Department of Computer Science
Curriculum Leader:
Mr T. De Abreu (tdeabreu@stmichaels.bhcet.org.uk)
Departmental staff:
Mr N. Butt
Subject Background - KS3
Welcome to St. Michael's Computer Science Department information zone.
We are mindful of the amount of education students have lost over the last two years and have managed the curriculum to help with their recovery in Computer Science.
In year 7, students will investigate how to use interactive algorithms to solve various specifications, allowing students to see the flow of the algorithm when data is entered, and information is then output to the screen. The intended outcome is for students to understand the declarations of variables, enter data into a program, and process the input to output a result. As the software is interactive, students can view the flow of the algorithm as it moves through the various stages. An example might be to declare a variable for two numbers, output a message to the user to enter two numbers and then print out all the numbers between and including the two numbers. These allow students to see the various structures of a programming language.
Using algorithms naturally moves to the use of a text-based language called Python. In this module, students will revisit the structures they encountered in the algorithm software, such as outputting a message, inputting from a keyboard, processing the input, and then outputting information. These structures build on the knowledge of algorithms and help map the students' understanding into a different context and programming environment.
In Year 8, we are mindful that students missed the opportunity to access text-based programming in Year 7. Students will follow a similar unit in year 7 to catch up with what they missed in Year 7. Text-based programming is an essential and fundamental aspect of Computer Science, leading to understanding how a computer can run these programs. Students will look at the function and purpose of the central processing unit, the motherboard, the role of random-access memory/read-only memory, optical, magnetic and solid-state storage to provide a fully working computer system. Understanding the need for the fetch-execute cycle to allow a broader range of components to operate together and the steps required is central to understanding the beating heart of a PC. For many students, this will be the first time they will open the hood of a PC to understand the various aspects of a computer system. This will naturally lead to further Python that will access some of the components the students have
investigated, such as RAM and secondary storage, to produce a working game. Students will use such structures as arrays, records and file handling.
In Year 9, in Year 8, students looked at how they could control the inputs, processing, and outputs of a PC, naturally leading to how computers can be connected to other PCs in the same building or worldwide. Connections will include local and wide area networks, ethernet cables, switches, routers, modems, servers, and network interface cards. Such connections will allow the study of how data to be shared across the globe using databases. Students will learn how to search databases; understand how the data is stored; and how relational databases make searching efficient. The use of such advanced searches will lead naturally into advanced Python that will allow students to develop a game using libraries to create a basic 2-dimensional platformer video game. Finally, students will cover the concepts of analysis, design, implement, test, and evaluate their solutions and those of other students – an exciting end to KS3.
Subject Background – KS4
In KS4, students can select one of two courses depending upon their skills and interests:
- BTEC Digital Information Technology
- GCSE Computer Science
GCSE Computer Science – OCR GCSE (9-1) J277
Students will embark on a journey that could open opportunities they could not have previously dreamed about before starting this course. The course comprises of Computer Systems necessary to gain a holistic understanding of the bigger picture of computers from a single PC to multiple networks connected across the world, including ethical, legal, cultural, and environmental impacts.
Computational thinking, algorithms and programming will enable students to take their programming skills to new heights. In addition, students will immerse themselves in best practices when developing programs to ensure the requirements of end-users are much more likely to be satisfied.
BTEC Digital Information Technology
Students will learn a strong mix of creative design and technical knowledge. The course is ideal for students who want to progress to a digital apprenticeship or BTEC Level 3 Nationals. A new digital qualification gives students a real insight into the modern fundamentals of IT in business. Students following this course will gain skills that can give them an advantage over others in the workplace. The students will be able to look at IT solutions and articulate how they could be improved using the skills gained through this course.
Extracurricular opportunities
St. Michael's Esports
Open to all year groups, St. Michael's Esports is a social club where students can learn more about the exciting world of competitive gaming (esports). Students will learn about different roles in a rapidly growing industry and develop social and communication skills through teamwork while learning to play strategic games.
British Esports Championships
Each year, St Michael's Catholic Academy puts forward teams of students to compete in the British Esports Championships, a series of competitive gaming tournaments against other schools and colleges across the UK. There are two tournaments per year: Winter Split (starting in October); and Spring Split (beginning in January), covering a range of strategic and team- based games.
CyberFirst Girls
Year 8 girls interested in learning more about cybersecurity are invited to participate in the CyberFirst Girls competition organised by GCHQ - the UK Government's intelligence and security organisation. Students will learn more about working in the digital sector by completing a series of decoding tasks and challenges.