Hartismere School

Our aim in computer science is to develop skills and knowledge in three key areas of study: knowledge of computer systems, programming and using computers safely. We hope that by the end of year 9 students will be confidence and safe users of technology, with knowledge of the basic operations of computers and will have gained programming experience in a range of environments. The core of the study follows the national curriculum for computing published in 2013.

Year 7: the programme of study is designed to build the confidence and ability of all students in using computers, in particular those who had limited exposure to desktop computers. We also introduce and teach about computer hardware and allow student to experience programming.

Year 8: The overall aim of year 8 computer science is to develop ability and experience in computational thinking, specifically thinking logically and procedurally. The topics will give students the opportunity to create solutions in a range of programming environments, each time reinforcing the concept of logical sequence and that coding is just a collection of small instructions in a particular order. 

Year 9: The year 9 programme of study is designed to develop further programming skills and provide a greater understanding of how computer systems work. The aim is to both prepare students for GCSE computer science and provide a general understanding that will support them in their future. The topics will move from theory to programming all through the year, beginning with computer systems. 

Beyond year 9: We offer computer science at both GCSE and A level. Check out those pages for more information

Head of Department: Mr R Sorhaindo