Computer science

Computer Science is an essential part of life and is now integrated into many parts of our daily activities.

The Computer Science curriculum provides students with the knowledge of how a computer works and the skills to be able to use them effectively. Computer science sits at the boundary between science and mathematics, it is deeply rooted in logic and remains, in principle, a very scientific process. There is a great demand in all industries for computer literate employees as well as specialists as businesses increasingly rely more on IT systems and programs to support business decisions.

In our department, we have a strong team of enthusiastic teachers who support students and ensure they achieve the best possible grades.

Mrs A Peebles (Head of Computer Science)
Mrs R Loveday (Teacher of Computer Science)
Mr J Thompsom (Teacher of Computer Science)

Key Stage Three

We have introduced a refreshed curriculum at KS3 to ensure all pupils develop a deeper understanding of the digital world that surrounds them – Where does it come from? How does it work? And how can we use it in a safe and effective way to improve the quality of our lives?

Year 7 students are taught in their tutor groups and receive two Computer Science lessons a fortnight. They will study:

Introducing Computing
Computer Systems
Computational Thinking
Networks and the Internet
Programming
Interactive PowerPoint Project

Year 8 students are taught in mixed ability sets and receive two Computer Science lessons a fortnight. They will study:

Programming
Emerging Technology
Spreadsheets
Networks and the Internet
Computer Systems
Application Development

Year 9 students are taught in mixed ability sets and receive three Computer Science lessons a fortnight. They will study:

Programming
Data Representation
Computer Systems
Networks and the Internet
Computational Thinking
Photograph Editing
Impacts of Technology
Web Development

Key Stage Four

As a GCSE option subject, students will receive five lessons of Computer Science a fortnight. Students opting for this subject will cover the following:

Exam Specification: OCR - Computer Science GCSE (J277)

Paper 1 - Computer Systems

This paper covers the theory of the Computer Science course. This is broken down into eight sections:

1.1 Systems Architecture

1.2 Memory and Storage

1.3 Computer Networks, Connections and Protocols

1.4 Network Security

1.5 Systems Software

1.6 Ethical, Legal, Cultural and Environmental Impacts of Digital Technology

Paper 2 - Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming

This paper covers the practical element of the Computer Science course. This is broken down into six sections:

2.1 Algorithms

2.2 Programming Fundamentals

2.3 Producing Robust Programs

2.4 Computational Logic

2.5 Programming Languages and Integrated Development Environments

Practical Programming

In addition to the two exam papers, students will be given the opportunity to develop their programming skills and solve a variety of programming problems.

Key Stage Five

Reepham College offers A-level Computer Science. Please refer to the college website & prospectus for more details.

www.reephamcollege.com/for-students-and-parents/subjects

Accommodation & Resources

The Computer Science department is situated downstairs in the school and consists of two teaching classrooms. Lessons for the main school are taught in CS1 and CS2 in the main building.

Each classroom has its own interactive whiteboard and teacher computer, with AB Tutor monitoring and demonstration software installed. The classrooms are equipped with 30 PCs for student use which provides students with access to a variety of professional software such as the Adobe Suite (including Photoshop) and Microsoft Office.

Students all have access to Office 365 using their school account and can access resources on Microsoft Teams. GCSE students are also encouraged to use Craig & Dave’s Smart Revise, amongst other platforms, to help with their revision prior to the exams.

Gallery - around the school (7) (Medium).jpg

Computer science