KS3 Computer Science levels
From September 2014
LEVEL
PROGRAMMING
3–G
- Able to break down processes into
instructions used to control events
- Use repetitions within programs and work
with variables.
- Able to generate appropriate inputs and
predict outputs when testing programs
4–F
- Understand how to sort and search.
- Be able to use a non-textual programming
language to solve a problem.
- Explain how a simple algorithm works and
correct errors.
- Refine sequences of instructions
5–E
- Understand different methods of sorting
and searching
- Be able to use a textual programming
language to create accurate sequences of
instructions
6–D
- Understand simple Boolean logic inc.
AND, OR and NOT.
- Use data structures such as arrays.
7–C
- Use procedures to write modular
programs.
- Be able to explain how programs work
and how to test them
- Refine programs to improve efficiency
SYSTEMS
- Understand how a
computer can control a
physical system
- Understand how
instructions are stored and
executed within a physical
system
- Be able to write a
program for a physical
system
- Be able to plan effective
for a program for a
physical system
- Be able to evaluate the
effectiveness of a program
for a physical system.
NETWORKING
- Can identify the difference
between hardware and software.
- Can understand what we mean
by a network
- Understands how the Internet
works.
- Can identify the different
hardware and software
components of a network
- Explain how different
components interact with each
other and the different ways a
network can be constructed
(topologies)
- Explain how the setup of a
network can affect its cost and
performance.
- Be able to evaluate how
effective a network is including
identifying the best topology for
a given situation.
MODELLING
- Use ICT based models to answer
questions.
- Collect, store and retrieve data
- Change variables and explain the
impact on an ICT based model.
- Search ICT models making use of
wildcards
- Organise and process data for a
purpose
- Use logical and appropriate
structures to organise and store
data
- Make and test predictions in an
ICT based model
- Design, create and evaluate ICT
based models
ONLINE
- Understand the different services
available on the Internet.
- Be able to collaborate and
communicate on the Internet.
- Be able to use ICT safely and
responsibly.
- Be able to search the Internet
effectively including the use of
wildcards
- Understand how search results are
selected and ranked
- Be able to evaluate digital content
for reliability and truthfulness
DEVELOPMENT
- Plan how to use ICT to solve a
problem and comment on their
success.
- Plan solutions using a variety of
software/platforms and
information to meet goals.
- Evaluate the quality of solutions
and go back to refine them.
- Justify design choices.
- Reuse and revise systems.
- Use criteria such as target
audience and user needs to
improve the effectiveness of
solutions
- Devise success criteria and
evaluate systems against these
refining as the project progresses.