Computer Science
Computer Science opens doors to the future - from coding and cyber security to AI, robotics, gaming, business/finance, research and beyond the Earth.
What makes Computer Science excellent at Chulmleigh?
Computing is an increasingly important part of everyday life and provides pupils with the knowledge and skills they need to understand, create and participate confidently in the digital world.
At Chulmleigh College, our Key Stage 3 Computing curriculum combines Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. Pupils learn how computers and networks work, develop their programming and problem-solving skills, work creatively with digital media, analyse and present data, and consider how technology can be used safely, responsibly and effectively.
Our curriculum is practical wherever possible. Pupils do not simply learn about technology: they use it to solve problems, create programs, design digital products and explore real-world applications of computing.
Much of our Key Stage 3 curriculum is based upon the curriculum and resources developed by the National Centre for Computing Education through Teach Computing. These units provide a carefully sequenced progression of knowledge and skills across Years 7, 8 and 9.
Assessment
End of unit assessments and verbal feedback throughout lessons.
Year 7 Curriculum
Year 7 begins by ensuring that all pupils have the essential digital skills required to work successfully at Chulmleigh College. Pupils then develop their understanding of computer networks, data, programming and digital media.
Term 1
Chulmleigh College Basics
At the beginning of Year 7, pupils learn the practical computing skills they will need throughout their time at Chulmleigh College. This includes creating and organising folders, saving and locating their work, using Save and Save As appropriately, using school email, printing and developing efficient keyboard skills. Pupils are also introduced to Microsoft Teams and learn how to find lesson resources and work independently within the College's digital environment.
Networks – From Semaphores to the Internet
Pupils explore how and why computers are connected together. They learn about different types of network, networking hardware and wired and wireless connections before investigating how the internet works. Pupils discover how data can travel around the world using packets, addresses and agreed protocols, and develop an understanding of the relationship between the internet and the World Wide Web.
Modelling Data Using Spreadsheets
Pupils are introduced to spreadsheets as powerful tools for organising, calculating and analysing information. They learn how cells, formulas and cell references work and use these skills to manipulate real data. Pupils also learn how charts and graphs can be used to communicate information clearly and how spreadsheets can be used to create models and answer questions.
Term 2
Programming Essentials – Scratch Part I
Pupils develop their understanding of the fundamental ideas behind computer programming using Scratch. They learn how precise sequences of instructions control a program and develop their understanding of variables, selection and repetition. Practical programming challenges encourage pupils to experiment, identify errors, solve problems and develop confidence as programmers.
Programming Essentials – Scratch Part II
Building upon the first Scratch unit, pupils tackle increasingly sophisticated programming problems and projects. They use sequence, selection and iteration together and learn how larger problems can be broken down into smaller, manageable parts. Pupils develop their use of variables, lists and reusable sections of code while planning, creating, testing and improving their own programs.
Term 3
Using Media – Gaining Support for a Cause
Pupils investigate how digital media can be used to communicate an important message and influence an audience. They consider layout, images, copyright, credibility of information and appropriate use of sources before researching a real-world cause that interests them. Pupils then use their digital design skills to produce persuasive media intended to inform others and gain support for their chosen cause.
Year 8 Curriculum
During Year 8, pupils build upon the foundations established in Year 7. They begin text-based programming, explore the inner workings of computer systems and use technology to create graphics, websites and mobile applications.
Term 1
Layers of Computing Systems
Pupils explore what is happening beneath the surface when they use a computer. Starting with software and operating systems, they investigate the physical components that store and process information and explore how binary provides the fundamental language of computing. The unit also introduces important contemporary areas of computing, including artificial intelligence and open-source software.
Introduction to Python Programming
Pupils make the important transition from block-based programming to writing programs in the text-based programming language Python. Starting with simple input and output, pupils learn to use variables, calculations, selection and iteration. They develop their ability to read, write, test and debug programs while learning how a computer follows instructions precisely.
Term 2
Vector Graphics
Pupils explore how digital illustrations, logos and icons can be constructed using vector graphics. They learn to create and manipulate shapes, combine multiple objects, use layers and paths, and refine their designs. Pupils then apply these techniques to create their own high-quality digital graphic.
Term 3
Developing for the Web
Pupils investigate the technologies behind the World Wide Web before creating a website of their own. They learn about HTML and CSS and how these technologies control the structure and appearance of web pages. Pupils also investigate links, navigation and search engines, developing an understanding of how information on the web is organised and found.
Year 9 Curriculum
In Year 9, pupils apply the skills and knowledge developed during Years 7 and 8 to increasingly sophisticated areas of computing. They investigate data science, cybersecurity and digital representation while developing advanced creative digital skills.
Term 1
Mobile App Development
Pupils further develop their ability to design and create interactive applications. They consider the needs of users, design effective interfaces and use programming techniques to add functionality to their applications. Through planning, development, testing and evaluation, pupils gain experience of the processes involved in creating a complete digital product.
Term 2
Data Science
Pupils investigate the increasingly important role that data plays in understanding the world around us. They work with both local and global data sets and learn how data can be collected, cleaned, analysed and visualised. Pupils use graphs and other visualisations to identify patterns, trends and anomalies and consider how evidence from data can be used to support conclusions and influence real-world decisions.
Term 3
Introduction to Cybersecurity
Pupils investigate the threats faced by individuals, organisations and computer systems in an increasingly connected world. They explore the value of personal data and learn about techniques used by cybercriminals, including social engineering and different forms of malicious attack. Pupils then consider the technical and human measures that can be used to protect data, devices and networks. Representations – Going Audiovisual Pupils investigate how computers represent images and sound using binary data. They explore pixels, colour and the way digital images are constructed before considering how analogue sound can be converted into digital data through sampling. Practical activities involving image and audio editing help pupils connect these underlying Computer Science principles with the digital media they encounter every day.
Year 10 Curriculum
Term 1
Pupils begin the GCSE course by developing their understanding of computer systems and architecture. They study the purpose and performance of the CPU, memory and storage, system software, operating systems and utility software. They also explore how data is represented within a computer, including binary, hexadecimal, images, sound and compression techniques. Throughout the term, pupils apply their knowledge through practical activities, retrieval practice and end-of-unit assessments.
Term 2
During the spring term, pupils focus on computer networks, learning how devices communicate through wired and wireless networks, the purpose of network hardware, protocols and network layers. They investigate cybersecurity threats, methods of protecting computer systems and networks, and the ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of computing. Knowledge is consolidated through practical investigations, exam-style questions and formal assessment.
Term 3
The summer term introduces programming in Python. Pupils learn how to design, write, test and refine programs using variables, input and output, sequence, selection, iteration, subprograms and string manipulation. They develop problem-solving skills through increasingly complex programming challenges while learning effective testing, debugging and defensive programming techniques. The year concludes with an end-of-year examination covering both theory and programming.
Year 11 Curriculum
Term 1
Pupils build on their programming knowledge by developing more advanced Python skills, including the use of arrays and lists, file handling, validation and verification, and robust program design. They also study computational thinking techniques such as decomposition, abstraction and algorithm design, representing solutions using pseudocode, flowcharts and trace tables. Regular programming practice and assessments prepare pupils for the demands of the final examinations.
Term 2
The focus shifts to algorithmic problem solving and exam preparation. Pupils study standard searching and sorting algorithms, including linear search, binary search, bubble sort and merge sort, evaluating their efficiency and suitability for different scenarios. They also revisit Boolean logic and truth tables before completing extensive exam practice using past papers, walking-talking mocks and programming exercises that consolidate both Paper 1 and Paper 2 content.
Term 3
The final term is dedicated to structured revision of the entire GCSE specification. Pupils revisit all key topics through retrieval practice, programming activities, exam-style questions and full past papers. Targeted intervention addresses individual areas for development while strengthening examination technique and confidence in preparation for the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Computer Science examinations.
Future Careers
GCSE Computer Science can lead to a wide range of future career options, not just programming. Pupils may choose to become:
- Software developers
- Games designers
- App creators
- Web developers
The subject also supports careers in:
- Cyber security
- Digital forensics
- Artificial intelligence
- Robotics
- Data analysis
- Networking
- IT support
- Systems engineering
- Cloud computing
Computer Science is also useful in creative industries such as:
- Animation
- Film
- Music technology
- Digital media
- Business
- Finance
- Engineering
- Healthcare
- Education
The problem-solving, logical thinking and technical skills developed in GCSE Computer Science are valuable in many modern careers, even for jobs that are not purely about writing code.
Curricular enhancement opportunities (e.g. Fieldwork, trips, competitions etc)
Lego Robotics Club - Entering the national competition for Lego League