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 Pis; 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 and is home to a NCCE Computing Hub.
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
- Chromebook/Essential skills
- From Scratch to code
- Cyber security
- Python unit 1
- Layers of computer systems
- Using media to support a cause
- Python turtle
Year 8
- Python unit 2
- AI and Machine learning
- Spreadsheet modelling
- Computer systems
- Microbits
- Computational thinking
Year 9
- Python unit 3
- Data representation
- Graphics
- HTML/CSS/JS
- CS – programming challenges
*These Curriculum maps are adjusted for the current academic year to mirror student prior learning. To access the Super Curriculum for this subject please visit the Super Curriculum page HERE Extra curricular opportunities are available for students to participate in throughout their time at Sandringham. At present we offer a Year 7 Computer Science Club, a Games Design Club and a more hands on and advanced Computer Science Club where students get to experiment with hardware less frequently used within curriculum time. In addition to these weekly clubs, we also offer students opportunities to enter both local and national competitions, this includes, Bafta Young Games Designer Competition, Vodafone’s Digital Creator Challenge, BEBRAS challenge and the Matrix Cyber Security Challenge. The Computer Science faculty aims to enrich students learning beyond the classroom. We have developed close links with an number of companies and organisations, to assist us in providing exciting opportunities such as talks and lectures, hack days and other events for our students to participate in. In recent times we have secured activities, talks and visits from University of Hertfordshire, University College London, Stanford University, CISCO, Google, Intel, Silicon Abbey, just to name a few. Optional trips such as the Silicon Valley and San Francisco trip, National Computing Museum, and RIAT Careers Days provide students with a chance to further their interests and allow them to see first-hand where Computer Science can lead them towards. Director of Learning: Laura Flynn-Coley [ff id=”3″]Key Stage 4 Curriculum Maps
Super Curriculum
Beyond the Classroom
