Computer Science

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Computing at Aylesford incorporates information communication technology, digital literacy and computer science. This curriculum helps students acquire skills in computational thinking, problem solving and collaboration, allowing our students to make informed choices in our digital world.

Learning Journey

KS3 Learning Journey

GCSE Learning Journey

Year 7

The Year 7 Computer Science curriculum is designed to develop students' understanding of digital technology, computational thinking, and problem-solving. Through a range of practical and engaging activities, students learn how computer systems work, how digital information is communicated, and how technology can be used safely, responsibly, and effectively. Students are introduced to the foundations of programming through Scratch and physical computing using the micro:bit, enabling them to develop confidence in creating, testing, and improving digital solutions. The curriculum encourages creativity, resilience, and logical thinking whilst developing the digital literacy skills required for life in an increasingly technological world. 

Key Skills:

Students begin by exploring digital communication and how messages can be designed to meet the needs of different audiences. They learn how digital media can influence understanding and how information can be presented effectively and responsibly.  
Students develop an understanding of computer networks, exploring how communication systems have evolved from early methods such as semaphores to the modern internet. They learn about network devices, the role of the internet, and how information is transmitted across networks.  
Through programming in Scratch, students are introduced to fundamental programming concepts including sequence, selection, iteration, variables, and debugging. They develop programs that solve problems, create interactive projects, and build confidence in computational thinking.  
Students learn how spreadsheets can be used to model and analyse data. They develop skills in entering data, using formulae and functions, and creating models to answer questions and support decision-making.  
Throughout the year, students also explore physical computing through the micro:bit and create digital media projects that demonstrate creativity, planning, evaluation, and responsible use of technology. 

Year 7 Assessment Points:  

Assessment in Year 7 Computer Science is continuous and includes both practical and theoretical activities. Students are assessed on their ability to apply computational thinking skills, create and debug programs, and explain key computing concepts.  
Students complete programming projects using Scratch, demonstrating their understanding of sequencing, selection, iteration, and variables. They are assessed on the functionality, efficiency, and creativity of their solutions.  
Knowledge of networks, digital communication, and data modelling is assessed through quizzes, retrieval activities, extended tasks, and end-of-unit assessments. Teachers also evaluate students' ability to apply spreadsheet skills to model real-world scenarios and analyse data effectively.  
Assessment outcomes are used to monitor progress against age-related expectations and to support students in developing the knowledge and skills required for future Computer Science study. 

Key Vocabulary 

• Algorithm – a set of instructions used to solve a problem 
• Sequence – instructions carried out in order 
• Selection – making decisions within a program 
• Iteration – repeating instructions within a program 
• Variable – data stored and used by a program 
• Debugging – finding and correcting errors in a program 
• Network – computers connected together to share resources 
• Internet – a global network of connected devices 
• Spreadsheet – software used to organise and analyse data 
• Formula – a calculation used within a spreadsheet 

Enrichment 

• Coding Club 
• Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge 
• Micro:bit Projects 
• STEM Competitions 
• Cyber Explorers Challenges 

Year 8

The Year 8 Computer Science curriculum is designed to build upon the knowledge and skills developed in Year 7 whilst introducing students to more complex computing concepts and real-world applications of technology. Students develop a deeper understanding of how computer systems function, how digital information is represented within computers, and how technology is used to create digital products. Through practical programming, web development, graphic design, and app development projects, students continue to develop computational thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The curriculum encourages students to become confident and responsible users of technology whilst preparing them for the challenges of Key Stage 4 Computer Science and the wider digital world. 

Key Skills:

Students begin by exploring vector graphics, developing an understanding of how digital images can be created using shapes, paths, layers, and design principles. They learn how graphic designers use vector-based software to create scalable images for a range of purposes and audiences.  
Students develop their understanding of computer systems through the study of hardware and software layers. They learn how components interact within a computer system, understand the role of operating systems, and explore the relationship between hardware and software.  
Through web development, students learn how websites are structured and created using HTML. They develop skills in creating, editing, and evaluating webpages while considering audience, accessibility, and design principles.  
Students investigate how data is represented inside computer systems. They explore binary, images, text, and sound, developing an understanding of how computers store, process, and communicate information.  
Mobile app development introduces students to the software development process, enabling them to design, create, test, and evaluate applications for specific users and purposes.  
Students are also introduced to text-based programming through Python. They learn how to write, test, and debug programs using variables, selection, iteration, and input/output, providing a foundation for future programming study. 

Year 8 Assessment Points:  

Assessment in Year 8 Computer Science is continuous and combines practical project work with knowledge-based assessments. Students are assessed on their ability to apply computational thinking, solve problems, create digital products, and explain key computing concepts. Students complete a range of practical assessments, including the design of vector graphics, creation of websites, development of mobile applications, and programming tasks using Python. These projects assess creativity, technical accuracy, problem-solving, and the ability to evaluate and improve digital solutions.  
Knowledge and understanding are assessed through quizzes, retrieval tasks, written activities, and end-of-unit assessments. Students are expected to demonstrate understanding of computer systems, data representation, and programming concepts using appropriate technical vocabulary.  
Teachers monitor progress throughout the year, providing feedback that supports students in developing increasingly independent and sophisticated computing skills. Assessment outcomes are used to track progress against age-related expectations and prepare students for the greater depth of study encountered in Year 9 and beyond. 

Key Vocabulary 

• HTML –• Hardware – • Software – Operating System – Binary – Python – Variable – Selection – Iteration. 

Enrichment 

• Coding Club 
• Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge 
• CyberFirst Activities 
• Website Design Competitions 
• App Development Challenges 
• STEM and Digital Technology Events  

Year 9

The Year 9 Computer Science curriculum is designed to consolidate and extend students’ understanding of computing, preparing them for the transition to Key Stage 4 study. Students build upon their prior knowledge of programming, computer systems, and digital media whilst exploring increasingly complex and contemporary topics such as cybersecurity, data science, and physical computing. Through practical problem-solving activities, students develop resilience, creativity, and logical thinking, applying their knowledge to real-world scenarios. The curriculum encourages students to become confident digital citizens who understand both the opportunities and challenges presented by modern technology. By the end of Year 9, students are equipped with the computational thinking, programming, and analytical skills required for further study in Computer Science and related disciplines. 

Key Knowledge:

Students develop their programming skills through Python, learning how to work with sequences of data including lists, strings, and arrays. They explore more advanced programming techniques, developing efficient solutions to increasingly complex problems and refining their ability to test and debug code.  
Through animation projects, students learn how digital media is planned, designed, and created. They develop an understanding of animation techniques, audience requirements, and creative design processes whilst producing their own multimedia products.  
Students are introduced to data science, exploring how data can be collected, analysed, visualised, and interpreted to identify trends, patterns, and relationships. They understand the importance of data in decision-making and learn how technology can be used to solve real-world problems.  
The curriculum further develops students’ understanding of data representation through the study of images, sound, and audiovisual media. Students investigate how computers store and process different types of digital information and how representation affects quality and storage requirements. 

Year 9 Assessment Points:  

Assessment in Year 9 Computer Science is continuous and focuses on students’ practical programming ability, theoretical understanding, and problem-solving skills. Students are assessed through a combination of project work, knowledge-based assessments, retrieval activities, and practical programming tasks.  
Students are assessed on their ability to design, create, test, and evaluate Python programs that make use of sequences of data and increasingly sophisticated programming constructs. Teachers evaluate students’ use of computational thinking, decomposition, debugging, and code efficiency when solving problems.  
End-of-unit assessments measure progress against age-related expectations and help prepare students for the analytical, practical, and theoretical demands of GCSE Computer Science. Regular feedback encourages students to reflect on their work, improve their solutions, and develop greater independence as learners. 

Key Vocabulary 

• Data Science – Cybersecurity – Malware – Phishing – Encryption – Sequence of Data – Algorithm – Physical Computing – Debugging  

Enrichment 

• CyberFirst Competitions 
• Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge 
• Physical Computing and Robotics Projects 
• Python Programming Challenges 
• STEM Events and Competitions 
• GCSE Computer Science Taster Activities 

Year 10

Students are introduced to the OCR GCSE Computer Science course, developing an understanding of computer systems, computational thinking and problem-solving. They learn how computers process data, communicate across networks and are used in real-world contexts. 
 
The curriculum encourages students to think logically, analyse problems and develop solutions through programming. Students build confidence in applying computational thinking skills while exploring the ethical, environmental and legal impacts of digital technologies. 
 
Students are encouraged to become independent learners who can design, test and refine solutions to complex problems. The course develops resilience, creativity and digital literacy, helping students understand the important role technology plays in modern society.

Key Knowledge:

• Computer systems and computer architecture 
• Memory, storage and secondary storage 
• Wired and wireless networks 
• Network security and system software 
• Ethical, legal and environmental impacts of technology 
• Algorithms and programming fundamentals using Python 

Year 10 Assessment Points:  

• End-of-topic GCSE-style assessments 
• Programming tasks and practical coding activities 
• multiple-choice and short-answer questions 
• Algorithm design and tracing exercises 
• Regular retrieval quizzes and exam-practice tasks 

Key Vocabulary 

CPU, RAM, ROM, storage, network, protocol, cybersecurity, algorithm, decomposition, abstraction, variable, iteration, selection, sequence, programming.

Enrichment 

• Coding challenges and competitions 
• Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge 
• CyberFirst and STEM activities 
• Exploring emerging technologies and AI 
• Careers in computing and digital industries

Year 11

Students develop a deeper understanding of computer science principles while preparing for OCR GCSE examinations. They apply their knowledge of systems, networks and programming to solve increasingly complex problems and evaluate technological solutions. 
 
Students refine their programming skills and strengthen their ability to analyse, evaluate and justify solutions. Through practical programming and examination preparation, they develop skills valued in further study, apprenticeships and careers within the digital sector. 
 
The curriculum also promotes critical thinking and responsible use of technology, enabling students to understand emerging developments in computing and cybersecurity. Students leave the course equipped with technical, analytical and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers and further education providers. 

Key Knowledge:

• Algorithms and computational logic 
• Programming techniques and robust code development 
• Boolean logic and logic gates 
• Data representation, binary and hexadecimal 
• Cybersecurity threats and prevention methods 
• Software development, testing and revision of examined content

Year 11 Assessment Points:  

• Topic assessments using GCSE-style questions 
• Practical programming activities and challenges 
• Algorithm design and code-tracing tasks 
• Mock examinations covering both papers 
• Structured revision and exam-preparation activities

Key Vocabulary 

Binary, hexadecimal, logic gate, Boolean, encryption, cybersecurity, validation, verification, testing, database, SQL, algorithm, syntax, debugging.

Enrichment 

• Programming projects and coding clubs 
• Cybersecurity workshops 
• Computer Science guest speakers 
• Careers and apprenticeship events 
• Investigation of current technological developments
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