KS4 Computer Science

Our Aim -

We know that our students arrive with misconceptions of Computer Science and varied exposure to the subject, therefore:

• We provide the arena to develop an explorative, innovative mind-set, related to new technological ideas and current industry innovations.
• Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of computer science. They will be able to understand the theoretical and practical concepts of computer science fundamentals; algorithmic thinking, sequencing, pattern recognition and decomposition.
• Students will be given opportunities to explore and master problem solving techniques, communication with peers, programming techniques and tracing of program code errors in differing contexts.
• We want students to know the benefit in the wider world to be able to problem solve efficiently and ultimately apply this positive mindset of finding solutions to problems in all they do.
• We want students to become confident, explorative learners who when leaving Logic will have the skills needed for the modern economy and the knowledge needed to actively engage in the world beyond Feltham. This will be evident with our students demonstrating an analytical and incisive mindset when problem solving.
• We want them to be able to adapt to any technical challenge because of the in-depth, expansive theory and practical lessons they have participated in.
• We want students to be knowledgeable about current technologies, quick to master programming concepts, ready to apply what they know and be confident to explore what they do not.

Our Delivery - we know that challenge and consistency ensures progress

• Students are taught explicitly how to “problem solve”, acquiring core skills that are fundamental to the understanding of future topics.
• All DNA will be based on retrieval practice. PREP topic areas or misconceptions that can be addressed and feed into (on most occasions) lesson content. These will be quickly assessed and closer to exam preparation will be exam question orientated.
• We model how to write Python programming code using consistent approaches across the department.
• We encourage risk taking within answering questions and foster an open and non-judgemental environment by predominantly using ‘no hands up’ within lessons.
• In class, students will mostly work within exercise books, clearly labelled with target grades, but we will also use Google classroom for students to upload examples of work during lessons, where feedback will be issued for specific portfolio pieces or key learning topics. And use the Python IDE extensively for programming practice and training for the examination series assessment.
• We utilise the Google Forms platform to assess and interrogate understanding of topic areas, so class mapping documents can be produced to prepare foci for re-teaching lessons.
• Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary is taught explicitly. Students are given and tested regularly on this for every unit of work through Prep activities, midterm tests and end of unit assessments.