Key Stage 3 Computing

Key Stage 4 Computing

Half Term

Topic

Learning Outcomes

Assessment

 Autumn 1

Life Online

You will explore the ‘Wonderful Life Online’ and learn about social media, our digital footprint as well as learn how to build a positive online reputation. You will then move on to explore the threats you might face online covering fake news, scams, viruses, and social engineering. Then, so you know how to stay safe online you will look at how you can protect yourself online and where to go for help.

Written assessment to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of life online.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize and www.teach-ict.com

 Autumn 2

World Wide Web

You will learn how to use the school network, email, and online communication tools to support learning. You will then go on to learn how the World Wide Web works, how to browse the web effectively and how to search for reliable information. Then you will be set a research task for a given topic and you will gather information using online sources, organise it and evaluate it. You will also explore communication and information legislation.

Word processed assessment to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the World Wide Web and information literacy.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize and www.teach-ict.com

 Spring 1

 Computer Systems

You will move on to a computer science topic and explore what a computer system is, the hardware and software needed for a computer to function effectively, storage devices as well as input and output devices and peripherals

Written assessment to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of computer systems.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize and www.teach-ict.com

 Spring 2

Computational Thinking

You will be introduced to ‘Computational Thinking’ where you will learn about algorithms and where they are used in the world around us. You will learn what Pseudocode is and write some of your own! You will also construct your own flow diagrams and decide what the inputs, outputs and variables will be. The topic will end with a practical task where you will design, create, and refine your algorithm based on a given task.

Practical assessment using Flowol to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of algorithms and flowcharts.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize and www.teach-ict.com

 Summer 1

The Digital Age

You will explore how the world around us has been changed by information and communication technology. This will include changes in the way we shop, communicate, educate, manufacture goods, and sell them.

Practical assessment using online technologies to create a news article to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of The Digital Age.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize and www.teach-ict.com

 Summer 2

Game Development

Your final topic will be a practical project where you will use Scratch to create your own game. You will explore the Scratch interface so you know where all the different tools are, develop your programming skills, plan the code you will use for your game and then create your game ready to play!

Practical assessment using Scratch online to create a game for a given topic to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Scratch programming.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize and www.teach-ict.com

Half Term

Topic

Learning Outcomes

Assessment

Autumn 1

The Impact of Technology

You will explore how technology impacts the world around us and our everyday lives. You will learn the different ethical and cultural issues that are associated with new technologies and privacy. Then, you will move on to explore how new technologies can impact our social well-being, health and have changed our culture. To finish off you will learn about how new technologies impact the environment, information legislation and what it means for you, as well as how the digital divide impacts society.

Practical assessment using Microsoft PowerPoint to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of technology through a presentation.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize and www.teach-ict.com

Autumn 2

Python Programming

This is a practical topic where you will learn how to read and write using the Python programming language. This topic will include an introduction to Python, pseudocode and flowcharts, Boolean logic and expressions, Boolean logic in programming and finish off with a programming task for a given scenario.

Practical assessment to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Python programming.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize and www.teach-ict.com

Spring 1

AI, Bots & Social Engineering

This topic explores how artificial intelligence is used in the world around us and what the future might look like. You will also learn what bots are and where we might encounter them. To finish off, you will learn what social engineering is, where and how you might be impacted by it and how it is used by criminals.

Practical assessment using online technologies to create a news article to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of AI, Bots and social engineering.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize and www.teach-ict.com

Spring 2

Money Matters

This topic is a practical topic where you will learn how to create a spreadsheet. You will be planning your dream home but will have a budget to stick to! You will learn how to set up a spreadsheet and build formulas to calculate various figures, for example how much money you have spent on your home and how much you have left to spend. You will format your spreadsheet to make it presentable, create charts and finish off by learning how to prepare your spreadsheet for viewing and printing.

Practical assessment using Microsoft Excel to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of spreadsheets.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize and www.teach-ict.com

Summer 1

Data Representation

This topic is a computer science topic and you will learn about how computers understand data. You will start off with an introduction to binary numbers, then move on to learn how to convert binary to denary and denary to binary. Then, once you have mastered this you will learn how to add binary numbers and learn what is meant by an overflow error. To finish the topic, you will learn about hexadecimal numbers.

Written assessment using to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of data representation.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize and www.teach-ict.com

Summer 2

Careers in Business and ICT

To finish off year 8 you will explore different careers in the Business & ICT sector. You will learn about the different job roles available, career progression, responsibilities of the roles and the skills and knowledge needed to be successful. You will complete an application form for a job you might apply for in the future. You will also develop your letter writing skills using Microsoft Word, where you will write a covering letter for the same job you have applied for. Then, you will learn all about interviews and how to prepare for them, the topic will finish with a real interview where you will get the opportunity to practice your interview skills with a business professional.

Written and verbal assessment to demonstrate knowledge and skills in applying for a job.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize and www.teach-ict.com

Half Term

Topic

Learning Outcomes

Assessment

Autumn 1

Tycoon in School

This topic is a business and enterprise one where you will work on developing ideas for a product or service that can be sold to customers. You will then form a business team with others in your class, discuss your ideas and select the most profitable one. The chosen idea will be developed further and, as a team, you will complete a business plan that will be entered into the Tycoon in School competition that is run by the Peter Jones’ Foundation. The topic will enable you to develop your teamwork, financial, creative, leadership, communication, and literacy skills. Like Dragon’s Den you will present your idea as a business pitch, receive feedback, and improve it further. If your entry to the competition is successful, then your team will receive a micro loan so that you can turn your idea into a reality!

Practical assessment using Microsoft PowerPoint through a presentation of the business pitch.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize and www.teach-ict.com

Autumn 2

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize and www.teach-ict.com

Spring 1

Networks & System Security

This topic explores how artificial intelligence is used in the world around us and what the future might look like. You will also learn what bots are and where we might encounter them. To finish off, you will learn what social engineering is, where and how you might be impacted by it and how it is used by criminals.

Practical assessment using online technologies to create a news article to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of AI, Bots and social engineering.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize and www.teach-ict.com

Spring 2

Computational Thinking

This topic builds upon knowledge from year 7 where you learnt about algorithms and pseudocode and how to write them. This topic develops your learning further and explores how computers follow search algorithms to find items in lists, including binary and linear searches. You will then move onto learn about how sorting algorithms work, including bubble sort, merge sort and insertion sort.

Written assessment using to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of search and sort algorithms. Home

Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize and www.teach-ict.com

Summer 1

Social Media Research Project

For this topic, you will use your research skills and knowledge from year 7 as well as other subject areas to plan and carry out a research project. The research will focus on social media and the impact of it, the good and the not so good! You will use various sources of information to support your view on whether ‘Is Social Media good or bad for our well-being?’ You will decide how you present your findings.

Written assessment using to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of data representation.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize and www.teach-ict.com

Summer 2

ePortfolio and HTML

This is a practical unit where you will learn how to use HTML to develop your own website. The website you create will be a showcase of all your amazing work throughout year 7, 8 and 9. You will learn about HTML and how to use it, then like professional developers you will plan the website, build it, test it and review it.

Practical assessment to develop an ePortfolio will be used to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of HTML.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize and www.teach-ict.com

Half Term

Topic

Learning Outcomes

Assessment

Autumn 1

Component 3 Promotion & Finance

 Learners will explore the different methods of promotion used by enterprises, their suitability for different sizes of enterprise, including the factors they consider when choosing the most appropriate. Learners will consider why an enterprise targets its market, and the impact this has on promotion. Learners will consider the factors affecting the choice of promotional method for an enterprise. Learners will complete, interpret and check the information on financial documents and statements.

Topics include:

• A1 Elements of the promotional mix and their purposes
• A2 Targeting and segmenting the market
• A3 Factors influencing the choice of promotional methods
• B1 Financial documents
• B2 Payment methods
• B3 Sources of revenue and costs

Written assessment to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of promotion and financial records.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize, LWA Virtual Lessons and Exam skills workbook.

Autumn 2

Component 3 Promotion & Finance 

 Learners will complete and interpret a statement of comprehensive income using given figures and suggest appropriate actions. Learners will complete and interpret a statement of financial position using given figures and suggest appropriate actions. Learners will interpret statements of comprehensive income and of financial position to calculate ratios. Learners will complete cash flow forecasts and investigate the effects of positive and negative cash flow on an enterprise.

Topics include:

• B4 Terminology in financial statements
• B5 Statement of comprehensive income
• B6 Statement of financial position
• B7 Profitability and liquidity
• C1 Using cash flow data
• C2 Financial forecasting

 Written assessment to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of financial records and financial planning & forecasting.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize, LWA Virtual Lessons and Exam skills workbook.

Spring 1

Component 3 Promotion & Finance 

 Learners will analyse cash flow information – consider changes in inflows and outflows over a period and analyse how this affects the enterprise, they will consider differences between predicted and actual cash flow and the importance of being as accurate as possible. Learners will also explore different methods that enterprises can use to improve cash flow and analyse how this will affect the enterprise and its stakeholders. Learners will construct and interpret a break-even chart and recognise its limitations.

Topics include:

• C3 Suggesting improvements to cash flow problems
• C4 Break-even analysis and break-even point
• C5 Sources of business finance

 Written assessment to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of financial planning & forecasting.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize, LWA Virtual Lessons and Exam skills workbook.

External Examination: Early February 2021

Spring 2

Component 1 Exploring Enterprises 

Learners examine local SMEs and conduct some research into two local enterprises of their choice. The purpose of the research is to explore what the enterprise does, the type of enterprise it is, how it operates, its purpose, aims and objectives and information about the entrepreneurs that run them. Once the information has been gathered learners will use it to word-process their coursework for this learning aim.

Topics include:

• A1 What is an enterprise?
• A2 Types and characteristics of SMEs.
• A3 The purpose of enterprises.
• A4 Entrepreneurs

Word-processed coursework.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize and LWA Virtual Lessons.

Summer 1

Component 1 Exploring Enterprises 

Learners explore what market research is, the methods that are used to conduct it and the benefits and limitations of using the different methods. They will also explore what key businesses decisions entrepreneurs can make using the information gathered through market research. Learners will research their chosen two enterprises to find out what market research methods they use, what information they gather and how they use this information for their business operations. Once the information has been gathered, learners will use it to word-process their coursework for this learning aim.

Topics include:

• B1 Customer needs
• B2 Using market research to understand customers
• B3 Understanding competitors

Word-processed coursework.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize and LWA Virtual Lessons.

Summer 2

Component 1 Exploring Enterprise 

 Learners will investigate why enterprises are successful, looking at the impact of factors both inside and outside the control of the enterprise, and investigate ways in which SWOT and PEST analysis can be used to support decision making. Learners will research their chosen two enterprises to find out what internal and external factors impact their operations and success. Once the information has been gathered, learners will use it to word-process their coursework for this learning aim.

Topics include:

• C1 Internal factors
• C2 External factors
• C3 Situational analysis
• C4 Measuring the success of an SME

Word-processed coursework.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize and LWA Virtual Lessons.

Half Term

Topic

Learning Outcomes

Assessment

Autumn 1

 Component 2 Planning for and pitching an enterprise activity

 Learners will develop their knowledge and understanding of the skills required to plan for a micro-enterprise activity. Learners will use their experience from exploring enterprises to independently generate ideas and choose one idea for a realistic micro-enterprise. Learners will draw on their exploration of enterprises to draw up an implementation plan for their chosen idea.

Topics include:

• A1 Generating ideas for a micro-enterprise activity
• A2 Plan for a micro-enterprise activity

Word-processed coursework.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize and LWA Virtual Lessons

Autumn 2

Component 2 Planning for and pitching an enterprise activity 

 Learners will demonstrate own skills by pitching an individual summary of the final plan to an audience. Learners will develop critical thinking skills as they review and reflect on the success of their business plan and pitch, to include their presentation and communication skills.

Topics include:

• B1 Pitching a micro-enterprise activity
• B2 Presenting a business pitch
• C1 Using feedback and review to identify possible changes to the pitch

Word-processed coursework.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize and LWA Virtual Lessons

Spring 1

Component 3 Promotion & Finance 

(RESIT OPPORTUNITY)

Learners will explore the different methods of promotion used by enterprises, their suitability for different sizes of enterprise, including the factors they consider when choosing the most appropriate. Learners will consider why an enterprise targets its market, and the impact this has on promotion. Learners will consider the factors affecting the choice of promotional method for an enterprise. Learners will complete, interpret and check the information on financial documents and statements.

Topics include: 

• A1 Elements of the promotional mix and their purposes
• A2 Targeting and segmenting the market
• A3 Factors influencing the choice of promotional methods
• B1 Financial documents
• B2 Payment methods
• B3 Sources of revenue and costs

Written assessment to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of promotion and financial records.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize, LWA Virtual Lessons and Exam skills workbook.

Spring 2

Component 3 Promotion & Finance 

(RESIT OPPORTUNITY)

Learners will complete and interpret a statement of comprehensive income using given figures and suggest appropriate actions. Learners will complete and interpret a statement of financial position using given figures and suggest appropriate actions. Learners will interpret statements of comprehensive income and of financial position to calculate ratios. Learners will complete cash flow forecasts and investigate the effects of positive and negative cash flow on an enterprise.

Topics include:

• B4 Terminology in financial statements
• B5 Statement of comprehensive income
• B6 Statement of financial position
• B7 Profitability and liquidity
• C1 Using cash flow data
• C2 Financial forecasting

Written assessment to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of financial records and financial planning & forecasting.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize, LWA Virtual Lessons and Exam skills workbook. 

Summer 1

Component 3 Promotion & Finance 

(RESIT OPPORTUNITY)

Learners will analyse cash flow information – consider changes in inflows and outflows over a period and analyse how this affects the enterprise, they will consider differences between predicted and actual cash flow and the importance of being as accurate as possible. Learners will also explore different methods that enterprises can use to improve cash flow and analyse how this will affect the enterprise and its stakeholders. Learners will construct and interpret a break-even chart and recognise its limitations.

Topics include:

• C3 Suggesting improvements to cash flow problems
• C4 Break-even analysis and break-even point
• C5 Sources of business finance

Written assessment to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of financial planning & forecasting.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize, LWA Virtual Lessons and Exam skills workbook.

External Examination: Early February 2021

Summer 2

Coursework Portfolio Preparation 

Prepare final portfolio of coursework ready for external moderation by the exam board.

 N/a

Half Term

Topic

Learning Outcomes

Assessment

Autumn 1

1.1 Systems architecture

Architecture of the CPU: The purpose of the CPU, Common CPU components and their function, Von Neumann architecture.

CPU performance: How common characteristics of CPUs affect their performance.

Embedded systems: The purpose and characteristics of embedded systems and Examples of embedded systems.

Written assessment to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of systems architecture.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize, LWA Virtual Lessons and Exam skills workbook.

Autumn 2

1.2 Memory and storage

Primary storage (Memory): The need for primary storage, The difference between RAM and ROM, The purpose of ROM in a computer system, The purpose of RAM in a computer system and Virtual memory.

Secondary storage: The need for secondary storage, Common types of storage, Suitable storage devices and storage media for a given application and The advantages and disadvantages of different storage devices and storage media relating to these characteristics.

Units: The units of data storage, How data needs to be converted into a binary format to be processed by a computer and Data capacity and calculation of data capacity requirements.

Data storage: How to convert positive denary whole numbers to binary numbers (up to and including 8 bits) and vice versa, How to add two binary integers together (up to and including8 bits) and explain overflow errors which may occur, How to convert positive denary whole numbers into 2-digit hexadecimal numbers and vice versa, How to convert binary integers to their hexadecimal equivalents and vice versa, Binary shifts and how characters, images and sounds are stored by computers.

Compression: The need for compression and Types of compression

Written assessment to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of memory and storage.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize, LWA Virtual Lessons and Exam skills workbook.

Spring 1

1.3 Computer networks, connections and protocols

Networks and topologies: Types of network, Factors that affect the performance of networks, The different roles of computers in a client-server and a peer-to-peer network, The hardware needed to connect stand-alone computers into a Local Area Network, The Internet as a worldwide collection of computer networks, Star and Mesh network topologies, Modes of connection, Encryption, IP addressing and MAC addressing, Standards, Common protocols and the concept of layers.

Written assessment to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of computer networks, connections and protocols.

Mock examination covering 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize, LWA Virtual Lessons and Exam skills workbook.

Spring 2

1.4 Network security

Threats to computer systems and networks: Forms of attack.

Identifying and preventing vulnerabilities: Common prevention methods.

Written assessment to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of network security.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize, LWA Virtual Lessons and Exam skills workbook.

Summer 1

1.5 Systems software

Operating systems: The purpose and functionality of operating systems.

Utility software: The purpose and functionality of utility software and Utility system software.

Written assessment to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of systems software.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize, LWA Virtual Lessons and Exam skills workbook.

Summer 2

1.6 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology

Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impact: Impacts of digital technology on wider society including, Legislation relevant to Computer Science,

Written assessment to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impact of digital technology.

Mock examination covering 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize, LWA Virtual Lessons and Exam skills workbook.

Half Term

Topic

Learning Outcomes

Assessment

Autumn 1

2.1 Algorithms

Computational thinking: Principles of computational thinking

Designing, creating and refining algorithms: Identify the inputs, processes, and outputs for a problem, Structure diagrams, Create, interpret, correct, complete, and refine algorithms, Identify common errors and Trace tables.

Searching and sorting algorithms: Standard searching algorithms and Standard sorting algorithms.

Written assessment to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of algorithms.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize, LWA Virtual Lessons and Exam skills workbook.

Autumn 2

2.2 Programming fundamentals

Programming fundamentals: The use of variables, constants, operators, inputs, outputs and assignments, The use of the three basic programming constructs used to control the flow of a program, The common arithmetic operators and The common Boolean operators AND, OR and NOT.

Data types: The use of data types.

Additional programming techniques: The use of basic string manipulation, The use of basic file handling operations, The use of records to store data, The use of SQL to search for data, The use of arrays (or equivalent) when solving problems, including both one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional arrays (2D), How to use sub programs (functions and procedures) to produce structured code and Random number generation.

Written assessment to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of programming fundamentals.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize, LWA Virtual Lessons and Exam skills workbook.

Spring 1

2.3 Producing robust programs

Defensive design: Defensive design considerations, Input validation and Maintainability.

Testing: The purpose of testing, Types of testing, Identify syntax and logic errors, Selecting and using suitable test data and Refining algorithms.

Written assessment to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of producing robust programs.

Mock examination covering 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize, LWA Virtual Lessons and Exam skills workbook.

Spring 2

2.4 Boolean logic

Boolean logic: Simple logic diagrams using the operators AND, OR and NOT, Truth tables, Combining Boolean operators using AND, OR and NOT and Applying logical operators in truth tables to solve problems.

Written assessment to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Boolean logic.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize, LWA Virtual Lessons and Exam skills workbook. 

Summer 1

2.5 Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments

Languages: Characteristics and purpose of different levels of programming language, The purpose of translators and The characteristics of a compiler and an interpreter.

The Integrated Development Environment (IDE): Common tools and facilities available in an Integrated Development Environment (IDE),

Written assessment to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of programming languages and IDE.

Mock examination covering 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5 and 2.6.

Home Learning: Seneca Learning, BBC Bitesize, LWA Virtual Lessons and Exam skills workbook. 

Summer 2

Revision

Consolidation of topics and exam skills to strengthen understanding in preparation for exams.