Computer Science - Year 7

Computer Science Overview

Terms 1-2: Spreadsheets

The spreadsheet unit for Year 7 takes learners from having very little knowledge of spreadsheets to being able to confidently model data with a spreadsheet. The unit uses engaging activities to progress learners from using basic formulas to writing their own COUNTIF statements. This unit will give learners a good set of skills that they can use in computing lessons and in other subject areas.

  1. Online multiple-choice question summative end of unit assessment.
Computational thinking

Using a set of techniques and approaches to help to solve complex problems, so that they can be understood by a human or a machine.

Decomposition

Breaking down a complex problem into smaller parts that are more manageable. 

Abstraction

Removing unnecessary detail to help simplify a problem.

Pattern recognition

Looking for similarities or differences to help solve a problem more efficiently.

Algorithm

A set of step-by-step instructions to complete a specific task.

column

A vertical line of cells in a spreadsheet, labeled by letters (A, B, C, etc.).

row

A horizontal line of cells in a spreadsheet, labeled by numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.).

cell

The individual box in a spreadsheet where a row and column intersect. Each cell has a unique reference (e.g., A1, B2).

spreadsheet

A digital document made up of cells arranged in rows and columns, often used to organize and calculate data

autofill

A tool in spreadsheets that automatically fills cells with data, such as a series of numbers or a repeated value, based on the pattern you start.

formula

An equation used in a spreadsheet to perform calculations. Formulas usually begin with an "=" sign (e.g., =A1+B1).

data

Raw facts or numbers entered into a spreadsheet, such as names, dates, or scores, that may not yet be organized or meaningful.

information

Data that has been processed, organized, or analyzed to provide meaning or insight

primary source

Original data or information that is collected firsthand, like a survey result or experiment data.

secondary source

Information that is based on primary data but interpreted or summarized by someone else, like a summary report or a research article.

SUM

A function that adds together a range of cells. For example, =SUM(A1:A5) adds the values in cells A1 through A5

COUNTA

A function that counts all the non-empty cells in a range. For example, =COUNTA(A1:A5) counts how many cells in that range contain data.

MAX

A function that finds the largest number in a range of cells. For example, =MAX(A1:A5) returns the highest value in that range.

MIN

A function that finds the smallest number in a range of cells. For example, =MIN(A1:A5) returns the lowest value in that range.

function

A preset formula in a spreadsheet that performs a specific calculation or operation, like SUM, MAX, or AVERAGE.

AVERAGE

A function that calculates the average value of a range of cells. For example, =AVERAGE(A1:A5) gives the mean of the values in cells A1 to A5.

COUNTIF

A function that counts cells that meet a specific condition in a range. For example, =COUNTIF(A1:A5, ">10") counts the cells in A1 to A5 that contain values greater than 10.

IF

A function that checks if a condition is true or false and then performs one action if true and another if false. For example, =IF(A1>10, "Yes", "No") returns "Yes" if the value in A1 is greater than 10; otherwise, it returns "No."

  • Spiritual
  • Moral
  • Social
  • Cultural
Develop the individual:

Create a supportive community:

Terms 3-4: Networks: from semaphores to the internet

As networks have evolved, society has become increasingly reliant on the services that they provide. They have changed the way we learn, work, play, and communicate. This unit begins by defining a network and addressing the benefits of networking, before covering how data is transmitted across networks using protocols. The types of hardware required are explained, as is wired and wireless data transmission. Learners will develop an understanding of the terms ‘internet’ and ‘World Wide Web’, and of the key services and protocols used. Practical exercises are included throughout to help strengthen understanding.

  1. 30 minute summative quiz
Bandwidth

The amount of data that can be moved from one point to another in a given time. Higher bandwidth = more data per second

Bluetooth

A wireless technology for transferring data over short distances

Buffering

Data is arriving at your device at a rate that is slower than it is being processed

Hub

Connects a number of computers together. Ports allow cables to be plugged in from each connected compute

Internet

A worldwide network of computers.

Internet of Things

Taking everyday ‘things’ and connecting them to the internet. These connected ‘things’ allow us to gather information, send information, or both.

IP

Internet Protocol - A protocol to route the packets. Each device on the internet has an IP address that uniquely identifies it from all other devices

IP Address

Made up of 4 groups of numbers between 0 and 255, each separated by a full stop. These are unique for every device on the internet

Network

A computer network is when two or more computers are connected together to allow them to communicate.

Packets

A small segment of a larger message sent over the internet.

Protocol

A set of rules computers use to communicate with each other across the internet. 

Router

A networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks

TCP

Transmission control protocol splits the messages sent across the internet into smaller pieces called ‘packets’ and assembles the packets in the correct order at the receiver end. 

WiFi

Allows computers, smartphones, or other networkable devices to connect to the internet or communicate with each other without wires 

World Wide Web

Part of the internet that contains websites and web pages. It is a service.

  • Spiritual
  • Moral
  • Social
  • Cultural
Develop the individual:

Create a supportive community:

Terms 5-6: Programming essentials

This unit is the first programming unit of KS3. The aim of this extended unit is to build learners’ confidence and knowledge of the key programming constructs. Importantly, this unit does not assume any previous programming experience, but it does offer learners the opportunity to expand on their knowledge throughout the unit.

The programming concepts covered in this unit include sequencing, variables, selection, iteration - constructs on which all programming rely. Learners will learn how to create their own subroutines, develop their understanding of decomposition, learn how to create and use variables, lists, and build upon their problem-solving skills by working through a larger project at the end of the unit.

  1. Independent coding project to create a dance move game
Sequencing

running instructions in order

Selection

making choices

Iteration

doing the same thing more than once

Sprite

an object which can be programmed in scratch

Scripts

a piece of programming code in scratch

Inputs

values which get sent from the user into the computer using one of a variety of input devices such as a mouse or keyboard

Outputs

the values which get sent from the computer to the user

Variables

a location in the computer memory where inputs get stored by the program

IF statement

the coding used to program decisions in programs. An IF statement is one of the major building blocks of programming

Subroutine

a set of instructions that will run when called by the main program or other subroutines

Decomposition

breaking a problem down into smaller, more manageable subproblems

List

a collection of related elements that are referred to by a single name

  • Spiritual
  • Moral
  • Social
  • Cultural
Develop the individual:

Create a supportive community: