What will students study in Computer Science this year?

In Year 7, students will cover a very wide variety of topics to do with Computer Science, including eSafety, digital literacy, programming with a visual programming language and Financial modelling using spreadsheets.

In Year 8, students will cover a very wide variety of topics to do with Computer Science, including introduction to coding using python, data representation, hardware components of a computer, coding using Microbits and understanding Binary and Logic Gates.

What are the major assessments this year?

Students are assessed on each topic building to a major assessment at the end of each term, which incorporates all the topics covered that term. At the end of each year, students will sit an exam covering all topics.

What do assessments test?

Assessments test application of knowledge, understanding and skills through a variety of multiple choice and short sentence answers

What are the expectations of my daughter in Computer Science?

Students will be expected to bring their class workbook and equipment to each lesson. They will be expected to come to each lesson with an open and questioning mind and to become involved in class discussions. Homework will be submitted on the due date. Students will have access to the lesson PowerPoints. Pupils are also expected to review the knowledge organisers in their booklets and complete all homework and online quizzes to the best of their ability.

What should my daughter do if she feels she is struggling in the subject?

In the first instance, she should speak to her subject teacher. She should try to identify specific areas of the subject which she is finding a challenge so that we can offer targeted support.

How can I best support my daughter in Computer Science?

The best way to provide general support is by talking to them about their work in the subject and how things are going. It’s also worth talking to your daughter about how you use IT in your everyday life, be it your smartphone, surfing the web or at work.

Whom should I contact for further advice or information?

Please feel free to contact your daughter’s Computer Science teacher by email, or the Head of Computer Science, Mr Ahmad, on sahmad@carshaltongirls.org.uk with as much detailed information as possible.