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 combines Harvard University’s highly regarded Harvard University CS50 Introduction to Computer Science programme with an AQA Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Students gain exposure to world-class computing content while also developing an independent project that can strengthen university applications through additional UCAS points.
Students who successfully complete CS50 can apply for an official certificate from Harvard University, while the EPQ element allows them to explore an area of computing that particularly interests them. This is a project-based course with no final examination.
This course introduces students to a broad range of core computing concepts while developing logical thinking, problem-solving skills and an understanding of how modern computing systems work. Through structured modules and real-world challenges, students build strong analytical skills that are valuable across a wide range of university courses and careers.
Key areas of study include:
Computational Thinking – breaking down problems and designing logical solutions
Algorithms – understanding efficient problem-solving methods such as searching and sorting
Data Structures – exploring how information is organised to improve efficiency
Memory and Computer Systems – understanding how computers store and process data
Programming in C – developing core programming knowledge through a low-level language
Programming in Python – building more complex programs using a modern programming language
SQL Databases – learning how to store, organise and query data
Web Development – creating websites and applications using HTML, CSS, JavaScript and Flask
Cybersecurity Basics – understanding how systems and data are protected
Alongside the CS50 programme, students complete an independent EPQ project inspired by an area of computing that interests them. This could include developing a program, designing a website, or writing a 5,000-word research essay. Students also present their project findings to an audience.
A GCSE in Computer Science is not required to take this course, although prior experience in computing would be beneficial.
Students should achieve at least a Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics due to the logical and analytical nature of the course.
This course is ideal for students who enjoy problem-solving, independent learning and technology. It provides an excellent foundation for university courses and careers in areas such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Business Technology and Digital Media.
The combination of an internationally recognised Harvard University course and an AQA EPQ also helps students stand out in competitive university applications.
