Year 9
Year 9 Computer Science Curriculum
Cycle 1 – Computational Thinking & Logic
This unit introduces students to the world of computational thinking and logic. Students get to understand the power of problem solving and the different methods that Computer Scientists use to tackle problems
This unit includes many novel activities to introduce key topics. For example, logical deductions and logical puzzles are used to show logical thinking, water pipes are used to introduce logic gates, network topology is used to show how mazes can be solved and phone messaging is used to demonstrate decomposition
**Cycle 2 – Introduction to Python: (Careers Link)
The unit is an introduction to Python, a powerful but easy-to-use high-level programming language. Although Python is an object-oriented language, at this level the object-oriented features of the language are barely in evidence and do not need to be discussed. The focus is on getting pupils to understand the process of developing programs, the importance of writing correct syntax, being able to formulate algorithms for simple programs and debugging their programs.
Cycle 3 – Sound Manipulation in Audacity (Careers Link)
In this unit pupils will learn how sound is digitized and stored on computers. They will learn basic sound editing techniques and how to add sound effects and mix tracks. Ways of creating different sound effects (the job of a “foley artist”) are described. Pupils will undertake a creative project to analyse, plan, record and edit a short sound file. This could take the form of a radio advertisement or short podcast.
Review Week - Making Learning Memorable
As part of marking learning memorable, student will spend review week undertaking a project based on Cycle 1, 2 and 3.
**Cycle 4 – Database Development (Careers Link)
It is a practical unit covering the basic theory, creation and use of a single-table database and a simple relational database involving two tables in a one-to-many relationship. Pupils will start by looking at an existing single-table database, learning how to add records and make queries. In subsequent lessons they will create:
• a flat-file or two-table relational database of their own, using suitable field types and adding in appropriate validations, an input form with help text, combo boxes and list boxes, queries and a report using data from one or both tables & a front end menu for their application linking to the database input form and report using MS Access.
Cycle 5 & 6 Practical Programming in Python (Careers Link)
In this unit students will continue to enhance their high level programming skills which will build upon prior learning from KS3 units. Students have had some previous experience of Python programming, including basic inputs and outputs, converting inputs to numbers, selection (if-elif-else statements), loops (both while and for loops) and modules (e.g. random numbers). These skills may have been acquired through the ‘Introduction to Python’ and ‘Python: Next Steps’. They will learn how to use file handling techniques such as writing to an external file, searching from a file and how 2 Dimensional lists work.
Review Week - Making Learning Memorable
As part of marking learning memorable, student will spend review week undertaking a project based on Cycle 4, 5 and 6.
** Indicates units not taken in 2020/21 due to COVID-19 so rolled over to ensure breadth of curriculum.
