Computer Science
Key Stage 3
Throughout KS3 we cover a range of different programs/languages to help students build up their problem-solving skills as well as learn the basics of certain applications/languages. For each topic, there is usually a small project where students learn to break down a large problem into more manageable parts and apply the knowledge they have learnt from previous lessons.
Throughout the key stage, we want students to understand the creative side of Computer Science through the creation of games/websites, not just designing a project visually, but by being creative through finding solutions to problems.
Additionally, students will learn about some of the core theory concepts around computers how they work.
We try to replicate the real world during the assessment weeks, where students are given a task and are allowed to use the computer to implement/test their code, with the assessment revolving around problem-solving skills rather than memory.
Key Stage 4
At JFS the focus of the course is programming, throughout the majority of year 10 students will be working on python covering topics including if statement, libraries, loops, arrays, 2d array, functions and procedures. Those that pick-up programming quickly will be given the opportunity to go beyond the GCSE course and create graphical games and use more advanced libraries to complete tasks. Students will learn about how to make their programs maintainable and how to use an IDE.
Additionally, students learn about the theory of Computer Science. Learning about the different parts of a computer, the features of the operating system, how networks work and the ethical side of the internet.
In year 11 the focus is more on exam practice and answering exam style questions.
Key Stage 5
The A Level course will be very similar to the GCSE Computer Science course, with a lot of the topics coming up again in the A Level. Each topic will include significantly more detail than GCSE, and a strong knowledge of the GCSE course is required. Topics include Hardware, Networks, Binary Representation, Ethics, Algorithms, Boolean Algebra, and Operating Systems. In addition, the course has a heavy focus on programming.
We will be covering lots of different programming languages and techniques to prepare you not only for your coursework but the real world as well. In this course, you will learn about the following programming languages:
Python, Java, Assembly Language, HTML/CSS/JavaScript, SQL.
Students who are already strong programmers will be given exposure to a range of different python libraries and programs that will prepare students for all different types of industry.