What is our curriculum intent?

In Computer Science at Wilmslow High, we aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge they will require to thrive in an increasingly digitised and automated world. We aim to use technology in innovative ways to foster curiosity, confidence, creativity, and resilience thereby empowering students into becoming regional and global citizens capable of actively and ethically communicating and collaborating in a digital world.

As a department, we place great focus on encouraging students to experiment without fear of failure and students are encouraged to find new ways to apply their knowledge. This allows students to believe in their ability and share responsibility for their learning.

By choosing to study GCSE Computer Science, students will be developing skills for learning, working, and living in an increasingly digital world. The course will help them to develop creativity, logical thinking, independent learning, and self-evaluation through a range of practical programming tasks. Throughout the course, students will be introduced to several programming languages as well as theoretical concepts to enable them to have a better understanding as to how computer technologies are being used in modern life.

Choosing to study Computer Science provides students with a thorough grounding in Computing, creating opportunities for them to move on to A-levels, or industry recognised IT qualifications and employment. It also supports progress in other areas such as Design Technology, Science, Mathematics, and Engineering.

How do we implement our curriculum?

Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Computer Science

Paper 1: Principles of Computer Science

In order to become proficient computer scientists, it is essential that students have knowledge and understanding of the field’s fundamental principles and concepts.

• Computational Thinking
• Data
• Computers
• Networks
• Issues & Impact

Paper 2: Application of Computational Thinking

Learning to program is a core component of a computer science course. Students should be competent at designing, reading, writing and debugging programs. They must be able to apply their skills to solve real problems and produce readable, robust programs.

• Decomposition and abstraction
• Read, write, analyse and refine Python programs
• Good programming practice
• Testing
• Programming constructs
• Data types and structures
• Input/output in Python
• Operators
• Subprograms

What we teach when

Year 10

Year 11

How do we measure the impact of the course?

In Computer Science, we use technology to our advantage wherever possible. We use a range of digital assessment tools to track student progress and provide feedback following any in class assessment. We measure the progress of students programming ability by regularly offering feedback on the code they have written – we use an online platform called time2code to allow students to complete programming practice in a fun and engaging way.

The final assessment takes place in the form of two exams at the end of the second year of study. Each exam is worth 50% of the total marks available. One exam is focused on the students ability to understand Computer Science and programming, while the second exam is focused on the theory of how computers work.

How can students be supported through learning at home?

At GCSE, students will learn subject content using a teaching methodology called flipped learning. Students' homework will be to watch YouTube videos and make to make clear notes of specific sub-topics. Students then bring these notes with them to the start of each lesson and we use our lesson time to explore the topic further using a range of practical activities and exam practice questions. No more boring lectures!

What extra opportunities to learn are available?

The Computer Science team run additional support and coursework ‘catch-up’ sessions on several evenings each week. Students are always welcome to attend these sessions to improve their knowledge and understanding of the topics being studied.

Students will have the option to explore aspects of Computer Science that fall outside of the scope of the exam specification by attending the weekly Seniors Computer Science Club. In this club, students will be given the opportunity to explore a develop their knowledge of alternative technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and big data. Students will also have the opportunities to enter Computer Science specific competitions, such as BAFTA’s Young Game Designers.

What websites do we recommend?

The current examination board specification can be found here.

Students looking to consolidate, enrich or extend their knowledge and understanding might start on this website: Topics — Ada Computer Science

Regular programming practice is highly recommended to help students to keep honing their Python programming skills in preparation for their GCSE examination. Websites like Mimo and Sololearn are free and have an app that can be downloaded onto a mobile device to support programming outside of the lesson. Even just 5 minutes a day can massively increase students’ confidence in their programming!

Contact

Mrs K Regan - kregan@wilmslowhigh.com