In this digital age, computers are all around us. It is more important than ever for students to understand computers and for them to develop the skills to be able to use them. Computer science at Armfield Academy will equip students with the necessary skills to engage in a rapidly-changing digital world. Students will develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of computer science as well as the ability to practically apply their knowledge.

Students will code their own programs, design web pages and produce a variety of digital documents. They will also learn a wide range of transferrable skills such as problem solving, logical reasoning and computational thinking. Students will become comfortable using different types of technology and begin to develop a true understanding of how it (technology) works.

In order to support our students in being the best they can be, we follow the national curriculum from KS1 to KS4, which aims to ensure that all pupils:

  • can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
  • can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
  • can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
  • are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology

Computer science, has strong links to mathematics, science and design technology. The skills they learn in this subject, can be applied across the curriculum.

At KS4 students study GCSE computer science (OCR exam board). It is for those who show an aptitude for maths and revel in a challenge without giving up. Computer science is not ICT, it focuses on how computers work, not how to use different software packages. This course is likely to lead to studying computer science at A-Level and potentially university.

Possible careers in computer science include: software developer, database administrator, computer hardware engineer, computer systems analyst, computer network architect, web developed and game designer, as well as many other potential careers.

Computing Curriculum

Updated: 14/11/2022 89 KB

Please click here for a link to the ‘Computer Science Curriculum’ document.

Please click here for a link to the ‘KS4 Computer Science Curriculum’ document.