Subjects
Curriculum
Home > Curriculum > Subjects > Computer Science
Computer Science
Home > Curriculum > Subjects > Computer Science

Computer Science

Our Computer Science curriculum aims to introduce and develop problem-solving skills and an understanding of computer systems and how they work, linking it to reality. It is our belief that all students should leave school with some programming skills too. 

More young people than ever before are choosing to study GCSE Computer Science nationally, with over 79,000 entries in 2022. 

Computing is also the fastest-growing STEM A level, with numbers in England rising by 12%. 

It is a rich and creative subject which can lead to exciting and rewarding careers, as well as skills which are in high demand from employers. It will also help to address the digital skills gap which is growing year on year. Many careers that our students may go on to work in may not currently exist; studying Computer Science will help prepare students for new careers in the future.. 

At Framwellgate School, we are also keen to make the subject more appealing to girls to help overcome the outdated stereotype that it’s a subject for boys. 

Use the page navigation on the left to navigate between year groups.

Year 7

Autumn Term

Baseline Assessments and Digital Skills and User Interfaces including:

  • Organising classwork
  • E-Safety
  • Basic Office software and linking to 365 home access
  • Effective Internet search techniques
  • The Internet

Spring Term

Algorithms and problem-solving

  • Introduction to python programming
  • Creating and interpreting algorithms using flowcharts
  • Algorithmic puzzles

Summer Term

Python Programming

  • Programming with python turtle
  • Understanding syntax and logic
  • Making a calculator
  • Creating a game
  • Artificial Intelligence

Year 8

Autumn Term

Inside Your Computer

  • Binary number
  • Computer components
  • User interfaces
  • Computing careers
  • Threats against a computer system
  • Encryption
  • Designing an app

Spring Term

Analysing Data

  • Real world data
  • Spreadsheet data analysis and graphs
  • Boolean logic
  • Databases
  • Advanced flowcharts
  • Flowgorithm software

Summer Term

Python Programming

  • Syntax
  • Functions
  • Iteration
  • Indentation
  • Working with numbers

Year 9

Autumn Term

Python Programming recap and project work

  • Syntax
  • Functions
  • Iteration
  • Indentation
  • Working with numbers
  • Mini programming challenges and project
  • Applying computational logic with software – linking it to reality

Spring Term

  • Problem-solving and creating solutions
  • Computational thinking skills and more advanced computational logic
  • Writing and solving algorithms with the software: Flowol and Logic Gate Simulator

Summer Term

  • Cyber security
  • Building a mobile phone app

Year 10

Autumn Term

  • 1.1 Systems architecture
  • 1.2 Memory and storage
  • 1.3 Computer networks, connections and protocols
  • 2.2 Programming fundamentals

Spring Term

  • 1.4 Network security
  • 1.5 Systems software
  • 1.6 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology
  • 2.2 Programming fundamentals

Summer Term

  • 2.1 Algorithms
  • 2.2 Programming fundamentals
  • 2.3 Producing robust programs

Year 11

Autumn Term

  • 2.4 Boolean logic
  • 2.5 Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments
  • 2.2 Programming fundamentals

Revision and examination technique of:

  • 1.1 Systems architecture
  • 1.2 Memory and storage
  • 1.3 Computer networks, connections and protocols

Spring Term

Revision and examination technique of:

  • 1.4 Network Security
  • 1.5 Systems software
  • 1.6 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology
  • 2.1 Algorithms

Summer Term

Revision and examination technique of:

  • 2.2 Programming fundamentals
  • 2.3 Producing robust programs
  • 2.4 Boolean logic
  • 2.5 Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments

Year 12

Autumn Term

  • Elements of computational thinking
  • Data types, data structures and algorithms
  • Problem-solving and programming
  • Algorithms

Spring Term

  • The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
  • Software and software development
  • Programming

Summer Term

  • Exchanging data
  • Introduction to 20% coursework programming project
  • Legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues

Year 13

Autumn Term

  • 20% coursework programming project

Revision and examination technique of:

  • The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
  • Software and software development
  • Programming

Spring Term

  • 20% coursework programming project

Revision and examination technique of:

  • Exchanging data
  • Data types, data structures and algorithms
  • Elements of computational thinking
  • Problem-solving and programming
  • Legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues

Coursework deadline

Summer Term

Preparation for final examinations

Search:

Twitter Wall

close
close
Alt text
Name Position

Amanda is Chair of the Excel Academy Trust Board. Amanda became a parent governor in 2009 and has enjoyed several responsibilities across this time including being Chair of the Achievement and Standards committee, a member of the Excel Academy Audit committee, and most recently has been appointed as a Member of the Excel Academy Partnership. Her career started out with the Halifax Building Society where she worked as a mortgage advisor for 20 years, before entering the political arena. Amanda is a County Councillor for Durham County Council, representing Framwellgate and Newton Hall ward. Amanda was formerly a student at Framwellgate School Durham, where she met her husband and many other friends, as well as taking on the responsibility of being Deputy Head Girl. Amanda is passionate about the school and local area and is actively involved in the school at every opportunity.

We use cookies to help personalise and improve your web experience. To learn more click here.

Accept