Year 8 pupils will be working on the following projects:
Project 1: Hardware and Software
This is a theoretical unit covering the basic principles of computer architecture and the use of binary. Students will look at the Input-Process-Output sequence and the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle, some simple binary to decimal conversion and vice versa, and learn how text characters are represented using the ASCII code. This will be followed by some simple binary addition. They will learn more in depth how storage devices represent data using binary patterns and physically save these patterns. Finally, they will look at a brief history of communication devices, how new technologies and applications are emerging and the pace of change.
Project 2: Networks
This is a theoretical unit covering the basic principles and architecture of local and wide area networks. Pupils will learn that the World Wide Web is part of the Internet, and how web addresses are constructed and stored as IP addresses. Client-server, peer-to-peer networks and the concept of cloud computing are all described. Ways of keeping data secure and simple encryption techniques are also covered. In the final lesson, pupils will sit a multiple choice test which will form the Unit assessment.
This unit will form very good preparation on the topic of networks at GCSE level.
Project 3: Computer Crime and Cyber Security
This unit covers some of the legal safeguards regarding computer use, including overviews of the Computer Misuse Act, Data Protection Act and Copyright Law and their implications for computer use. Phishing scams and other email frauds, hacking, ‘data harvesting’ and identity theft are discussed together with ways of protecting online identity and privacy. Health and Safety Law and environmental issues such as the safe disposal of old computers are also discussed.
Project 4: Coca-cola Enterprise (Business Studies)
As students in Year 8 will start looking into their GCSE options, we aim to give them the opportunity to study and gain a snapshot of what Business Studies is about. This project will help the students to understand the role of marketing and influences it has on the success of the business.
They will learn how to:
– Identify target audience
– The importance of branding
– Budgeting for advertising
– This will cover literacy and numeracy skills which is important for them to develop to ensure a high grade achieved throughout the curriculum.
Project 5: Python
In this project, the students will complete a range of programming activities. Students will:
– Follow a sequence of instructions
– Enter a program in idle and run it
– Recognise different type of data: text, number, instructions
– Describe operators, expression, truth tables
– Think through pseudocode and discuss what it will achieve
– Write a Python function
– Use IF, WHILE statements in a code
– Write pseudocode for part of a problem
Key stage 4 Curriculum:
– OCR Cambridge Nationals in IT Level 2 J808
– AQA GCSE Business
– OCR GCSE Computing
Key stage 5 Curriculum:
– OCR GCE A-Level Computing
– Edexcel GCE A-Level Economics
– Pearson BTEC Level 2 Technicals in IT Support
– Edexcel BTEC Nationals Information Technology Level 3
– Edexcel BTEC Nationals Business Studies Level 2
– Edexcel BTEC Nationals Business Studies Level 3
– AQA Business Studies