GCSE Computer Science

Our Vision

Our curriculum is designed to ensure that Meadowhead students:

The vision for the department is to provide a balanced and informed curriculum across all key stages in the school. The aim is for the students to be active and engaged users and creators in the emerging digital economy. The curriculum is designed to allow students to have access to both computer Science and Information Technology and make informed choices on how they pursue the subjects as they continue their learning journey through the school.

Subject Summary

A high-quality computing education equips students to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems.

Key stage 4 (Y10-Y11)

	Year 10	Year 11
Term 1	Introduction to course SLR 1.1 Systems architecture 6 Lessons SLR 1.2 Memory and storage (part 1) 5 Lessons SLR 1.2 Memory and storage (part 1) 2 Lessons SLR 1.2 Memory and storage (part 2) 12 Lessons Plus 11 dedicated programming lessons	SLR 2.2 Programming fundamentals 9 Lessons SLR 2.1 Algorithms 5 Lessons SLR 2.1 Algorithms 13 Lessons Plus 10 paper 2 exam revision lessons
Assessment	SLR 1.1 End of topic test SLR 1.2 End of topic test (part 1) SLR 1.2 End of topic test (part 2)	SLR 2.2 End of topic test SLR 2.1 End of topic test
Term 2:	SLR 1.3 Computer networks, connections and protocols 12 Lessons SLR 1.3 Computer networks, connections and protocols 2 Lessons SLR 1.4 Network security 10 Lessons Plus 6 dedicated programming lessons	SLR 2.3 Producing robust programs 8 Lessons SLR 2.4 Boolean logic 3 Lessons SLR 2.5 Programming languages and IDEs 4 Lessons Plus 11 paper 2 exam revision lessons
Assessment	SLR 1.3 End of topic test	SLR 2.4 End of topic test SLR 2.6 End of topic test
Term 3:	SLR 1.4 Computer networks, connections and protocols 2 Lessons SLR 1.5 System software 6 Lessons SLR 1.6 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns 9 Lessons Plus 13 dedicated programming lessons	Final Revision term
Assessment	SLR 1.4 End of topic test SLR 1.5 End of topic test SLR 1.6 End of topic test	External Examinations Summer Y11