Overview
Computer science is an exceptionally relevant and valuable subject in modern education. Developing an understanding of computer systems equips pupils with practical knowledge that underpins everyday life, from the technology they use daily to the digital infrastructure that supports modern society. Beyond technical understanding, computing actively engages pupils in both logical and creative thinking, enabling them to develop essential problem-solving skills such as abstraction, decomposition, pattern recognition, and resilience. These transferable skills empower pupils to approach a wide range of complex challenges methodically and with confidence.
Through computing, pupils explore core concepts including computer architecture, computer networks, data representation, software engineering, and algorithm design. Alongside this strong theoretical foundation, pupils gain practical experience and fluency in the Python programming language, which is an increasingly valuable skill across a wide range of careers and personal interests. Computing also develops pupils’ adaptability, digital literacy, and understanding of how technology can be used responsibly and ethically.
As technology continues to shape many career pathways, studying computing prepares pupils not only for future employment across a vast range of industries, but also to become informed, capable participants in an increasingly digital world, better equipped to tackle whatever challenges they may encounter throughout their lives.
Year 7
Term 1 – E-safety and professional documents
Term 2 – Photoshop and programming
Year 8
Term 1 – Comic life and enterprise
Term 2 – E-safety and websites
Year 9
Term 1 – Interactive multimedia
Term 2 – Programming and visual identity
Year 10
Term 1 – Systems architecture, memory and storage; programming fundamentals
Term 2 – Boolean logic; producing robust programme; computer networks, connections and protocols
Term 3 – Programming language and integrated development environments; ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology
Year 11
Term 1 – Algorithms and programming fundamentals
Term 2 – Algorithms and programming fundamentals; programming languages and integrated development environments
Term 3 – Revision
Exam board
EDUQAS GCSE Computer Science