In Year 9, students will study:
- Cyber Security and Encryption
- Databases and SQL
- Computation Thinking and Algorithms
- Python Programming
Cybersecurity and Encryption
Having studied Networks, in this unit students will learn about techniques used by cybercriminals to steal data, disrupt systems, and infiltrate networks. They will consider the value of their data and look at social engineering techniques used by cybercriminals to try steal personal data. Students will learn about more common cybercrimes such as hacking, DDoS attacks, and malware, as well as looking at methods to protect themselves and networks against these attacks. They will also study encryption and how it is used to protect our data
Databases and SQL
In this unit students return to the concept of data and data management. They will learn how to design and build a database, setting up a data base correctly, elicit/import data and use logical and mathematical operators to search for data in a database. They will also create form to make entering new data easier as well as reports to display the results of their searches. More advanced skills look at using SQL, the programming language used to create, access and manage databases. Students will also evaluate the success of their project against the needs of the user.
Computational Thinking and Algorithms
In this unit, students will learn what an algorithm is and the standard sort and search algorithms. They will learn about the key factors of computation thinking.
Python Programming
In this unit students are introduced to string manipulation, lists and arrays in Python. Students will recap prior concepts of input and output, arithmetic operations, randomness, selection, and iteration and will continue to develop these programming skills. The unit ends with a series of programming challenges which will require students to apply their computational thinking skills and will provide important preparation for the GCSE Computer Science.
Key Stage 4 GCSE Computer Science
This course is relevant to the modern, changing world of computing. It is designed to boost computing skills essential for the 21st century. These skills include coding, mathematical, analytical, logical and evaluative computational thinking skills.
GCSE Computer Science provides access to A-level Computer Science, as well as other STEM subjects that require problem solving and analytical skills.
Specific job industries that you can work in include data analyst, software architect, network manager, games designer, web development, cyber security and robotics.
What you will study:
Component 01: Computer systems – central processing unit (CPU), computer memory and storage, data representation, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, system security and system software, ethical, legal, cultural and environmental issues.
Component 02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming – computational thinking – algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic and translators.
Practical programming – design, write, test and refine programs using a high-level programming language.
Assessment
Component 1: consists of short and medium answer questions and one 8-mark extended response question.
Component 2: Section A – short and medium answer questions and one 8-mark extended response question; Section B – assesses students’ practical programming skills and their ability to design, write, test and refine programs.