This term has been an exciting and transformative journey for our KS3 students as they embraced the challenges of our newly implemented Computer Science curriculum. Across Years 7, 8 and 9, students have shown impressive enthusiasm, resilience and progress as they explored both the foundations and complexities of modern computing.

Year 7

Our Year 7 students have made a fabulous start. This term, they delved into the world of binary, learning how computers use simple switches to represent information. They confidently mastered binary‑to‑denary conversions, binary addition and explored how text is stored using ASCII.

One of the highlights of the unit was their introduction to encryption, where students experimented with the Cesar cipher to decrypt clues to solve a problem. The students showed genuine enjoyment during the lesson, showcasing their problem-solving skills.  Their curiosity and determination were evident throughout this term.

Year 8

Year 8 built on their prior knowledge and stepped confidently into more advanced territory. They explored hexadecimal, understanding why it is used in computing and how to convert between hex and binary. Students also developed their understanding of how data is shifted using binary shifting, gaining insight into how computers perform operations efficiently.

They then expanded their algorithmic thinking through hands‑on experience with bubble sort, linear search, and binary search—analysing not just how they work, but why different algorithms are used for different data sets. To round out the term, they experimented with logic gates (AND, OR, NOT), discovering how logical decisions form the basis of all computer operations.

Year 8 embraced these challenges brilliantly, showing growing confidence and genuine enjoyment as abstract ideas “clicked” into place.

Year 9

Year 9 took a significant step forward this term as they immersed themselves in Python programming. They have begun to develop robust computational thinking skills programming for a range of mini programming challenges.

Students created programs using inputs, outputs, variables, and constants, and gradually built up to using selection: if, elif, and else statements. They demonstrated impressive reasoning skills while working with Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) and even tackled nested selection—a key milestone in programming mastery.

They also extended their understanding of programming logic through arithmetic operators, including MOD and DIV, essential tools for solving real‑world computational problems. Their term concluded with a Practical Programming Skills Check, where students showcased their independence, creativity, and growing fluency in Python.  The maturity, focus, and problem‑solving skills shown by Year 9 this term have been exceptional.

Year 11

Our Year 11 students have demonstrated dedication and resilience this term as they deepened their programming expertise in preparation for their final GCSEs. They have taken on some of the most complex and demanding areas of the curriculum and approached each challenge with maturity, enthusiasm, and an impressive work ethic.

A major focus this term has been the development of advanced coding skills, particularly in handling 2D arrays, a crucial structure that allows programs to store and manipulate more complex data sets. Students also explored file handling, learning how to read from and write to text and CSV files—skills that mirror real‑world programming practice and professional data processing.

Beyond the technical content, what truly stands out is the dedication many students have shown in refining their craft. Countless Year 11s have gone above and beyond in lessons and independent study; one such example was a student’s use of the Turtle module to create 3D animated triangular prism demonstrating programming skill well beyond GCSE level.

Year 11 have shown that with determination and the right mindset, even the most challenging elements of Computer Science can be mastered. They should feel immensely proud of the progress they have made, and we look forward to seeing their hard work reflected in their upcoming Mocks and ultimately their GCSE exams.

Ms Platten

Curriculum Leader for Computing

To wrap up their journey into binary, we explored how computers represent more than just numbers. By utilising the Extended ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) table, students discovered how every letter on their keyboard is assigned a specific 8-bit binary code.    

To bring this theory into the physical world, each student used their skills to convert the first letter of their name into its binary equivalent. They then used this code to design and create binary keyrings, using 1 and 0 beads to represent the ‘on’ and ‘off’ states of their chosen character.   

It has been a joy to see the students engage so enthusiastically with the ‘hidden’ language of technology. 

Ms Platten 

Head of Computer Science 

One of the most impressive feats this term was the students’ mastery of binary and denary conversion. Using the binary place value table, Year 7s learned to translate our everyday numbers (denary) into the language of the computer (binary).

The Year 7s didn’t stop at conversion; they progressed to binary addition.  Seeing the ‘click’ moment when a student successfully calculates 1 + 1 = 10 in binary is always a highlight of the curriculum.   

 Ms Platten 

Head of Computer Science 

Year 10 have almost completed all the theory for paper 1, Principles of Computer Science. This theory consists of systems architecture and software, looking at data representation including binary, hexadecimal and sound.  They have been learning about networks and how different networks are structured.  The final learning will be about looking at the security of networks and ethical and environmental issues surrounding Computer Science, including legislation.  They have also started revisiting Python programming language from Key Stage 3.

You have all worked extremely hard this year. I wish you all the luck in world going into year 11 and I know that you will continue to work hard.

Mrs Bennett

Curriculum Leader for CAT Faculty

All students have taken part in Safer Internet Day. Each year there is a theme for the day and this year’s theme was ‘protecting yourself and others from scams online’.

The students have had assemblies delivered to them to make them aware of how to spot signs of scams and the different kinds of scams that can happen both online and over the phone. The students have been told ways about how they can protect themselves and their families.  These include using a strong and separate password for each online account, using 2-step verification and making sure that they are careful when making purchases online and that they can trust the websites they are using.

We feel it is important that the students actively have conversations and be open about what they are doing and seeing online.

Key Stage 3 Computing

In Year 7, the students have been learning all about spreadsheets and will be in the process of creating a spreadsheet for a specific scenario that needs to include a range of formulas and charts. The students will complete this independently and will be using the skills taught in the previous lessons to do this. They will be moving onto exploring a different way of programming using BBC Micro:Bits. This unit has seen them complete a range of challenges and games using the Micro:Bit website.

Year 8 are exploring the history of computing and how technology has developed over the years.  They are also investigating what the future of technology may look like. The students have learnt about the use of AI in products and how this will be moving forward into the future. The students will be designing a new product for the future and explaining the different features that they use. They will be moving on to designing their own music festival and have planned a website to promote this. The students will be incorporating a variety of features into their websites, including scrolling text. We will be investigating the programing language, HTML, that sits behind the websites and looking at challenging the girls to write some HTML code to help produce their websites.

Year 9 have been learning about cyber security and how humans can pose risks for their data and information.  They are learning about how different attacks can affect the computer systems and the consequences of hacking.  They are also learning about the common malware threats to computer systems and the most effective methods of preventing the cyberattacks. The students will be moving onto App design and creating their own App.

GCSE Computer Science

Year 11 have completed their final mock exams.  This has helped them prepare for their GCSE exams in May. The students have been spending the time learning about the practical paper and how to answer some of the challenging questions. All students are working hard.  Let’s keep this going over the next few weeks!

Mrs Bennett

Curriculum Leader for the C.A.T. Faculty