Computer Science

Reception - Year 2

Pupils from Reception up to Year 2 learn to use various digital devices and platforms for specific tasks: 

Basic computer skills include logging on and off, using a mouse, saving work to personal folders, and touch typing. Our young Felstedians engage with technology through play, using interactive whiteboards, computers, iPads, and Beebots. They learn to design simple artwork and illustrate ebooks with Dazzle, 2Paintapicture, and Google Slides. Additionally, they use Wordle and Google Docs to create documents, change font type, size, and colour, and insert images into their work.

Years 3 & 4

In Year 3, pupils begin to enhance their creative skills with available technology. They design their own digital artwork using Paint and Google Slides, comparing the benefits and drawbacks of each program. They also continue to develop programming skills using Scratch and create leaflets to convey information.

In Year 4, pupils spend more time honing their programming skills through various tasks. They learn to create slideshow presentations and are tasked with designing abstract art using a computer program of their choice. They also create simple animations using Scratch and Pivot, and utilize Google Docs and Google Classroom for their assessment pieces.

Years 5 & 6

In Years 5 and 6, pupils begin their Computer Science studies, utilising various software and hardware to demonstrate their skills in this field.

They will create a non-chronological slideshow on endangered animal and plant species and learn basic spreadsheet skills, including creating tables and graphs and using simple mathematical formulas to solve tasks. Pupils will engage in Flowol Programming with logical, step-by-step instructions and produce a silent movie stop-motion animation using Pivot Stickfigure Animator.

They will design a basic webpage on a topic of their choice using a simple HTML editor. They will also explore 3D animation with Muvizu, which enhances scriptwriting and voice acting skills. Additionally, they will learn how digital technology communicates with other devices, analyse data, and present information in various formats. It is at this stage that they will begin to explore Python, our chosen programming language at Felsted, to solve real-life problems.

Years 7 & 8

In Years 7 and 8, pupils expand their knowledge and understanding of Computer Science. They will discover what the components of computers are, what they do and how they work together to create a computer system.

They will examine how digital technology communicates with other devices and use VEXIQ Programming to provide instant feedback to “real-life” situations, using and programming robots using Python plugins.

Pupils will learn how to create 3D Animations using Muvizu, enhancing scriptwriting and voice acting. They will analyse data using more complex formulae in spreadsheets and use Microsoft and Google Office Suites for assessed pieces of work. They will also continue their development and understanding of Python.  Students with a passion for Computer Science can begin the first stages of advanced robotics by building a quadcopter.

Year 9

In Year 9 the Computing course has been designed to build on previous knowledge and understanding and offers pupils a specialised route into further study of Computer Science. Pupils develop critical thinking, analysis and problem solving skills which can also be applied to other curricular subjects. The areas covered in the course are:

• E-Safety

• Computational thinking

• Computer hardware and Software

• Data Representation

• Programming using Python

• Web Design using HTML

• Moral, Legal, Environmental Issues

• Assessment

• Physical Computing

• Videogame Design

Assessment is carried out throughout the year by means of a number of projects primarily focusing on achievement in the practical production of tasks. Feedback is given to pupils on a regular basis in the form of verbal or written advice to highlight where the pupil has been successful or where they can improve. Students are encouraged to reflect upon this feedback and set targets for themselves based on the feedback.  Students are encouraged to take their passion for Computer Science further and a range of co-curricular activities are available including e-Sports, robotics and physical computing club

Years 10 & 11

In Years 10 and 11 students follow the AQA GCSE Computer Science 8525 syllabus which will enable them to develop computational thinking skills built on a sound base of conceptual learning and understanding. Students will study:

• Fundamentals of algorithms
• Programming
• Fundamentals of data representation
• Computer systems
• Fundamentals of computer networks
• Cyber security
• Relational databases and structured query language (SQL)
• Ethical, legal and environmental impacts of digital technology on wider society

Students who have selected Computer Science as a GCSE are encouraged to attend extended co-curricular activities including videogame design in Unity, as well as becoming a member of the Felsted Robotic’s team.  Students have the options to enter various competitions including: competing for a BAFTA in Young Videogame Designer of the Year, CanSat, PiWars, Perse Coding Challenge and Astro-Pi.

Years 12 & 13

Computer Science is a highly engaging and challenging option at A Level, offered to students in Years 12 and 13 who follow the AQA syllabus. This course is designed to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in computing, providing a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Students will study:

• Fundamentals of programming
• Fundamentals of data structures
• Fundamentals of algorithms
• Theory of computation
• Fundamentals of data representation
• Fundamentals of computer systems
• Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture
• Consequences of uses of computing
• Fundamentals of communication and networking
• Fundamentals of databases
• Big Data
• Fundamentals of functional programming
• Systematic approach to problem solving
• Non-exam assessment - the computing practical project

The AQA A Level Computer Science course is assessed through a combination of examinations and a practical project. The examinations test students' understanding of theoretical concepts, while the practical project allows them to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world problem.

This comprehensive course equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for further study or careers in computer science and related fields, making it an excellent choice for those interested in the ever-evolving world of technology.