Computer Science
Below you will find information on the Computing curriculum at Preston School. The five year learning journey for Computing is available in all student books, on the front of the ILS block, and to view here.
One of the GCSE options available to students is GCSE Computer Science. As part of this, we follow the OCR J277 GCSE Specification. In the video below, Mr Doble, our Acting Vice Principal and teacher of Computer Science provides an overview of the course.
Year 10
During this year, you will study Unit 1. Unit 1 will introduce you to the Central Processing Unit (CPU), computer memory and storage, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, system security and system software. You will become familiar with the impact of Computer Science in a global context through the study of the ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns associated with Computer Science.
Study Cycle 1 - CPU Components
Overview: During this Study Cycle, you will learn more about the central processing unit, through the Von Neumann architecture model. This will include the use of registers and cache memory, with reference to how these impact performance. You will learn what each part of the processor does, as well as how processors can be added to non-computer systems to created embedded systems. The Study Cycle Overview sheet is available in all student books and to view here.
Assessment Opportunities: You will receive formative, Whole Class Feedback on an information sheet you create about the Von Neumann Architecture. You will receive another Whole Class Feedback on the notes that you take in your book around CPU Performance. The Study Cycle Summative Assessment sheet is available to view here.
Study Cycle 2 - Memory and Storage
Overview: During this Study Cycle, you will look at RAM and ROM, and how each contributes to a working computer system. You will investigate different types of secondary storage, as well as why this is required for the long-term storage of files and applications. You will be able to recommend the best storage solution for given scenarios. The Study Cycle Overview sheet is available in all student books and to view here.
Assessment Opportunities: You will receive formative, Whole Class Feedback on an information sheet you create about the types of Secondary Storage. You will receive another Whole Class Feedback on the notes that you take in your book around Binary Numbers. The Study Cycle Summative Assessment sheet will be available here soon.
Study Cycle 3 - Networks and Connections
Overview: This study cycle looks the concept of networks and their relevant connection methods. You will study everything from the difference between a LAN and a WAN, to how the World Wide Web works. You will consider the factors that make networks fast or slow, as well as the standards which underpin large networks. The Study Cycle Overview sheet is available in all student books and to view here.
Assessment Opportunities: You will receive formative, Whole Class Feedback on an information sheet you create about the types of The Internet. You will receive another Whole Class Feedback on the notes that you take in your book around Encryption. The Study Cycle Summative Assessment sheet will be available here soon.
Study Cycle 4 - Network Security
Overview: In this Study Cycle, you will look at the security impact of networking computer systems. This will include the possible threats to data security, but also the preventative measures that network technicians and managers can take to help mitigate each of these threats. The Study Cycle Overview sheet is available in all student books and will be available here soon.
Assessment Opportunities: An overview of the assessment opportunities in this Study Cycle will be available here soon.
Study Cycle 5 - Systems Software and Stakeholder Concerns
Overview: During the final taught Study Cycle of the year, you will look at the essay question assessed topics of stakeholder concerns, as well as the small topic of systems software. This will build towards the eight mark questions you will face in your mock exam and formal examination in Year 11. The Study Cycle Overview sheet is available in all student books and will be available here soon.
Assessment Opportunities: An overview of the assessment opportunities in this Study Cycle will be available here soon.
Study Cycle 6 - Network Security
Overview: During the final Study Cycle of the year, you will undertake your formal mock exam. This will be a full Unit 1 – Computer Systems exam paper and provide you with a formal end of year grade. The Study Cycle Overview sheet is available in all student books and will be available here soon.
Assessment Opportunities: An overview of the assessment opportunities in this Study Cycle will be available here soon.
Year 11
During this year, you will study Unit 2. Unit 2 introduces the more practical elements of the course, Algorithms and Programming. You will learn the key programming concepts, as well as how to put these into practice within Python. You will also learn how to program in OCR Reference Language, the language used in the final examination.
Study Cycle 1 - Algorithms
Overview: During this study cycle you will take a theoretical look at a wide range of algorithms and design techniques. This will include the use of standard searching algorithms and standard sorting algorithms. You will also look at designing algorithms, through flow diagrams and OCR Reference Language. The Study Cycle Overview sheet is available in all student books and to view here.
Assessment Opportunities: You will receive formative, Whole Class Feedback on an information sheet created about Computational Thinking. You will receive another Whole Class Feedback on the notes that you take in your book around standard algorithms. The Study Cycle Summative Assessment sheet is available to view here.
Study Cycle 2 - Programming Fundamentals
Overview: During this study cycle you will put your theoretical knowledge of programming into practice, learning a range of techniques and a variety of programs in Python. You will look at sequence, selection and iteration as key programming constructs, combining these to create complex, problem solving programs. The Study Cycle Overview sheet is available in all student books and to view here.
Assessment Opportunities: You will receive formative, Whole Class Feedback on an information sheet created about Programming Fundamentals. You will receive another Whole Class Feedback on the notes that you take in your book around SQL. The Study Cycle Summative Assessment sheet will be available here soon.
Study Cycle 3 - Robust Programs and Boolean Logic
Overview: In this study cycle you will look at how we can ensure that the programs we create are both safe for use, but also produce the outcome that we expected. You will look at how we can mitigate potential security risks by being proactive as we program. You will also look at logic gates and truth tables as a way of designing circuits. The Study Cycle Overview sheet is available in all student books and to view here.
Assessment Opportunities: You will receive formative, Whole Class Feedback on an information sheet created about Defensive Design. You will receive another Whole Class Feedback on the notes that you take in your book around Boolean Logic. The Study Cycle Summative Assessment sheet will be available here soon.
Study Cycle 4 - Types of Languages and IDEs
Overview: During the final taught study cycle of Year 11 you will look at the different types of programing language, including high level and low level languages. You will look at translators and compilers, and what each of these does. Finally, you will look at integrated development environments, investigating how these can benefit the computer programmer. The Study Cycle Overview sheet is available in all student books and to view here.
Assessment Opportunities: An overview of the assessment opportunities in this Study Cycle will be available here soon.
Study Cycle 5 - Final Revision
Overview: The final study cycle will see you undertake intensive exam preparation in the form of revision tasks and practice exam papers.
Assessment Opportunities: An overview of the assessment opportunities in this Study Cycle will be available here soon.
