The Ridgeway, St Albans, Herts, AL4 9NX |
Computer Science
Computer Science is the study of how computers and computer systems work and how they are constructed and programmed. From the design of computers to programming, Computer Science has broadened applications in areas as diverse as science, engineering, mathematics and the arts.
Computer Science has replaced ICT in the National Curriculum from September 2014 and we are pleased to offer a varied and exciting curriculum all the way through Key Stages 3, 4 and 5.
The Computer Science faculty boasts excellent facilities. All of our Computer Science facilities are well equipped with the most modern technologies running the latest industry standard software. Our teaching spaces provide room for practical activities as well as theory based work.
We also have a range of additional hardware to support practical and investigatory style work, this includes; Raspberry Pi’s; BBC Micro:Bits; Vex Robots; and much more!
The faculty is well staffed with subject experts who are passionate about both their subject and teaching. Sandringham School is a lead school in the Computing at Schools Network of Excellence.
Key Stage 3
Our Computer Science curriculum is both fun and stretching, covering aspects of computer science, digital literacy and creativity. The areas of study offer students broad experiences within the subject area. Over the course of Key Stage 3, students will have experienced and studied many different areas of Computer Science to give them a taste of what the subject entails.
Students study Computer Science for 1 hour a week in Years 7, 8 and 9.
Year 7
- Microbits
- Computational thinking techniques and problem solving
- From Scratch to Code
- Computer Systems and Data Science
- Clear messaging in digital media
- Python programming
- Computational thinking techniques and problem solving
- Data Modelling
- Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Python Programming
- Computational thinking techniques and problem solving
- Data Representation: Going Audio Visual
- Media: Animation using Blender
- Artificial Intelligence
Key Stage 4
Students can select to study OCR GCSE Computer Science (J277) in Key Stage 4. Students choosing this option will have five hours of teaching per fortnight. This qualification builds on the foundation of knowledge acquired at Key Stage 3 and is practical in nature. This qualification is assessed through two theory based examinations.Students develop programming and problem solving skills throughout the course in preparation to complete a number of programming challenges.As part of the theory based examination, students study many key topic areas; Systems Architecture, Networking and Protocols, Systems Security, Systems Software, Computational Thinking, Programming Techniques, Computational Logic, Data Representation and Ethical, Legal, Cultural and Environmental Concerns.Key Stage 5
OCR A Level Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. It is an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement, and can look at the natural world through a digital prism. Through this qualification, students can develop:- The capacity to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically.
- An understanding of the design and construction of computer systems.
- The ability to apply computational thinking in a range of contexts to solve problems.
- An appreciation of the power and limits of human and machine intelligence.
- An understanding of the consequences of using computers, an awareness of emerging technologies and an appreciation of their potential impact on society.
Unit 2: Algorithms and Programming (02) (Written Exam – 140 marks, 2.5 hours, 40% of A Level)
Unit 3: Programming Project (03/04) (Coursework – 70 marks, 20% of A Level)Unit 1: Computing Principles. This covers the characteristics of contemporary systems architecture; software and software development; exchanging data; data types, data structures and algorithms; and legal, ethical, moral and cultural issues.Unit 2: Programming Techniques and Logical Methods. This covers elements of computational thinking, programming techniques, software development methodologies and standard algorithms. A scenario will be given and you will be asked to design an appropriate solution.Unit 3: Programming Project. Through coursework, you will gain an understanding of definition, investigation and analysis, system design, software development and testing and evaluating. Your project will be of your own choice, assessed internally and moderated by an external examiner.Further detail on Key Stage 5 study is available on the BeauSandVer website for Computer Science
