Year 9 Computing

Students will define algorithms and represent simple sequential processes using flowcharts.

Students will learn to write and interpret basic pseudocode constructs for sequence, selection, and iteration.

Students will practice tracing simple algorithms to predict output and identify logical errors.

Students will compare linear and binary search algorithms, understanding their efficiency and use cases.

Students will implement and analyze the bubble sort algorithm, focusing on its step-by-step process.

Students will explore the divide-and-conquer strategy of merge sort and its improved efficiency.

Students will understand how to measure algorithm efficiency using Big O notation for simple cases.

Students will define Boolean values (True/False) and basic logical operators (AND, OR, NOT).

Students will construct truth tables for basic logical operations and interpret their results.

Students will combine multiple logic gates (AND, OR, NOT) to solve more complex logical problems.

Students will be introduced to De Morgan's Laws and apply them to simplify Boolean expressions.

Students will create and modify lists in Python, including adding, removing, and accessing elements.

Students will learn to use list comprehensions for concise list creation and transformation.

Students will learn to use dictionaries to store and retrieve data using key-value pairs.

Students will define and call simple functions, understanding parameters and return values.

Students will break down larger problems into smaller, manageable functions to create modular code.

Students will understand the concept of variable scope within functions and the main program.

Students will implement try-except blocks to gracefully handle common runtime errors in Python.

Students will write Python code to open, read, and process data from text files.

Students will write Python code to create and write data to new or existing text files.

Students will learn to read and write data from/to CSV files, understanding their structure.

Students will identify and describe the function of key internal hardware components of a computer system.

Students will understand the role of the CPU, its cores, and clock speed in processing information.

Students will trace the steps of the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle and understand its importance.

Students will identify the purpose of key CPU registers and different types of buses.

Students will convert denary numbers to binary and vice versa, understanding bit and byte.

Students will learn to convert between binary, denary, and hexadecimal, understanding its use in computing.

Students will understand how characters are encoded using ASCII and Unicode, and the need for different standards.

Students will understand how images are stored as pixels and converted into binary data.

Students will learn about sampling rate and bit depth in digitizing sound and its impact on quality.

Students will differentiate between lossy and lossless compression and their applications.

Students will define what a computer network is and identify its basic components and benefits.

Students will differentiate between Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs).

Students will identify and explain the function of common network hardware components.

Students will compare Star, Mesh, and Bus network topologies, evaluating their pros and cons.

Students will understand the role of protocols like TCP/IP in ensuring reliable data transmission.

Students will differentiate between the Internet and the World Wide Web and understand their relationship.

Students will define cybersecurity and identify common threats to digital systems and data.

Students will learn to identify social engineering tactics and phishing attempts.

Students will identify different types of malware and understand the role of antivirus software.

Students will explore basic encryption concepts and best practices for password security.

Students will differentiate between data and information and understand the data lifecycle.

Students will explore various methods of data collection, both manual and automated.

Students will define Big Data and identify its key characteristics (Volume, Velocity, Variety).

Students will explore how algorithms identify patterns in large datasets to make predictions.

Students will learn basic principles of data visualisation and interpret simple charts and graphs.

Students will discuss the implications of Big Data collection on individual privacy and anonymity.

Students will define AI and explore its various applications in everyday life.

Students will understand the basic concepts of machine learning, including training data.

Students will discuss the ethical implications of AI, such as bias, accountability, and job displacement.

Students will explore how AI and automation are transforming various industries and job roles.

Students will assess the environmental footprint of manufacturing and disposing of electronic devices.

Students will identify the components of a microcontroller and understand its basic functions.

Students will learn fundamental electrical concepts, including voltage, current, and resistance, and identify basic components.

Students will connect and program various sensors (e.g., light, temperature) to gather data.

Students will connect and program actuators (e.g., LEDs, buzzers, motors) to respond to inputs.

Students will combine sensors and actuators to create interactive physical computing systems.