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Computer science

We want our students to understand and play an active role in the digital world that surrounds them, not to be passive consumers of an opaque and mysterious technology. A sound understanding of computer science concepts will help students see how to get the best from the systems they use, and how to solve problems when things go wrong. In a world full of technology, every school-leaver should have an understanding of computer science and be digitally literate.

IT at Hermitage Academy is an immersive experience, exposing students to fundamentals such as Microsoft Office, which is an essential tool for most jobs in today's workforce. Creative computing such as image manipulation, website and computer game development, teaches young people how to express their creativity in an informed and responsible way and encourages them to reflect on what they produce and strive for excellence. Finally, computer science concepts such as how computers work and developing coding solutions, using multiple programming languages, to real-world problems, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential in future life.  

Throughout the key stages, students will encounter a range of software, completing project-based tasks, providing solutions to given scenarios. Students will also be encouraged to think about e-safety and cultural issues of computer science. These include the impact of technology on daily life, the 'digital divide' and globalisation.  

As well as following the curriculum, students will be encouraged to read for pleasure, experiencing a diverse range of literature as a platform for exploring new ideas, developing critical thinking skills and learning more about the world around them. 

Students enjoy computer science because it is varied, fast-paced and fun. Every student is inspired to believe in their potential and to aim high. Careers within coding and the digital sector are the fastest growing sector today, predictions estimate there will be twice as many jobs than candidates to fill them in the coming years. We have devised our computer science curriculum with this in mind, students acquire a grounding towards knowledge, skills and understanding that a growing number of employers are demanding. 

The Computing and ICT department delivers a games development club from October half term where students can learn and practice the skills required to create their own game. 

Curriculum information

Year

Autumn

Spring

Summer

7

E-Safety including cyber bullying and digital footprints.

 

Office Skills including email, Teams and online systems use.

E-Safety including cyber bullying and digital footprints.

 

Introduction to Computer Systems including hardware, software, storage devices, networks and network security. 

E-Safety including cyber bullying and digital footprints.


Photoshop, looking at image manipulation in the media and using skills learnt to create an image based on a given scenario.

 

Scratch, a block-based visual programming language where students learn coding concepts and develop a game based around the classic PONG theme.

8

E-Safety including body image and social media.

 

Intermediate Computer Systems including binary, sorting algorithms, network topologies, computer logic and data representation.

E-Safety including body image and social media.

 

Vector Graphics including digital graphic properties, branding and image editing skills.

 

Cyber Security, discovery of techniques that cybercriminals use to steal data, disrupt systems, and infiltrate networks.

 

 

E-Safety including body image and social media.

 

GameMaker, a high-level visual programming language where students learn coding concepts, basic scripting and develop a maze game of their own theme, similar to that of PAC MAN.

 

9

E-Safety including grooming, inappropriate content and messaging.

 

Python including sequence, selection, iteration and string manipulation.

 

E-Safety including grooming, inappropriate content and messaging.

 

Interactive Multimedia Products, students design and create a product for a given scenario, including video, sound, and animation.

 

Photoshop, looking at image manipulation in the media and using skills learnt to create an image based on a given scenario.

E-Safety including grooming, inappropriate content and messaging.

 

Digital Literacy Skills,students will be empowered with knowledge and skills to enable them to be exceptional digital citizens of todays digital world.

10

Systems architecture including the CPU, its purpose and how it impacts performance, Von Neumann Architecture and embedded systems.

 

Memory and storage including primary, secondary, units, data representation and compression.

Programming fundamentals including sequence, selection, iteration and string manipulation. 

 

Computer networks, connections and protocols including types of, factors effecting the performance of, hardware required for networks. Also, network topologies and methods of connection.

 

Network security including threats to computer systems and how to protect against vulnerabilities. 

 

Systems software including both operating, application and utility software.

Ethical, legal, cultural & environmental impacts of digital technology.

 

Programming fundamentals including sequence, selection, iteration and string manipulation.

11

Component 1 revision

 

  • System architecture
  • Memory and storage
  • Computer networks
  • Network security
  • Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology.

Component 2 revision

 

  • Programming fundamentals
  • Algorithms
  • Boolean logic
  • Defensive design
  • Programming languages and use of Integrated Development Environments.

Component 1 and 2 revision

12

Python programming skills which form a foundation for the subject.

 

The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices including the structure and function of the processor, types of processors and input, output and storage.

 

Software and software development including systems software, applications generation, software development and types of programming language.

Exchanging data including databases, networks, and web technologies.

 

Data types, data structures and algorithms including binary arithmetic, data structures and Boolean algebra.

Legal, moral, cultural, and ethical issues including computing related legislation and moral and ethical issues.

 

Non examined assessment programming project – Individual student project.

13

Elements of computational thinking including thinking abstractly, thinking procedurally and thinking logically.

 

Problem solving and programming including programming techniques and computational methods.

 

Non examined assessment programming project - Individual student project.

 

Algorithms including the use of algorithms to describe problems and standard algorithms

 

Non examined assessment programming project - Individual student project.

Component 1 Revision

 

Component 2 Revision
I find Computer Science a fascinating subject and really enjoy the process of using computational thinking to solve problems and code solutions.
Year 12 student
One thing that I really like about studying Computer Science is the problem-solving aspect of coding.
Year 11 student