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Computer Science

We aim to provide students with a high-quality education in Computer Science to prepare them for the ever-changing world of work. Computer Science is a STEAM subject and has close links with Science, Technology, Art and Maths.

Students will be taught the principles of how digital systems work, how to use computational thinking to analyse and solve problems. They will use this knowledge to develop skills in programming using both graphical and text-based programming languages. They will design, code, test and evaluate programs in order to solve real-world problems.

Our aim is to ensure that all students are confident, competent and responsible users of digital technology, so they can participate actively in the digital world.

Why study Computer Science?

We are living in the information age. Many industries, including healthcare, retail, transport, banking, communication and defence rely on software programs and data. Even our fridges and doorbells are connected to our phones and digital assistants. There are not enough people in the world who know how to code so at Invicta we provide coding opportunities at Key Stage 3 and beyond. Who knows what jobs our students will have in the future? The world is facing many problems, for example climate change, and it is hoped that technology will play a major part in helping to solve these problems. At Invicta, we aim to prepare our students for the road ahead, regardless of the path they choose to take.

What skills will our students learn?

Online safety
Computational thinking
Binary systems
Pseudocode and flowcharts
Algorithms
Data handling
Computer hardware
Networks
Digital literacy
Understand key algorithms

Key Stage 3

At the beginning of Key Stage 3, students refresh how to stay safe online and explore how to become an upstanding digital citizen. Students will be introduced to the initial concept of a ‘computer system’ and learn the fundamentals about how this works. Basic algorithms and programming skills are taught using Scratch and Python, where students will develop their computational thinking and problem-solving skills. Students will explore how images are represented in computer systems and begin to make links between Computer Science theory and real-life examples. 

Topics Covered

Year 7

  • Digital Citizen
  • Computer Hardware
  • Drawing Shapes in Scratch and Python
  • Scratch Animation
     

Year 8

  • Flowcharts and Pseudocode
  • Python Programming
  • Data Representation
  • Web Design

Timetable

Over a fortnightly timetable students receive:

  • 3 hours of guided classroom learning
  • 20 minutes of guided independent homework

Enrichment and Extra Curricular

To Read

  • Cs4fn magazines in M27 and E14
  • Computational fairy tales, Best Practices in Spell Design, CS Detective (al written by Jeremy Kubika)
  • Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine by Laurie Wallmar
  • Computer Coding for Kids by Carol Vorderman
  • Who was Ada Lovelace? By Lucy Lethbridge

To Watch

  • Computerphile videos on YouTube
  • Crash Course Computer Science with Carrie Anne Philbin
  • Tom Scott videos on YouTube

To Listen

  • TED Talks
  • Chips with everything podcast by The Guardian

To Research

  • What is a network and how are they set up?
  • How do algorithms search and sort?
  • What impact does social media have on society?
  • How do computer systems process sound?

To Visit

  • CyberFirst development day 
  • National video game museum
  • Retro computer museum
  • STEM discovery centre
  • The Science museum 
  • Legoland

POP Clubs and Trips

  • POP Clubs Duke of York
  • POP Games Design
  • Trips Chessington – Computer control and algorithms

Useful Tips

It is always useful to test yourself by setting yourself questions from the previous topics; your aim is to be able to solve these questions without looking at the solution!
Make use of revision resources on Student Portal.
Focus on Gap Analysis after each assessment to identify key areas to work on and hone your skills. Ask your teacher if you are not sure about anything.
Extra Resources -Website: BBC Bitesize Key Stage 3 Computer Science
Website: W3 schools

 

Year 9 - Foundation Year

In Year 9, students begin to deepen their understanding of computer systems and develop a higher level of resilience with practical tasks by completing the OCR Entry Level Certificate. This allows students to build on the knowledge already learnt in KS3 and is perfect foundation for their GCSE with the same exam board. Students will achieve a Level 1, 2 or 3 Entry Level Certificate in Computer Science by the end of this year.
 

Exam board/Qualification:       OCR Entry Level Certificate in Computer Science
Specification:                           R354

  • 4 papers x 30 minutes paper exams over evenly spaced throughout Year 9
    • Test 1: Computer hardware & Computer software
    • Test 2: Computer memory and storage
    • Test 3: Computational logic & Algorithms
    • Test 4: Programming techniques & Data representation
  • Programming Project
     

Topics Covered

Computer Systems

  • Computer Hardware (components of a computer, internal components of a computer and their function, peripherals and their function)
  • Computer Software (Operating system, system software, types of utility, software licences in different contexts, types of application software in different contexts)
  • Computer memory and storage (Primary memory, secondary storage)
  • Moral, legal and environmental concerns (moral issues, legal issues, environmental issues, open source and proprietary software and Computer Science related legislation)

Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (Tests 3 and 4)

  • Computational logic (Boolean Logic, boolean operators, arithmetic operations)
  • Algorithms (Computational thinking, binary/denary numbers and flowcharts)
  • Programming techniques (Variables, input, output and storage of data, sequencing, selection, iteration, operators and comments)
  • Data Representation (Units of computer memory, data structure and data compression and data in the form of binary digits).

Programming Project

In this programming project, learners will be expected to plan, write, test and evaluate a simple coded program. The project will include:

  • Success criteria
  • Planning and design
  • Development
  • Testing and remedial action
  • evaluation
     

Timetable

Over a fortnightly timetable students receive:

  • 5 hours of guided classroom learning
  • 2 x 30 minutes of guided independent homework

Enrichment and Extra Curricular

To Read

To Watch 

  • Craig n Dave specification videos
  • Computerphile videos on YouTube
  • Crash Course Computer Science with Carrie Anne Philbin
  • Tom Scott videos on YouTube
  • The Imitation Game 
  • The Social Network
  • The Social Dilemma
  • Enigma 
  • Snowden

To Listen

  • Security Now by Steve Gibson
  • Twit: This Week in Tech by Leo Laporte
  • Programming Throwdown
  • Chips with everything 
  • To Research
  • Programming in alternative languages

To Visit

  • Bletchley Park
  • National Museum of Computing

POP Clubs and Trips

  • POP Coding club
  • Trip Bletchley Park – Code breaking and cyber security
  • Trip The National Museum of Computing - History and development of computer systems

Useful Tips

Redo questions from the previous topics without looking at the solution when revising.
Make use of revision resources on Student Portal.
Use Gap Analysis after each assessment to identify key areas to work on before the next assessment. Ask your teacher if you are not sure about something.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4, students deepen their understanding of how computer systems work by linking together the different components and giving purpose to the actions carried out by the CPU. Students begin to master console programming to efficiently and effectively program algorithms using a range of skills including lists and file handling. The impact of digital technology is explored as students consider how computer devices have affected the modern world. 

Exam board/Qualification:       OCR  GCSE Computer Science
Specification:                           J277

  • 2 papers x 90 minutes at the end of Year 11
  • A series of programming challenges

Topic Covered

Computer Systems

  • Systems architecture (architecture of the CPU, CPU performance, memory, secondary storage)
  • Data representation (units and binary numbers, binary arithmetic and hexadecimal, characters, images, sound, compression)
  • Networks (the internet, local area networks, wireless networking, client server and peer to peer networks, protocols and layers)
  • Network security and system software (network threats, detecting and preventing vulnerabilities, operating system software, utility software)
  • Impacts of digital technology (ethical and cultural issues, environmental issues, legislation and privacy)

Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

  • Programming (programming concepts, sequence and selection, iteration, arrays, procedures and functions, records and files, SQL)
  • Algorithms (computational thinking, searching algorithms, sorting algorithms, developing algorithms using flowcharts, developing algorithms using pseudocode, interpret, correct and complete algorithms)
  • Logic (logic diagrams and truth tables, defensive design, errors and testing, translators and facilities of languages, integrated development environments)

Programming code challenges

Timetable

Over a fortnightly timetable students receive:

  • 5 hours of guided classroom learning
  • 2 x 40 minutes of guided independent homework

Enrichment and extra Curricular

To Read

To Watch 

  • Craig n Dave specification videos
  • Computerphile videos on YouTube
  • Crash Course Computer Science with Carrie Anne Philbin
  • Tom Scott videos on YouTube
  • The Imitation Game 
  • The Social Network
  • The Social Dilemma
  • Enigma 
  • Snowden  

To Listen

  • Security Now by Steve Gibson
  • Twit: This Week in Tech by Leo Laporte
  • Programming Throwdown
  • Chips with everything 

To Research

  • Programming in alternative languages

To Visit

  • Bletchley Park
  • National Museum of Computing

POP Clubs and Trips

  • POP Coding club
  • Trip Bletchley Park – Code breaking and cyber security
  • Trip The National Museum of Computing - History and development of computer systems

Useful Tips

Redo questions from the previous topics without looking at the solution when revising.
Make use of revision resources on Student Portal.
Use Gap Analysis after each assessment to identify key areas to work on before the next assessment. Ask your teacher if you are not sure about something.

Key Stage 5

At Key Stage 5, students revisit all previous Computer Science composites and explore computer systems in even more depth, specifically focusing on the detail of how the components work, and the reasoning behind it. There is a greater emphasis on how the different topic areas link together, and the relationship between theoretical concepts and practical tasks. A high level of independence allows for further research and investigation beyond the specification to explore new topics of interest such as machine learning. Advanced programming skills are mastered including implementing a graphical interface and executing object-oriented techniques. 

Topics Covered

Computer Systems

  • Components of a computer (processor components, processor performance, types of processors, input devices, output devices, storage devices)
  • System software (OS functions, types of OS, nature of applications, programming languages)
  • Software development (system analysis methods, writing and following algorithms, programming paradigms, assembly languages)
  • Networks (structure of the internet, internet communication, network security and threats, HTML and CSS, Javascript, search engine indexing, client server and peer to peer) 
  • Data types (data types, binary and hexadecimal, ASCII and Unicode, binary arithmetic, floating point arithmetic, bitwise manipulation and masks)
  • Data structures (arrays, tuples and records, queues, lists and linked lists, stacks, hash tables, graphs, trees)
  • Boolean algebra (logic gates, Boolean expressions, Karnaugh maps, adders and D type flip flops)
  • Exchanging data (compression and encryption, database concepts, relational databases and normalisation, introduction to SQL, defining and updating tables using SQL, transaction processing)
  • Legal and cultural issues (computing related legislation, ethical, moral and cultural issues, privacy and censorship)

Algorithms and programming

  • Programming techniques (programming basics, selection, iteration, subroutines, recursion, object-oriented programs)
  • Computational thinking (thinking abstractly, thinking ahead, thinking procedurally, thinking logically and thinking concurrently, problem recognition, problem solving)
  • Algorithms (analysis and design of algorithms, searing algorithms, bubble sort and insertion sort, merge sort and quicksort, traversal algorithms, optimisation algorithms)

NEA (Analysis of the problem, design of the solution, developing the solution, evaluation)

Timetable

Over a fortnightly timetable students receive:

  • 10 hours of guided classroom learning
  • 10 hours of guided independent homework

Enrichment and Extra Curricular

To Read

To Watch 

  • Craig n Dave specification videos
  • Computerphile videos on YouTube
  • Crash Course Computer Science with Carrie Anne Philbin
  • Tom Scott videos on YouTube
  • The Imitation Game 
  • The Social Network
  • The Social Dilemma
  • Enigma 
  • Snowden

To Listen

  • Spark with Nora Young
  • Rabbit hole by Kevin Roose
  • Security Now by Steve Gibson
  • Twit: This Week in Tech by Leo Laporte
  • Software Engineering radio
  • The Developer’s Life
  • The Changelog

To Research

  • Quantum computing
  • Net neutrality 

To Visit

  • Computer Science in Action lecture 

POP Clubs and Trips

Computer Science in Action lecture

Useful Tips

Redo questions from the previous topics without looking at the solution when revising.
Make use of revision resources on Student Portal.
Use Gap Analysis after each assessment to identify key areas to work on before the next assessment. Ask your teacher if you are not sure about something.
Practise the use of OOP when completing programming challenges. 

Careers

We have a wealth of information on our Careers page - Please click here to visit. 

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04/09/24

Join us for an exciting series of Transition Workshops this term, ranging from Young Philosophers to Music and Science. Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your spot today by booking through our Eventbrite page via the link below!https://t.co/0P43MLFL8P#TransitionWorkshop pic.twitter.com/lEceBcnwRK

21/06/24

Betsy Ellis from has won the Future in Aviation Award. Congratulations Betsy! pic.twitter.com/WVK4L1LSDE

21/06/24

Winner of the Junior Science Award is Taliah Rothschild from . Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/3IhcXuCOAF

04/06/24

We are currently recruiting for several support staff positions.If you're passionate about education and looking to make a difference, we want to hear from you!To apply, please visit our website or follow the link below:https://t.co/Wp92LBvxMR pic.twitter.com/AKPSnemZDI

10/05/24

Last week, our Orchestra had their final rehearsal before Year 13 began their study leave, marking the occasion with a photo capturing all the instruments in harmony🎼We look forward to welcoming back the full Orchestra with the Year 13 members for the upcoming Summer Concert! pic.twitter.com/Am4loN20Vk

09/05/24

Only a few hours left until Year 8, Year 9 and Year 10 take on the Maidstone Football Finals at the Gallagher Stadium tonight! - Our Year 7 team will be playing in two weeks.Year 8 Kick Off: 3:45pmYear 9 Kick Off: 5:30pmYear 10 Kick Off: 6:45pmWe hope to see you there🌟 pic.twitter.com/RnVjcild4T

29/04/24

We are proud to announce this year's production will be James and the Giant Peach! 🍑Rehearsals are underway, and we can't wait to bring this beloved story to life on stage. Keep your eyes peeled as we will be sharing sneak peeks of rehearsals in the coming weeks!#RoaldDahl pic.twitter.com/umRTEJFoC0

09/04/24

With Earth Day less than two weeks away, here are some ways to be more eco-friendly and better look after our Earth!#EarthDay pic.twitter.com/2wpO09fPoq

21/03/24

Spring has sprung at Invicta and yesterday our Year 7 and 8 POP Photography students enjoyed the first day of spring by focussing on natural textures!#Photography pic.twitter.com/VXK4Zh7tNz

20/03/24

KS2 enjoyed participating in language workshops on Tuesday morning, focusing on German, French and Spanish with some students from pic.twitter.com/seA6XOjMYz

20/03/24

KS2 enjoyed participating in language workshops on Tuesday morning, focusing on German, French and Spanish with some students from pic.twitter.com/seA6XOjMYz

14/03/24

Today is International Day of Mathematics🎉 At Invicta, we're passionate about empowering our students with the boundless potential of mathematics both in and outside the classroom! Join us as we discover the magic of numbers in everyday life! pic.twitter.com/uhDfB1ToUy

12/03/24

Last week marked a significant moment in Invicta's history as we gathered for our whole school photo, a rare event that takes place only once every 7 years. Here are some behind-the-scenes photos from the day, showcasing the infectious excitement and sense of community! pic.twitter.com/Y5RDLffV0C

08/03/24

Today we are capturing a moment in time with a whole school photo!📸 pic.twitter.com/Hya2nGJX2H

04/03/24

Students had a fantastic time during last week's POP sessions (Personal Opportunities Program)!We saw students engage with a host of new and familiar favourite activities including, Chess, Coding, Minecraft, Photography, Yoga, Crochet, Nature Walks and so many more! pic.twitter.com/bSmEMQ0Yo5

29/02/24

Our upcoming non-uniform day supports FIGS, our parent-teacher association. The theme is "Be Active!" It's a day to dress sporty and promote physical activity and wellness.Let's show our support for FIGS while staying active and healthy!#NonUniform pic.twitter.com/MZ6ljDx4TN

26/02/24

I had a lovely morning visit to today. The year 8s have been studying the movement & some of the specific stories I explore in my book, of Kent. It was lovely to talk about who grew up in pic.twitter.com/e5GiWrX4zb

26/02/24

I had a lovely morning visit to today. The year 8s have been studying the movement & some of the specific stories I explore in my book, of Kent. It was lovely to talk about who grew up in pic.twitter.com/e5GiWrX4zb

21/02/24

World Book Day is just over 2 weeks away now!What are some of your favourite books that you've read so far this year, who are your favourite authors... We'd love to hear your thoughts on reading, books and literature!#WorldBookDay pic.twitter.com/tZnX6Fd8WS

21/02/24

Join us for fab line up of Live Talks for 4-9 Mar delivered by at https://t.co/3zmmUzLLnQ pic.twitter.com/G7sQFjiTQf

21/02/24

Join us for fab line up of Live Talks for 4-9 Mar delivered by at https://t.co/3zmmUzLLnQ pic.twitter.com/G7sQFjiTQf

19/02/24

Last term, our Year 9 photographers explored aperture, depth of field and composition in their work to create these stunning photographs of miniature cars, inspired by the works of Kim Leuenberger! pic.twitter.com/jYOG8pXoS1

06/02/24

We currently have several vacancies available including a Teacher of MFL Spanish, a Receptionist and a Careers Advisor.If you are looking to join a friendly and encouraging team, please submit an application using the link below!https://t.co/Wp92LBuZXj pic.twitter.com/mLyLvveSza

30/01/24

Last week marked the Primary Literacy Challenge! Thanks to all the teams who attended, we hope you had a great time! See you at our Primary STEM challenge next term! Congratulations to for winning! 🏆🎉 pic.twitter.com/ILU5YmABv1

30/01/24

A reminder to students and parents that next Monday, 5 February is a non-uniform day and students are encouraged to wear something blue or nature-themed if they have items in their wardrobe to support and raise awareness for The Marine Conservation Society 💙 pic.twitter.com/bNElZCXC2h