Key Stage 3 students at Kingsley have one compulsory lesson per week in one of our dedicated computing suites. Students use Microsoft Teams, OneNote and the Office suite in order to prepare them for modern online world, including further education and the workplace. The department also uses online tools for tasks such as diagram creation, image manipulation and of course coding.
The school bases its KS3 curriculum on the National Curriculum document and National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) resources.
A high-quality computing education equips students to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems.
The core of computing is computer science, in which students are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming.
Building on this knowledge and understanding, students are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that students become digitally literate –able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
The National Curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all students:
At the end of KS3, students are ready to start GCSE Computing, or have been given a good grounding in digital literacy, information and communications technologies and Computer science. They have been equipped with a range of 21st century skills that should enable them to independently use Computer systems to find solutions to problems and tackle whatever they go on to study.
OCR J277 GCSE Computer Science
Our GCSE in Computer Science is engaging and practical, encouraging creativity and problem solving. It encourages students to develop their understanding and application of the core concepts in computer science. Students also analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs.
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.
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.
Practical programming
Students are to be given the opportunity to undertake a programming task(s) 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, in particular component 02 (section B).
Assessment:
There are two exam elements to the assessment:
|
Component |
Marks |
Duration |
Weighting |
|
Computer systems (01) |
80 |
1 hour 30 mins |
50% |
|
Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (02) |
80 |
1 hour 30 mins |
50% |
There are three Assessment Objectives (AO) in OCR GCSE (9-1) in Computer Science as follows;
Typical Activities
Students use Microsoft Teams, OneNote and the Office suite in order to prepare them for modern online world, including further education and the workplace. The department also uses online tools for tasks such as diagram creation, image manipulation and of course coding.
Students will learn coding from a basic level upwards, looking at several different types of code and how a computer uses/ interprets them; essentially, learning how a computer works. The theoretical elements of programming will be covered in the computational thinking component of the course, this will cover; problem solving, algorithms and programming constructs whilst learning different programming languages (Python, SQL and assembly language). Students will consider the organisation and structure of data, theoretical principles of different hardware components, networks, systems software, threats and prevention of threats.
This course allows students to complete the Harvard University introduction to computer science (CS50) as well as gaining an AQA accredited EPQ. On completion on the CS50 course students can apply for an official certificate from Harvard University to show they have completed the course while the EPQ part of the course allows students to build additional UCAS for university applications. This is a project based course and does not require students to sit a final exam.
This course introduces students to a broad range of core computing concepts while teaching them how to think logically, solve problems, and understand how modern computing works. Through structured modules and real‑world challenges, students develop strong analytical skills and a solid foundation in key areas of computer science that will support them in any future field. Harvard offers this course to all its students because it believes that a fundamental understanding of computing and coding is valuable in every discipline. For those who wish to continue their computing journey, the course also provides the insight needed to explore and specialise in specific areas of interest.
Computational Thinking – Students learn how to break down problems and design logical solutions, forming the core of computer science.
Algorithms – Introduction to efficient problem‑solving methods (like searching and sorting) and understanding why speed matters.
Data Structures – How information is stored and organised (e.g., arrays, more complex structures) to make programs faster and more efficient.
Memory & Computer Systems – Insight into how computers work internally, including how they store and manage data.
Programming in C – A low‑level language used to teach core programming principles and how computers operate under the hood.
Programming in Python – A high‑level, modern language that helps students build more complex programs more easily.
SQL Databases – How to store, query, and manage data using a structured database language.
Web Development – Building simple websites and apps using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Flask.
Cybersecurity Basics – Understanding the fundamentals of keeping systems and data secure
Students will come up with a project of their choosing inspired by one of the topics covered in the course to submit for their EPQ credits. This project can be a program they have created in one of the languages looked at in CS50, a website or even a 5,000 word essay on one of the areas covered. As part of this, students will give a presentation on their project to an audience, sharing their findings.
Recommended Entry requirements:
A GCSE in computer science is not required to take this course, however some background in computing will be helpful.
A grade 6 or above is required in mathematics.
