Overview

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%. 

University data shows it has been in the UK’s top 10 most popular degree choices for at least 7 consecutive years, offering many pathways for our students.

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. 

We are also keen to make the subject more appealing to girls to help overcome the outdated stereotype that it’s a subject for boys. We have also been a successful VEX Robotics provider which is constantly growing in popularity with our students of all ages.

At Framwellgate School, we aim to incorporate relevant topics such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity through engagement with regional external partners. We are Gold accredited CyberFirst School which transitions to the new TechFirst initiative from September 2026, which allows us access to range of extracurricular opportunities.

 

Autumn Term

Content and Skills

Digital skills and user interfaces

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

How is it assessed?

Work saved in student OneDrive folder, practical application of software as well as consolidating learning via their 365 SWAY site.

Topic assessment at the end of the unit.

Spring Term

Content and Skills

Algorithms and problem-solving

  • Creating and interpreting algorithms using flowcharts
  • Creating a text-based adventure game using Flowgorithm
  • Algorithmic puzzles

How is it assessed?

Work saved in student OneDrive folder, practical application of software as well as consolidating learning via their 365 SWAY site.

Topic assessment at the end of the unit.

Summer Term

Content and Skills

Introduction to python programming

  • Text based programming with python
  • Programming with python turtle
  • Understanding syntax and logic
  • Creating a game
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cyber Security activities

How is it assessed?

Work saved in student OneDrive folder, practical application of software as well as consolidating learning via their 365 SWAY site.

Topic assessment at the end of the unit.

All topics are assessed during the end of year assessment.

 

Autumn Term

Content and Skills

Inside Your Computer

  • Computer components
  • User interfaces
  • Threats against a computer system
  • Encryption
  • Designing an app

How is it assessed?

Work saved in student OneDrive folder, practical application of software as well as consolidating learning via their 365 SWAY site.

Spring Term

Content and Skills

Analysing Data

  • Big data
  • Spreadsheet data analysis and graphs
  • Boolean logic
  • Creating algorithms for real-life simulations using Flowol

How is it assessed?

Work saved in student OneDrive folder, practical application of software as well as consolidating learning via their 365 SWAY site.

Summer Term

Content and Skills

Python Programming

  • Syntax
  • Functions
  • Iteration
  • Indentation
  • Working with numbers
  • Computing careers
  • Cyber security activities

How is is assessed?

Work saved in student OneDrive folder, practical application of software as well as consolidating learning via their 365 SWAY site.

Topic assessment at the end of the unit.

All topics are assessed during the end of year assessment.

Autumn Term

Content and Skills

Data Representation and logic

  • Binary and hexadecimal number system
  • Boolean logic and logic gates in tech
  • Wider Impact of Technology
  • Artificial Intelligence

How is it assessed?

Work saved in student OneDrive folder, practical application of software as well as consolidating learning via their 365 SWAY site.

Spring Term

Content and Skills

Additional Programming Techniques

  • Creating an app using Javascript tools in AppLab
  • Search and sort algorithms
  • Computing Careers 
  • Wider issues of computing technology

How is it assessed?

Work saved in student OneDrive folder, practical application of software as well as consolidating learning via their 365 SWAY site.

Summer Term

Content and Skills

Continuation of python programming

  • Creating a grid-based game of noughts and crosses using a 2D array
  • Digital images and audio
  • Cyber Security activities

How is it assessed?

Work saved in student OneDrive folder, practical application of software as well as consolidating learning via their 365 SWAY site.

Topic assessment at the end of the unit.

All topics are assessed during the end of year assessment.