Computer Science KS3
What will students study in Computer Science?
Year 7 – Introduction to Digital Skills
Year 7 Computer Science begins with getting started on the school network, understanding e‑safety, and being introduced to Office 365 applications. Students then progress into spreadsheets, covering formatting, formulae, functions, filtering, sorting, IF statements, and cell references. They also learn basic programming through Scratch, including variables, data types, creating sprites and backgrounds, programming concepts, and ultimately designing a simple game.
Year 8 – Developing Technical Understanding
Year 8 Computer Science begins with core hardware and software topics such as the elements of a computer, the CPU, storage devices, binary understanding, and binary addition. Students then move into cyber security, learning about what cyber security is, different types of malware, hackers’ tools, cyber‑security threats, and how to identify and prevent them, along with encryption and computer laws. The journey progresses into programming with Python, covering script mode, data types, arithmetic, sequencing, selection, iteration, array lists, and searching data, building towards more advanced computational thinking and coding skills.
Year 9 – Applying Skills and Exploring Real‑World Computing
Year 9 Computer Science beginning with advanced cyber security and e‑safety topics, along with health and safety and copyright. Students then explore artificial intelligence, including what AI is, machine learning, ethics, and the impact of AI on jobs. The course progresses into advanced Python programming, focusing on selection and algorithm writing, before moving into web development. This includes understanding HTML, searching, CSS, design principles, development techniques, and creating web forms, giving students a comprehensive foundation in both programming and digital literacy.
What are the expectations of my child in Computer Science?
Students will be expected log into the computer to access their class workbook using Teams. They will be expected to come to each lesson with an open and questioning mind and to become involved in class discussions. Homework will be submitted on the due date. Students will have access to the lesson PowerPoints on Teams. Students are also expected to review the knowledge organisers and complete all homework and online quizzes to the best of their ability.
What should my child do if they feel they are struggling in the subject?
In the first instance, they should speak to their subject teacher. They should try to identify specific areas of the subject which they finding a challenge so that we can offer targeted support.
How can I best support my child in Computer Science?
The best way to provide general support is by talking to them about their work in the subject and how things are going. It’s also worth talking to your child about how you use IT in your everyday life, be it your smartphone, surfing the web or at work.