanding of internet safety; understand their responsibility to recognise and report issues.
Why Study Computer Science?
Computers are widely used in all aspects of business, industry, government, education, leisure and
the home. In this technological age, a study of computer science, and particularly how computers
are used in the solution of a variety of problems, is essential to learners.
Computer science integrates well with subjects across the curriculum. It demands both logical discipline and imaginative creativity in the selection and design of algorithms and the writing, testing and debugging of programs; it relies on an understanding of the rules of language at a fundamental level; it encourages an awareness of the management and organisation of computer systems; it extends learners’ horizons beyond the school or college environment in the appreciation of the effects of computer science on society and individuals..
Key Stage 3 Curriculum Overview
GCSE Computer Science Curriculum Overview
Creative iMedia Curriculum Overview
What skills will I need?
This course builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills established through the computer science elements of the computing programme of study at Key Stage 3 and enables learners to progress into further learning and/or employment.
This specification provides a suitable foundation for the study of computer science at AS and A level. In addition, the specification provides a coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study for learners who do not progress to further study in this subject.
You will need to be a g resilient and have the ability to solve problems logically.
Year 7
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Computer Safety
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Comic Strips
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Data Representation
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Networking
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Scratch Programming
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Graphic Design (Inkscape)
Year 8
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Graphic Design (Photoshop)
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Networking
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Data Representation
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Internet Safety
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Spreadsheets Modelling
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Basic Programming
Year 9
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Computer Hardware
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Algorithms
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Food Festival- Graphic Design
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Food Festival - Graphic Production
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Python Programming
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Spreadsheets Modelling
Computer Systems
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
Computational thinking, algorithms and programming
2.1 Algorithms
2.2 Programming fundamentals
2.3 Producing robust programs
2.4 Boolean logic
2.5 Programming languages and Integrated Development
Creative iMedia in the media industry
Topic 1: The media industry
Topic 2: Factors influencing product design
Topic 3: Pre-production planning
Topic 4: Distribution considerations
Visual identity and digital graphics
Topic 1: Develop visual identity
Topic 2: Plan digital graphics for products
Topic 3: Create visual identity and digital graphics
Interactive digital media
Topic 1: Plan interactive digital media
Topic 2: Create interactive digital media
Topic 3: Review interactive digital media