United Kingdom · National Curriculum Attainment Targets
Year 11 Computing
A comprehensive exploration of computer science principles focusing on high level programming, networking architectures, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies. Students develop robust problem solving skills through complex algorithmic challenges and systems analysis.
Advanced Algorithmic Thinking
Focuses on the design and efficiency of complex algorithms including searching, sorting, and optimization techniques. Students learn to evaluate computational complexity using Big O notation concepts.
Comparing linear and binary searches alongside merge and bubble sorts to understand performance trade-offs.
Identifying repeating patterns in complex problems to create generalized solutions through abstraction.
Using formal methods to verify the correctness of algorithms and understanding hardware logic through Boolean algebra.
Robust Programming Practices
Developing secure and maintainable code through defensive programming, testing, and the use of integrated development environments.
Implementing input validation, sanitization, and authentication to protect programs from unexpected user behavior.
Designing comprehensive test plans using iterative, terminal, and boundary data to ensure software reliability.
Examining the differences between assembly code and high level languages, including the role of compilers and interpreters.
Data Representation and Storage
Deep dive into how computers store and manipulate different types of data, including binary, hexadecimal, and compressed media files.
Mastering binary addition, shifts, and understanding the consequences of overflow errors in calculations.
Analyzing lossy and lossless compression methods and their applications in streaming and storage.
Exploring sampling rates, bit depth, and resolution in the conversion of analogue signals to digital formats.
Network Topologies and Security
Investigating how computers connect, the protocols that govern communication, and the methods used to protect data in transit.
Comparing Star, Mesh, and Client-Server architectures in terms of cost, performance, and reliability.
Understanding the function of HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SMTP, and the four layer TCP/IP model.
Identifying social engineering, SQL injection, and DDoS attacks, and implementing multi layered defense strategies.
Systems Architecture and Memory
Analyzing the inner workings of the CPU, the fetch-execute cycle, and the hierarchy of primary and secondary storage.
Studying the roles of the ALU, CU, and registers like the PC and MAR within the CPU.
Differentiating between RAM, ROM, Virtual Memory, and secondary storage types like SSD and Optical.
Examining the role of the OS in memory management, multitasking, and peripheral control.
Impacts of Digital Technology
Evaluating the legal, ethical, cultural, and environmental consequences of the digital revolution on modern society.
Investigating AI bias, the digital divide, and the impact of social media on privacy and mental health.
Analyzing the Data Protection Act, Computer Misuse Act, and Copyright Designs and Patents Act.
Reviewing the lifecycle of hardware, from rare earth mineral mining to e-waste management and energy consumption.