Computer Science
Year 9 Option
Intent:
At Brayton Academy, we recognise the importance of Computer Science as a life skill in society and industry, developing computational thinking skills that are transferable between subjects.
We have carefully sequenced an introduction to GCSE theory and programming topics that can built upon into KS4 to provide pupils with the fluency they need to tackle problems confidently.
Our expectations are very high; we expect pupils to take pride in their work, to complete homework to a high standard, bring a positive attitude to the classroom and always strive to be their best. This goes hand-in-hand with helping pupils to develop a love of learning Computer Science by supporting them to be successful at every step through expert teaching. We believe that all pupils have the potential to learn computer science to a high level when we take this approach.
- Create an atmosphere where ALL pupils feel comfortable to give their all to learning Computer Science without being scared of making mistakes
- Open ALL pupils’ eyes to the real-world transferable skills that Computer Science equips them with and the opportunities that arise from this
- Encourage ALL pupils to further develop their resilience skills with a determined mind-set when approaching new material and problem-solving tasks
Eliminate any fear of Computer Science through meeting ALL pupils at their level and supporting them to be successful.
Implementation:
In year 9 pupils have the option to begin studying Computer Science, classroom-based assessments of learning and “exam style” questions are introduced as the course goes on to prepare these pupils for what is expected of them if they choose to take GCSE Computer Science.
Throughout the year pupils will be set homework that will revise content they have already studied, rather than focusing on what they are currently looking at in class. This gives them another opportunity to ensure that previously studied material is retained.
The following table lists core skills only. These are the concepts all pupils are expected to master. Some pupils will go on to study related extension material.
KS4 1 year GCSE
Intent:
At Brayton Academy, we recognise the importance of Computer Science as a life skill in society and industry, developing computational thinking skills that are transferable between subjects.
We have carefully sequenced necessary skills to be consistently developed throughout pupils’ time at school, to provide students with the fluency they need to tackle problems confidently. Over the course of this one-year GCSE paper 1 and paper 2 will be taught alongside each other to ensure that 40 hours of programming is completed.
Our curriculum is grounded in using assessment to identify where students are and builds up knowledge securely to ensure no gaps are left. Our expectations are very high; we expect pupils to take pride in their work, to complete homework to a high standard, bring a positive attitude to the classroom and always strive to be their best. This goes hand-in-hand with helping students to develop a love of learning Computer Science by supporting them to be successful at every step through expert teaching. We believe that all students have the potential to learn computer science to a high level when we take this approach.
- Create an atmosphere where ALL students feel comfortable to give their all to learning Computer Science without being scared of making mistakes
- Open ALL students’ eyes to the real-world transferable skills that Computer Science equips them with and the opportunities that arise from this
- Encourage ALL students to further develop their resilience skills with a determined mind-set when approaching new material and problem-solving tasks
Eliminate any fear of Computer Science through meeting ALL students at their level and supporting them to be successful
Implementation:
In KS4 pupils will complete a 1-year GCSE in Computer Science. Staff constantly assess whether pupils are striving to achieve their target grades and push to better themselves once their target grade has been achieved, if appropriate. Pupils who show the potential to achieve a grade 6 will have the opportunity to tackle more complex programming topics.
Intertwined with learning theory and programming the pupils will look at how to apply their knowledge to the context of “exam-style” questions, including an emphasis on problem solving that is necessary for success at the new J277 GCSE. The focus that we place on constant revision is now even more important as pupils will need to have as much knowledge as possible at their fingertips as they enter final preparations for GCSE.
Throughout the year pupils will be set homework that compliments the topic currently being studied. This will be a mixture of paper and online based exam style questions, revision using Seneca platform, creation of flash cards and videos to watch to prepare students for the next topic in the sequence of learning. The learning completed and notes made from these resources will also be used for revision which will provide them with another opportunity to ensure that previously studied material is retained.
The following table lists core skills only. These are the concepts all pupils are expected to master. Some students will go on to study related extension material.
