Computer Science

"Coding is today's language of creativity. All our children deserve a chance to become creators instead consumers of computer science."
Maria Klawe

Computer Science at HCS is a dynamic department where all students can be creative and study computational thinking along with a variety of coding platforms. We believe that it is vital that our students learn key skills so that they can be confident users of ICT in today’s ever-changing digital world. Computer Science is a STEM discipline, sharing attributes with Engineering, Mathematics, Science, and Technology and provides young people with many opportunities in life. We aim to equip all students with computer programming skills and knowledge of how computer systems work so that they can be prepared for the Computing Science qualification and the modern World ahead of them.

Year 7 & 8

In KS3 we offer students a broad curriculum consisting of digital literacy, ICT, e-safety and computing. Students study topics ranging from creating documents on key Microsoft programs to creating animation and websites along with coding on block editors and Python; all whilst encouraging students to develop their own problem-solving skills. 

• Year 7 study: Base line assessment followed by E-Safety, Pseudocode, Cryptology, computer systems and programming with block code and Micro-bits. 

• Year 8 study: Computer networks, app development, HTML web-design, Python programming and turtle with IT development.

GCSE

GCSE Computer Science consists of two exam papers both worth 50%. Students will focus on computer systems and programming including pseudo-code and Python along with cyber security, computational thinking and algorithms. We follow the AQA specification which offers a broad range of resources and media to help all our learners. 

There are extra-revision sessions available throughout the year and a coding club available to all students on a Monday and Friday lunchtime. 
See Mr Phillips to book extra revision sessions.

Useful websites

Useful Websites:
•    BBC Bitesize – KS3 Computer Science
•    Teach-ICT.com – KS3 Computing
•    Codecademy – Learn to code interactively, for free
•    Code Avengers – Learn to build websites, apps and games in a fun and effective way
•    CodeCombat – Learn how to code by playing a game
•    Khan Academy – Math, science, computer programming, history, art, economics, and even more free online classes

Computer Club
Computer Club