
In this term-long rotation, the Mount St Joseph Computer Science team aim to ensure that all students will be introduced to fundamental programming concepts, as we strive to provide a strong foundation for further study in computer science. The curriculum is designed to develop essential coding skills through hands-on practice and application.
We aim to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of programming constructs, learning how to utilise and implement input and output operations, and loops and arrays.
This term aims to build a solid understanding of how basic programs operate and respond to different inputs. By the end of this term, students will be able to write more complex programs that can handle larger sets of data and perform iterative processes.
Year 9
Students only complete Computer Science for 1 Term
Term a: Programming Basics – Input, Output, Selection
Students will begin with the basics of programming, focusing on understanding and implementing input and output operations. They will learn how to gather data from users, process it, and display the results. Additionally, the concept of selection will be introduced, enabling students to write programs that make decisions based on conditions.
Term b: Programming Basics – Loops & Arrays
The focus will then shift to more advanced programming constructs: loops and arrays. Students will learn how to use loops to repeat actions and manage repetitive tasks efficiently. They will also explore arrays, which allow the storage and manipulation of multiple data items.
Key Stage 4 Vision:
In Year 10 Computer Science, students will gain a thorough understanding of programming, networking, and computational thinking. The year begins with developing core programming skills, focusing on input, output, sequence, selection, and iteration, establishing a solid foundation in basic programming principles. Following this, students will advance to procedures, functions, and arrays, learning to create modular and efficient code.
The curriculum then shifts to networking fundamentals, exploring why networks are essential, the differences between LAN and WAN, and the roles of routers and IP addressing. Students will understand network performance and protocols, followed by an in-depth look at network topologies and layers, providing a comprehensive understanding of data transmission and network structure.
In the final term, the focus moves to computational thinking. Students will learn the basics of abstraction, decomposition, and sub-programs, and develop coding logic using flowcharts and pseudocode. The term concludes with advanced concepts such as arithmetic operators, Boolean logic, trace tables, and common programming errors, as well as search and sort algorithms.
In Year 11 Computer Science, students will deepen their understanding of essential concepts and prepare for final assessments. The year begins with exploring data, focusing on binary, data representation, storage, and compression. Next, students will study computer systems architecture, covering hardware, software, and both high and low-level programming languages.
In Term 2a, the focus shifts to the broader impacts of computing, including environmental, legal, ethical issues, and cybersecurity. Term 2b is dedicated to practical programming, with students completing and reviewing past practical papers to hone their coding skills.
The year culminates in Term 3a with intensive preparation for their GCSE examinations, ensuring students are well-prepared for their final exams. This curriculum equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in further studies and future careers in technology.
Year 10
Term 1a:
Programming Skills Development – Input, Output, sequence, selection, iteration.
Term 1b:
Programming Skills – procedures and functions, arrays.
Term 2a:
Networks – Why we need networks?, LAN / WAN, Routers, IP Addressing, Performance, Protocols.
Term 2b:
Networks – Topologies and Layers
Term 3a:
Computational Thinking – Abstraction, Decomposition, Sub-programs, coding logic (flowcharts and pseudocode)
Term 3b:
Computational Thinking – Arithmetic Operators, Boolean logic, trace tables, errors (syntax, logic and runtime), search and sort algorithms.
Year 11
Term 1a:
Data – Binary, Data representation, Data Storage and Compression
Term 1b:
Computer Systems Architecture – Hardware, Software, Programming languages (high and low level)
Term 2a:
Issues and Impact – Environmental, legal and ethical, cybersecurity
Term 2b:
Programming – Past Practical Paper completion and review
Term 3a:
GCSE Exam preparation.