Computer Science

Most aspects of our lives are affected by computers of one sort or another. The rate of change is so rapid it’s almost impossible to keep pace. For that reason, computer science teaching at St Peter’s is focused on helping students build the confidence they need to explore and learn about technology independently. One of our key goals is to engender savvy users, with experience of a wide range of computing applications and digital media, and the ability to navigate unfamiliar technology safely, securely and responsibly.

Computational thinking is fundamental in computer science. Students are taught the techniques needed to approach a range of problems both logically and methodically. These problem-solving skills are not only essential for developing applications and writing code, students can also apply them across the whole curriculum and even in their daily lives.

Of course, computer science at St Peter’s involves programming. Students learn to code in a range of languages such as Python, Visual Basic, JavaScript and SQL. In addition, they learn how to create web pages with HTML and CSS. Web technologies, networking and data transmission feature in our curriculum, as do cryptography and cyber security. Students also discover what’s going on ‘under the bonnet’ of the computer in front of them, including ways in which various hardware components interact, the role of logic gates, binary and hexadecimal number bases, and much more. These are the knowledge and skills that underpin further study in the field of computer science, but even students who do not continue beyond Key Stage 3 can benefit greatly from an understanding of how computers are constructed and controlled; Another key goal of ours is to demystify the technology they might otherwise take for granted.

Catholic social teaching lies at the heart of computer science in St Peter’s. From this perspective, students learn about the legal aspects of computing, including computer misuse, copyright and data protection laws. In addition, they are taught to scrutinise the moral and ethical impacts on society of technologies such as AI and social media. Students are also encouraged to celebrate the joy of creation in much of the digital media they produce.

Students begin their computer science journey in Year 7. They have one timetabled lessons per fortnight. This continues in Year 8 and Year 9, and the work becoming progressively more technical and more challenging each year. At KS4, students have an option to follow OCR’s GCSE computer science course.

Computer science at St Peter’s is a very practical subject. Almost every lesson in KS3 involves the use of computers. Every student has access to their own networked computer in lessons, with a host of software applications, file storage and printing facilities available. The content is more theoretical at KS4 but this is still a largely hands-on and creative subject, even at the higher levels. Students have access to an extensive range of learning resources, both in school and from home. Computer science in St Peter’s High School is taught at all levels by dedicated and enthusiastic specialists with decades of computer science teaching, and industrial, experience.

Curriculum Overview by Year Group and Term