Head of Department: Mr C Davison
"Everybody should learn how to program a computer because it teaches you how to think" - Steve Jobs
We are proud to share the ongoing development of Computer Science at Herne Bay High School. Now in its second year, our Key Stage 3 curriculum includes computing for both Year 7 and Year 8 students, providing a strong foundation in digital literacy, programming, and computational thinking.
We’re excited to continue this momentum, with plans to introduce Computer Science to Year 9 next academic year—completing our full Key Stage 3 provision.
In addition, we are pleased to offer A Level Computer Science as part of our Post-16 curriculum. This advanced course allows students to explore programming paradigms, complex data structures, and efficient algorithms, preparing them for further study and careers in the digital and tech industries.
Herne Bay High School provides numerous enrichment opportunities throughout the year, including:
These activities inspire students to pursue careers in Computer Science and deepen their understanding and engagement with the subject.
Key Stage 3 Computer Science Curriculum
All pupils in KS3 receive a dedicated Computer Science lesson each week in order to develop their computational thinking, digital literacy, and understanding of the modern digital world. The curriculum is designed not only to build fundamental programming skills but also to support pupils’ intellectual and practical development in an increasingly digital society. These lessons allow students to explore key concepts in computer science through hands-on activities and structured learning, gradually building up the challenge in preparation for more advanced study at GCSE and beyond.
The aims of the KS3 Computer Science curriculum are for pupils to:
To support learning and monitor progress, pupils engage with a range of online platforms such as Python-based coding environments, block-based programming tools (e.g. Scratch), and topic quizzes.
AQA GCSE Computer Science
Students in Years 10 and 11 follow the AQA GCSE Computer Science specification. This course is designed to develop a deep understanding of computational thinking, programming, and problem-solving, alongside the theoretical knowledge underpinning computer systems and networks.
Assessment is by two exam papers, each worth 50% of the overall grade:
Click here for exam board information on AQA | Computer Science | GCSE | GCSE Computer Science
AQA A-Level Computer Science
Students in Sixth Form follow the AQA A-Level Computer Science specification. This course promotes a rigorous approach to the fundamentals of computer science, including how computers work, how data is processed, and how software is developed.
The course is assessed as follows:
Click here for exam board information on AQA | Computer Science | A-level | A-level Computer Science