Department overview

The intent of the Computer Science curriculum at St Mary’s Catholic High School, is to enable all learners to become responsible and confident digital citizens. Students learn to use a wide range of digital tools to solve real-world problems and understand the growing importance of Computer Science in employment and society. As technology continues to evolve, learners develop an awareness of its impact and opportunities in the modern world. The curriculum aims to strengthen computational thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing students for future careers. We encourage resilience, creativity and critical thinking, enabling students to tackle new and complex challenges with confidence. Our broad and balanced programme equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in a technological world, including the effective use of ICT software and the ability to design and program solutions using a variety of programming languages.

Key Stage 3 curriculum

The KS3 Computer Science curriculum provides the essential knowledge, skills and understanding for progression to GCSE at KS4 and further study at KS5. It is carefully sequenced to develop a secure foundation in computational thinking and problem solving. Students learn to break everyday tasks into logical sequences and apply simple programming techniques to create functional programs. Through resilience and a commitment to excellence, they build confidence in translating ideas into code and linking these skills to their everyday use of technology. These transferable problem-solving skills support learning across subjects and prepare students for a range of future careers. Pupils are also taught to be responsible digital citizens, demonstrating compassion, respect and ambition in their online behaviour. They learn about online risks, how to report concerns and how to use common software effectively and appropriately. In addition, students explore how computer systems work, including how hardware components interact and how data such as text, images and sound is represented and stored. Key subject vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited, with opportunities for purposeful reading and writing through activities such as creating scripts, storyboards and multimedia designs.

Key Stage 4 curriculum

KS4 Computer science: The intent of the Computer Science curriculum at St Mary’s Catholic high school is to enable all learners to become digital citizens. Computer Science is fast evolving and ever changing, learners will realise the importance of Computer Science and how it can be used in the world of work and wider society. The OCR GCSE Computer Science (J277) course, helps pupils develop an understanding of how computer systems work alongside practical programming skills. Throughout the course, pupils will study both theory and apply their knowledge through coding activities. In the computer systems component, pupils learn how key hardware components such as the CPU and memory function. They study different types of storage, how computer networks operate, and how data is communicated securely. Pupils also explore cybersecurity threats and methods of protection, as well as the ethical, legal, cultural, and environmental impacts of technology. In the computational thinking, algorithms, and programming component, pupils develop problem-solving skills by designing and analysing algorithms using pseudocode and flowcharts. They learn core programming concepts such as variables, selection, and iteration, and build their ability to write, test, and debug programs. Pupils also study data representation, including binary and hexadecimal, and gain an understanding of Boolean logic. The end goal of the Computer Science curriculum is to develop students– computational thinking and problem-solving abilities, equipping them with the skills required to be successful in their future careers. We want students to build resilience and become creative, critical thinkers who can apply their skills to any challenging situation.

Key stage 4 ICT The WJEC Level 1 /2 Vocational Award ICT course offers an experience for young people that focus– upon applied learning. The learners will acquire and apply knowledge, skills and understanding through purposeful tasks used to emulate real world work situations. Learners will develop and apply knowledge, skills, and understanding through purposeful tasks designed to reflect real-world working environments. As the use of ICT continues to grow in everyday life, people are becoming increasingly reliant on digital devices. In 2025, Ofcom reported that 91% of people in the UK owned a mobile phone, while 64% of adults described the internet as an essential part of their lives. ICT is equally vital in the workplace, playing a key role in the smooth running of everyday tasks. Ofcom also reported that 92% of surveyed businesses believe it is important for employees to be ICT literate to operate efficiently. Learners will complete 60% of the course through a 40-hour controlled assessment looking from a business point of view. Pupils will develop skills in areas such as creating documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and digital graphics, as well as planning and designing ICT-based solutions to meet specific needs providing written documentation and justifying their design choices. They will also learn about data management, including how to collect, store, and analyse data, and how to ensure it is used accurately and securely. In addition, pupils explore how ICT is used in the workplace, considering its impact on organisations and individuals, alongside key issues such as cybersecurity, data protection, and responsible use of technology. Overall, the course emphasises practical application, enabling pupils to build confidence in using digital tools while developing transferable skills such as problem-solving, organisation, and communication.

Key Stage 5 curriculum

The OCR A Level Computer Science course builds on pupils– prior knowledge by developing a deeper understanding of how computer systems work and how software is designed and created. Throughout the course, students– study both theoretical concepts and practical programming, gaining the skills needed to analyse complex problems and develop effective computational solutions. Students explore core areas such as computer architecture, processors, memory, and data representation, as well as networks and communication. They also study advanced programming techniques, including object-oriented programming, algorithms, and data structures, learning how to design, write, and test more sophisticated programs. In addition, the course covers important topics such as databases, Boolean logic, and the mathematics relevant to computing. A key part of the course is the programming project (Non-Exam Assessment), where students independently design, develop, and evaluate a solution to a real-world problem. This allows them to apply their knowledge in a practical context and demonstrate their ability to manage a larger coding project. Overall, the course develops students– problem-solving, analytical thinking, and programming skills, preparing them for further study or careers in computer science and related fields.

Catholic Social Teaching

The Computing department delivers Catholic Social Teaching (CST) through the KS3 curriculum, GCSE Computer Science, and WJEC Vocational IT, by embedding moral responsibility, dignity, and ethical awareness into digital learning. Students are taught to respect others online, understand cyberbullying, protect personal data, and challenge harmful behaviour, promoting the dignity of the human person. The principle of the common good is explored through topics such as artificial intelligence, social media, digital inequality, and the environmental impact of technology, encouraging students to consider how computing can improve access to education, healthcare, and employment. Solidarity and participation are developed through collaborative programming tasks, peer feedback, and shared project work. Stewardship is addressed by examining sustainability, e-waste, and energy use. Overall, students are encouraged to become responsible, thoughtful digital citizens who use technology to positively contribute to society.

Enrichment opportunities

– Dungeons and Dragons on a Monday and Tuesday lunch in CP5 – open to anyone

– Programming club coming next year

Curriculum road map

Year 7

Half Term 1 – Using computers effectively, safely and responsibly

Half Term 2 – Understanding computers

Half Term 3 – Control systems - Flowol

Half Term 4 – Programming – scratch

Half Term 5 – Digital creativity – audacity

Half Term 6 – Programming with small basic

Year 8

Half Term 1 – Cyber Security

Half Term 2 – Computer modelling – spreadsheets

Half Term 3 – HTML

Half Term 4 – Movie Maker

Half Term 5 – Intro to programming Kodu

Half Term 6 – Intro to python

Year 9

Half Term 1 – Computation thinking

Half Term 2 – Python Next steps

Half Term 3 – Graphics

Half Term 4 – Databases

Half Term 5 – Networks

Half Term 6 – AI and Machine learning

Year 10

Computer science

Half Term 1 – Unit 1 Systems Architect and unit 6 algorithms

Half Term 2 – Unit 2 – data representation and unit 6 algorithms

Half Term 3 – Unit 3 – Networks and unit 7 programming

Half Term 4 – Unit 4 - Network security and systems and unit 7 programming

Half Term 5 – Mock preparation and unit 7 programming

Half Term 6 – Mock preparation and unit 7 programming

WJEC Vocational IT

Half Term 1 – Unit 1 – How IT can be used to fulfil the needs of organisation and individuals and Unit 2 Databases

Half Term 2 – Unit 1 – How Data and information is used and transferred and Unit 2 Databases and Spreadsheets

Half Term 3 – Unit 1 – How Data and information is used and transferred and Unit 2 Spreadsheet and Mail Merge

Half Term 4 – Unit 1 – legal, moral, ethical, cultural and environment impacts of IT and the need for cybersecurity and Unit 2 Mail Merge and logo

Half Term 5 – Unit 1 – legal, moral, ethical, cultural and environment impacts of IT and the need for cybersecurity and Unit 2 logo

Half Term 6 – Mock revision and Unit 2 – controlled assessment 40 hours

Year 11

Computer science

Half Term 1 – Unit 5 – impacts of digital technology and unit 7 programming NEA

Half Term 2 – Unit 8 – logic and languages and unit 7 programming NEA

Half Term 3 – Unit 7 programming NEA

Half Term 4 – Revision

Half Term 5 – Revision

WJEC Vocational IT

Half Term 1 – Unit 2 – controlled assessment 40 hours

Half Term 2 – Unit 2 – controlled assessment 40 hours

Half Term 3 – Unit 2 – controlled assessment 40 hours

Half Term 4 – Unit 1 Theory Revision

Half Term 5 – Unit 1 Theory Revision

Year 12

A level Computer science - OCR A Level (H466)

Half Term 1 – Unit 1 Components of a Computer

Half Term 2 – Unit 2 System Software

Half Term 3 – Unit 3 Software Development

Half Term 4 – Unit 4 Exchanging Data

Half Term 5 – Unit 5 Networks

Half Term 6 – Unit 6 Data / Unit 7 Data Structures

Year 13

A level Computer science - OCR A Level (H466)

Half Term 1 – Unit 8 Boolean Algebra

Half Term 2 – Unit 9 Legal and Cultural Issues

Half Term 3 – Unit 10 Computational Thinking

Half Term 4 – Unit 11 Programming Techniques

Half Term 5 – Unit 12 Algorithms

Half Term 6 – Exams

Useful websites

• www.w3schools.com
• www.physicsandmathstutor.com
• www.Mrfraserresources.org
• https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/
• https://www.sololearn.com/en/

Careers