Open each section to read the full curriculum outline for that key stage.
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 be 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.
This course is available to students in Maths Bands 1 or 2 in Year 9.
Computers are one of the most valuable tools used in all industries and it is important for anyone wanting a modern job to learn how to understand and instruct a computer. Programming is the practice of being able to control what a computer does to make lives easier and more efficient.
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.
This GCSE enables students to develop their programming ability as well as their understanding of modern technology. Students will not only gain invaluable programming experience but a strong foundation in problem-solving skills, useful throughout their lives. GCSE Computer Science is a subject that combines the practicality of finding solutions with the creativity of designing and implementing them. Students will get experience analysing problems using computational terms and looking at how they apply in the real world. This two component course is designed to give students an in-depth understanding of how computer technology works and the practical skill of programming in Python. The final grade is based on two written examinations at the end of year 11.
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 a lot 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, specifically at JFS, as it is taught by two teachers with Computer Science degrees.
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.