Computer Science
Our Computer Science ACE Curriculum sparks curiosity about how technology shapes the future.
Students take part in research and creative problem-solving tasks that build their logical thinking, digital literacy, and communication skills. They can design apps, code games, or explore artificial intelligence, developing skills that are vital in today’s digital world.
Computer Science encourages innovation and experimentation.
KS2
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Research |
AI in Everyday Life: Research how artificial intelligence is used today (e.g., voice assistants, facial recognition) and write a report.
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Build Your Own Computer (Virtually!): Research the components of a computer (CPU, RAM, GPU, etc.) and create a labelled diagram or poster explaining each.
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Create |
App Wireframe Design: Sketch the screens for a mobile app that helps solve a real-life problem (like remembering homework), using labels to show what each part does.
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Coding Journal: Create a journal entry from the point of view of a computer, narrating a day processing user commands.
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Oracy |
Explaining Encryption: Create a short explainer video or podcast on how simple ciphers work (like Caesar Cipher).
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Tech Reviewer: Review a digital product (game, app, website) and present what works well and what could be improved.
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Year 7
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Research |
Take a virtual tour of The National Museum of Computing on Bletchley Park: Bletchley Park 360 tour: How Britain cracked Nazi Enigma - YouTube |
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Who was Ada Lovelace? Read/Watch all about Ada Lovelace, a notable female figure in Computing, and her contribution to the world of computing. |
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Create |
Fun Programming Projects: https://blockly.games/ |
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Become a programmer! – Use https://repl.it/ or Python to create your own programs. Challenge yourself to create as many of the coding tasks on Snakify! |
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Oracy |
Write a 3-minute speech about the history of the computer. |
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How do digital cameras work? Watch James May’s head squeeze: How do digital cameras work? | James May Q&A | Head Squeeze - YouTube |
Year 8
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Research |
Identify and write about at least three pioneers in the field of computing, such as Charles Babbage, Ada Lovelace, Alan Turing, or Grace Hopper. |
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Create a visual timeline that highlights key events in the history of computers. Include images, dates, and brief descriptions of each event. |
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Create |
Design a poster or infographic that promotes cybersecurity awareness. Use facts and tips from your research to educate your peers on how to stay safe online. |
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Create a quiz or interactive game that tests knowledge about cybersecurity threats and safe online practices. This can be done using tools like Kahoot!, Quizlet, or Google Forms. |
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Oracy |
Convert your poster/infographic into a podcast using clips or garage band. |
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Could you discuss with a family member what the impact of AI (Artificial intelligence) has on everyday lives. |
Year 9
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Research |
Research 5 key events or inventions in the history of computing. Present your findings in a digital timeline or infographic. |
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Research three different computing-related careers (e.g. cybersecurity analyst, game developer, data scientist). Include qualifications needed, average salaries, and daily tasks. |
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Create |
Create a concept for a new app or piece of software that could exist in 10 years. Include mock-up sketches and a user journey. |
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Use Scratch, Python (with Turtle or Pygame), or another platform to create a simple game or animation with an original theme. |
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Oracy |
Prepare and deliver a 3-minute presentation (recorded or in front of peers/family) on a computer science topic of interest, e.g. “How AI is Changing Our World” or “The Story of Alan Turing.” |
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Debate a Digital Dilemma. |
KS5
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Research |
Take a look at this fascinating series of lectures on Artificial Intelligence by Patrick Winston at MIT. |
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Forbes ranks no touch interfaces within the top five trends that will drive the future of technology. What can you find out about no touch interfaces? How may they benefit future technological developments? |
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Create |
Create a leaflet for Bletchley Park. |
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Create a poster discussing the following acts: ‘The Data Protection Act (1998)’ and ‘The Computer Misuse Act (1990)’. |
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Oracy |
Big Data: Watch the TedTalk on 'The year open data went worldwide' | Tim Berners Lee Tim Berners-Lee: The year open data went worldwide - YouTube |
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Spark is an ongoing conversation about our rapidly changing world. Along with you, host Nora Young explores how technology, innovation and design affects our lives. |
