Computing

The aim of the computing department at Hill House School is to be a centre of excellence and lead the way in providing cutting-edge, exciting, challenging and inclusive learning opportunities for all of our pupils. Pupils are actively encouraged to be creative and are equipped with the knowledge and skills to understand the ever changing world in our digital age.

Computing is an academic discipline with its own body of knowledge that can equip pupils to become independent learners, evaluators and potentially designers of new technologies. There are three distinct strands within computing, each of which is complementary to the others: computer science, information technology and digital literacy.

At Hill House School we are proud to offer an exciting and new curriculum that is designed to inspire learning and excite our learners in preparing them for further study or vocational opportunities in an increasingly digital workplace.

Year 7

All pupils in Year 7 have one computing lesson each week. Half-termly topics follow a theme and involve elements of computational thinking, practical coding challenges and computing theory. Assessments are taken towards the end of each half-term, concluding with a final assessment in the summer term.

Michaelmas Term

Using Computers Safely - This includes essential topics such as password security, social media, online safety and cyber security.
Databases - Pupils learn how to use, set up and modify databases as well as such through them using simple queries.

Lent Term

Computer Components - Pupils have the opportunity to open up a desktop computer and see the components inside, learning about the key parts that make a modern system work.
Micro:bits - Time to make programs for the BBC micro:bits v2, learning more about inputs, processing and outputs with these miniature machines.

Summer Term

Pupils have time to recap the exciting topics from across the year before the academic year concludes with an introduction to Python and the turtle library, learning how inputs and iteration can be used to make patterns.

Year 8

All pupils in Year 8 have one computing lesson each week. Building on the skills and knowledge gained in Year 7, termly topics follow a theme and involve elements of computational thinking, practical coding challenges and computing theory. Assessments are taken towards the end of each half-term, concluding with a final assessment in the summer term.

Michaelmas Term

Websites - Year 8 computing begins by making websites from scratch in HTML and adding formatting to them with CSS. Pupils make web pages for a range of scenarios culminating in a custom page of their own choice.
Spreadsheets - Pupils use Google Sheets (very similar to Microsoft Excel) to create, edit and improve spreadsheets for an array of applications, introducing key features such as data validation and conditional formatting.

Lent Term

Algorithms - Pupils use Flowgorithm to construct flowcharts to represent logical decisions and small programs. Concepts introduced include data types, variables, iteration and sequencing.
Python - In today’s modern world being able to program is an important skill, so pupils in Year 8 are introduced to creating simple programs in the Python coding language. They will be able to use concepts such as inputs, printing, variables, selection (if statements) and iteration (for and while loops).

Summer Term

Pupils have time to recap the exciting topics from across the year before the academic year concludes with learning how to make games in the programming language Java using the Greenfoot integrated development environment (IDE).

Year 9

Computing pupils in Year 9 have two lessons per week focusing on both GCSE theory topics and the development of programming skills including Python and HTML. The primary aim of this programme of study is to inform and prepare pupils for GCSE computer science, and to further their programming and problem-solving skills. During this year pupils may select GCSE computer science as an option for Year 10.

Topics

Computer systems

CPU performance
memory
storage
embedded systems.

Data storage

binary
denary
hexadecimal conversions
binary addition
image and sound storage
compression

Python

iteration
libraries
lists
files
graphical user interfaces.

Website development

HTML
CSS

Resources

In computing lessons, we use a variety of both online and desktop applications and resources to support learning. All resources are freely available to download or access online, either on laptops/desktop PCs or mobile devices such as phones and tablets. Replit.com is used to develop programming skills, CSNewbs.com is used for revision and Google Classroom holds all taught content including lesson slides, worksheets and homework activities.

GCSE

Pupils will follow the OCR GCSE J277 specification.

Computer science is a challenging and exciting qualification that builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills established through the computer science elements of our Key Stage 3 programmes of study. The content has been designed not only to allow for a solid basis of understanding but to engage learners and get them thinking about real world applications. This course will be of particular interest to pupils who are passionate about computers and interested in problem solving and programming.

Content of GCSE Computer Science

Component 01: Computer systems

Introduces pupils to the

central processing unit (CPU)
computer memory and storage
data representation
wired and wireless networks
network topologies
system security
system software.

It also looks at

ethical
legal
cultural
environmental concerns associated with computer science.

Component 02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

Pupils apply knowledge and understanding gained in component 01. They develop skills and understanding in computational thinking:

algorithms
programming techniques
producing robust programs
computational logic and translators.

Practical programming

Pupils are given the opportunity to undertake programming tasks throughout the course which allows them to develop their skills to

design
write
test and refine programs using a high-level programming language (Python).

Pupils will be assessed on these skills during the written examinations, in particular component 02.

Programming and problem-solving

Alongside the theoretical aspects of the course, this is a practical subject where learners can apply the knowledge and skills learnt in the classroom to real-world problems. It is therefore creative and involves invention and excitement, using computational thinking skills to solve problems and design systems. With regard to compatibility between home and school, it is worth noting that school computers use the Windows operating system.

Learning resources

Textbooks are provided, and all learning resources including

worksheets
homework
videos
programming tools
revision aids are all accessible to pupils online via Google Classroom.

Scheme of assessment

Written paper 1: Computer systems

50% of GCSE, 80 marks, 1 hour and 30 minutes (no calculators allowed)

Written paper 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

50% of GCSE, 80 marks, 1 hour and 30 minutes (no calculators allowed)

Looking to the future

This course provides an excellent grounding for computer science at A level and study at further and higher education. Career opportunities for computer science students include: