Computer Science Year 8
In Year 8 Students are taught in mixed ability tutor groups and receive one Computer Science lesson a week. A variety of schemes of work are designed around the Computer Science KS3 Curriculum Framework giving students the full opportunity to extend their Computer Science knowledge, understanding and skill. Schemes of work are updated yearly to stay abreast of new technological change. Throughout each scheme, special emphasis is placed on students learning to choose the most appropriate ICT software or hardware tool available for a task and learning to use criteria to evaluate whether their final solution is ‘fit for purpose’ and satisfies the needs of an intended audience. Homework tasks can take a variety of forms including reading, research, using software applications, and evaluation. We recommend that students spend up to an hour on homework and refer to their homework on show my homework so that they know what is expected to be handed in.
Students cover a range of units which cover the themes of basic terminology about hardware and software, the history of computers, the internet and cloud computing, advanced programming techniques including understanding writing algorithms and creating games using Scratch and industrial standard language Python and graphical skills using Photoshop to manipulate images. Each unit provides a firm base from which students can consolidate and extend the Computer Science skills developed in the primary setting and support their learning in other subject areas at CHSG.