Key Stage 3 course
Key Stage 3 Computer Science
By taking the Key Stage 3 Computer Science course, students will strengthen their computational skills and knowledge of computing concepts while developing their ability to write short sections of code. This course will prepare students should they wish to study IGCSE Computer Science in Year 10.
What resources will I need?
Texts: Students will not need any textbooks for this course. All the necessary worksheets and practice examples will be provided by the class teacher.
Computing Requirements: Students will need access to a computer with a reliable internet connection not only for their live lessons, but also for their homework tasks. Students will not need any specific software for the start of this course and any software required as the course progresses will be free to download. The class teacher will give details of how and when this will be needed.
Course Summary
The topics taught in each year of the course are as follows:
Year 7 (First year of secondary school)
- Networking, E-safety & using computers & the internet
- Computers: inputs, outputs & memory
- Data representations – Excel (database introduction)
- IT – graphic design and copyright
- Computational Thinking – Algorithms and decomposition
- Programming – Basic Programming Techniques (Scratch)
Year 8 (Second year of secondary school)
- Computational Thinking – Turtle Programming and Algorithms
- Networking – Networking Basics
- Data representation
- Programming – text based games
- Software & Hardware
- IT – Using technology safely
Year 9 (Third year of secondary school)
- Programming algorithms
- Further programming techniques in Python
- Introduction to Linux
- IT – Artificial intelligence
- Cryptography
- Boolean Logic and processing
Will there be homework?
Key Stage 3 students can expect to be given around 30-60 minutes of homework every week for each subject they study. But homework takes many forms and will not always involve writing – it could just as easily be a research or reading task, a creative activity or even preparing a speech! We also understand that not all children will find homework beneficial and we are happy to accommodate what works best for your child.
Flexibility for Home Educating Families
We know that home educating families have many different models for how their children learn, but the flexibility offered by Net School allows parents to choose just the courses that are right for their child and that fit around their existing commitments.
Fees
Key Stage 3 Computer Science on its own
2 hours of live teaching a week, for the 2026/27 school year. 10% off the whole timetable at ten hours a week or more. There is no minimum — take this subject by itself if that is what suits.
All fees include VAT. Charged termly, by bank transfer, at least a week before term starts — invoices go out at the end of the previous term.
- Autumn term£421.20
- Spring term£356.40
- Summer term£291.60
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In their own words
What our families say
“He has been asking for more since week 1! For a child who used to be absent from school at least two days a week for three years, you and your team have turned him 360 degrees. He enjoys the survival skills club and is looking forward to me taking him out in the desert to try them out.”
AshrafNet School parent“I’m starting at the University of Sheffield in a week to study Dentistry, and just wanted to send a huge thank you to everyone at Net School, especially my teachers, for all the help you gave me to get to this point.”
ClaireFormer Net School student“We are both qualified teachers and have been home educating our 4 children for the past 7 years. Of all the tutors we have used and groups we have organised or kids have been part of, none have been as well planned or run as Net School.”
ZoeNet School parent“Net School has been such an incredible experience for me. The classes being so intimate really make a group atmosphere, and all the individual attention from teachers really makes a difference. So thank you for creating this — I’m sure it has impacted the lives of many people.”
NaomiFormer Net School student“We think it is wonderful how the children are bonding with the teachers and actually care for them, something that rarely happens in school, thank you so very very much!”
SueParent of former students“I continue to be delighted with the level of attention and great teaching the children receive through Net School. Thank you to the whole team.”
LisaNet School parent“Thank you for helping me achieve the grades I got. Net School was really helpful in so many ways, not just learning, and I’m glad to have been there from the start.”
GarethFormer Net School student“We have been very happy with Net School for our two children. They have received individual attention and feedback from their teachers, who have been caring and interested in their progress. Net School has fitted very conveniently into our lives and the children have made some good friends.”
LucindeNet School parent“We are delighted with the way he has settled in to Net School this term and with his thoughtfully written and encouraging report.”
MoiraNet School parent
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We will be very happy to discuss your needs and arrange a demonstration of how online teaching can work for you and your family.