Computer Science

Computer Science — Year 9

British Curriculum · Ages 13-14

Year 9 prepares directly for GCSE Computer Science: more advanced algorithms (searching and sorting), a deeper look at computer systems architecture, and genuine software development practice — planning, writing, testing and refining a program against a specification, much like the GCSE non-exam programming component.

Legal, ethical and environmental issues around computing (data privacy, software licensing, e-waste) are typically introduced this year as well, reflecting GCSE specification content.

Key topics covered

• Searching & Sorting Algorithms — Standard algorithms and comparing their efficiency.
• Systems Architecture — Deeper understanding of how computer systems are structured.
• Software Development Practice — Planning, writing, testing and refining programs against a spec.
• Legal, Ethical & Environmental Issues — Data privacy, licensing, and the environmental impact of computing.