Computer systems and data science
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Why this why now
As pupils’ use of technology becomes more advanced, it is important they understand how computer systems work and how different components interact. This unit takes pupils beyond simply using technology to exploring its underlying structure, from programs to operating systems. By comparing traditional computing systems with those that use artificial intelligence, pupils gain insights into the technologies shaping their world and develop the critical thinking needed to understand and question how these systems affect their daily lives and future learning.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Pupils recognise that computer systems are formed from combinations of hardware components and software.
- Pupils can identify common input and output devices used as part of computer systems.
- Pupils understand that computers can be networked together to share resources.
- Pupils understand that computer systems capture data and process it into useful output.
Threads
Why this why now
As pupils’ use of technology becomes more advanced, it is important they understand how computer systems work and how different components interact. This unit takes pupils beyond simply using technology to exploring its underlying structure, from programs to operating systems. By comparing traditional computing systems with those that use artificial intelligence, pupils gain insights into the technologies shaping their world and develop the critical thinking needed to understand and question how these systems affect their daily lives and future learning.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Pupils recognise that computer systems are formed from combinations of hardware components and software.
- Pupils can identify common input and output devices used as part of computer systems.
- Pupils understand that computers can be networked together to share resources.
- Pupils understand that computer systems capture data and process it into useful output.
Computer systems and data science
In this unit pupils will explore the layers of computer systems from programs to the physical components that store and execute these programs. They will discover the fundamental binary building blocks that make up computer systems and how systems are evolving for developments such as AI.
6 lessons in unit
slide decks, worksheet PDFs, quizzes and lesson overviews. You can select individual lessons from the Computer systems and data science unit and download the resources you need, or download the entire unit now. See every unit listed in our secondary computing curriculum and discover more of our teaching resources for secondary computing programmes.