Subjects

• Autumn term 1 = The Sharples Network and Working Online – This will ensure pupils can effectively access all the facilities provided at Sharples. It includes key skills in the use of standard software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets and desktop publishing. There will also be an initial understanding of networks and the internet
• Autumn term 2 = Algorithms and Basic Programming Constructs – Pupils will build on prior knowledge of programming in environments such as Scratch. Fundamental programming constructs, Sequence, Selection and Iteration will be introduced in a range of contexts. It will introduce decomposition and abstraction and boolean operators
• Spring term 1 = Binary and Data Representation – Pupils will learn how to use the binary number system, converting between binary and denary. They will be introduced to units used in computing such as Gigabytes. This will then lead into an introduction to how computers store information, considering text and simple bitmap images
• Spring term 2 = E-safety – A consideration of why and how pupils should stay safe whilst online. It will include digital footprints and identity.
• Summer term 1 = Computer Systems – This will consider what a computer is, and will introduce Input – Process – Output – Storage as the basics of most modern computers. We will develop the understanding of different key components required for a computer to work and to be useful for humans to use. The value of computer networks will be introduced.
• Summer term 2 = Physical Programming – Using BBC Microbits and other devices to investigate programming constructs and methods of converting algorithms into program code. This will also serve as a bridge between block and text based programming.

• Autumn term 1 = Developing Programming Skills – This will introduce the python language and extend concepts from year 7 to include count-controlled iteration and condition controlled iteration. It will also include the python turtle module to aid understanding.
• Autumn term 2 = Digital Images – Vector and Bitmaps. This will build upon the data representation of images learnt in year 7 and will include software skills in creating and editing bitmap and vector images..
• Spring term 3 = Cybersecurity – Introducing simple threats such as viruses and malware. This will expand upon the e-safety learning from year 7 to include keeping computers safe. There will be links to networks and computer systems. The unit will include links to the internet and the world wide web.
• Spring term 4 = Data handling and modelling – The use of spreadsheets and databases is a key skill. This theme will develop their understanding of methods of manipulating data as well as linking to the world wide web in the context of search engines. Searching and sorting algorithms will be considered.
• Summer term 1 = Digital logic – an introduction to logic gates, AND OR and NOT and using truth tables to identify the outputs to combinations two gates.
• Summer term 2 = Computer systems and memory – How computers store binary in the main storage types. Why does a computer need RAM and ROM.

• Autumn term 1 = Computers Systems – von Neumann and beyond – In this topic pupils will consider stored program computers and how components combine to fulfil the needs of the modern computer. Thi will include a basic introduction to the fetch-decode-execute cycle. Pupils will be given the opportunity to consider the future development of computers including the ethics and potential risks (eg self driving vehicles).
• Autumn term 2 = Creating Digital Media Products – Pupils will develop their skills in a range of software such as desktop publishing and graphics in order to produce items aimed at specific audiences.
• Spring term 1 = Data structures in programming – This will allow pupils to develop their skills in programming, in particular using python, and will consider the use of lists and arrays and how to manipulate these. In addition simple subprograms will be introduced. They will use and understand key algorithms for searching and sorting.
• Spring term 2 = Binary and hexadecimal. Pupils will be introduced to logical and arithmetic binary shifts in order to multiply and divide by multiples of two. They will use the hexadecimal number system, converting between binary and hexadecimal. They will also investigate the use of hex colour codes in graphical software.
• Summer term = Interactive Digital Media – Pupils will have the opportunity to create a range of digital assets and multimedia products. They will consider different applications of multimedia, such as web pages and information points as well as GUI interfaces.

The GCSE curriculum provides students with opportunities to build on their learning experiences gained during Key Stage 3.

Year 10

• Autumn term 1 = Pupils will recap the basics of binary from KS3 and will introduce methods of negative numbers in binary. They will develop their understanding of programming constructs taught at KS3 as well as their understanding of data types and how programs handle inputs. They will focus also on flow diagrams and algorithm design in order to aid their problem solving skills.
• Autumn term 2 = Building upon knowledge from KS3, of the stored program concept, pupils will fully investigate the Von Neumann architecture to include the FDE cycle, registers inside the CPU and how buses are used in the cycle. Programming skills will be further reinforced to include selection techniques in python and code readability.
• Spring term 3 = Pupils will learn how the different types of secondary storage devices function within a computer system. They will be introduced to converting between denary and hexadecimal as well as reinforcing their knowledge of binary addition and binary shifts. Programming skills will continually be developed and reinforced and will include different methods of iteration.
• Spring term 4 = Pupils will continue to consider how binary is used within computing and will learn how text and images are represented. They will consider simple binary logic using And, Or and Not logic gates. Developing knowledge from Key Stage 3 pupils will obtain a deeper understanding of network types to include LAN, WAN, Wired and Wireless as well as key topologies. Data structures such as lists will be introduced within the programming content.
• Summer term 1 = Pupils will extend their knowledge of data representation to include more complex elements of how sound is created and stored on a computer system. Pupils will be introduced to the purpose of operating systems and utility software as well as their functions. Programming skills will introduce techniques for programming linear searches in one and two dimensions. Additionally, pupils will continue to develop their programming skills through a sequence of targeted challenges which will reflect the style of examination questions where possible..
• Summer term 2 =  In addition to learning how different search and sort techniques are used, pupils will review content for the academic year in preparation for internal examinations. Pupils will continue to strengthen their programming understanding when using the python turtle module, to reinforce their understanding and use of the computational thinking core constructs.

Year 11

• Autumn term 1 = Pupils will investigate threats to our computer systems in the form of cybersecurity, and develop knowledge of the techniques and methods to prevent cybersecurity threats such as malware, hacking and social engineering. Pupils will deepen their knowledge and understanding of how the internet works in the wider world. This will include the concept of Internet of Things and the TCP/IP set of protocols. Throughout this term, pupils will continue to develop their knowledge in the use of algorithms, flow diagrams and program code by problem solving and the effective use of trace tables and the validation of inputs. Finally, pupils will apply their knowledge of programming to external file handling in python.
• Autumn term 2 = Pupils will develop and apply their knowledge of programming to identify and explain the need for and benefits of high and low level languages. Additionally, pupils will apply previously acquired knowledge to consider the impact of computing technology on our environment and the world we live in. Pupils will grow their programming ability by gaining the knowledge of Subprograms and their benefits. Furthermore pupils will continue to apply their understanding of data types and storage locations in the form of local and global variables.
• Spring term 3 =  Pupils will apply their computational knowledge and understanding to consider and debate the associated benefits and risks of Artificial Intelligence in our world, and future technologies. Again, pupils will consider real-world issues concerning privacy, computer misuse and the laws governing such issues. Pupils produce highly efficient and well thought out programmed solutions, with a particular focus of string manipulation and formatting techniques.
• Spring term 4 =  It is at this point, the content of the course should be complete and pupils will revisit and reinforce topics based on the needs of the group and any identified knowledge gaps. Pupils will continue to deepen their programming skills in the form of two dimensional data structure, and complex program solutions using all of the core constructs learnt to date.
• Summer term 1 = Pupils will apply their knowledge and understanding of Computer Science through a range of problem solving activities addressing all key concepts of the curriculum.

Reading in Computing brings learning to life. It is the gateway to students connecting knowledge to the wider world, and helps students develop a greater understanding of how the world has been shaped by inspirational computer scientists from the past, present and future. It fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills and can give students the skills and knowledge to succeed in computing and beyond.

Click here to view the suggested reads poster.
Please note: the images of the book covers are clickable hyperlinks to the book.

Year 10

• In Year 10, pupils will develop their understanding of a range of businesses of varying size, and identify common factors which feature within them. This will include the inception of a business, marketing and product development, financing, how businesses operate and legislation which affects the day to day running of businesses.

Year 11

• In Year 11 pupils will deepen their understanding by applying the knowledge gained in Year 10 to the wider world, looking at large companies, and topics such as quality management, expansion and economies/diseconomies of scale. Pupils will also carry out a range of activities aimed at enhancing knowledge in preparation for their two external examinations.

Reading in Business Studies regularly introduces and reinforces subject vocabulary that strengthens pupils’ resilience. It allows students to gain a deep understanding of key concepts, real life examples, and theories that shape the business world. It helps students to expand their knowledge and develop analytical skills that are crucial for success in the business field. By engaging with a variety of business literature, pupils are preparing themselves to make informed decisions and succeed in their future careers.

Click here to view the suggested reads poster.
Please note: the images of the book covers are clickable hyperlinks to the book.