KS4 – Computer systems Unit overview
KS4 – Computer systems
Unit introduction
In this unit, learners will gain an understanding and knowledge of how computer systems work. Starting with the building blocks of the
microprocessor — logic gates — learners will discover how a computer system works and executes instructions.
The term ‘note taking’ is used throughout this unit, how this is applied is left to your judgement. Some computing teachers use exercise
books or paper folders with learners, some use files on the computer, and some use online note-taking software. You should adapt the
lesson to your preferred way of working.
Ideally, learners would have prior knowledge of the binary number system and programming in a high-level language.
Overview of lessons
Lesson Brief overview Learning objectives
Computer systems and This is the first lesson in the ‘Computer systems’ unit. It will introduce ● Compare embedded and
system software learners to the two types of computer systems: general purpose and general purpose computer
embedded systems. They will explore the characteristics of these systems
systems, and will learn how to identify embedded systems through ● Describe the role of system
practical activities. software as part of a
computer system
Following this, learners will discover the need for system software to ● Explore the role of the
facilitate communication between software and hardware in computer operating system and utility
systems. You will explain the role of an operating system, and learners software
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KS4 – Computer systems Unit overview
will match each description to the component, to help them with exam
questions.
Introduction to the CPU In this lesson the learners are introduced to the CPU and von Neumann ● Describe the basic
architecture. They will learn about the individual components of the CPU components of the CPU
and their roles in computation. Learners will find out about von ● Describe the roles and
Neumann and his theories that form the basis of modern computer purpose of each component
architecture. of the CPU in computation
The FDE cycle In this lesson, the learners’ knowledge about the components that make ● Explain how the fetch-decode-
up the CPU and main memory will be furthered with the introduction of execute cycle works by
the fetch-decode-execute cycle (FDE). Learners will be able to connect describing what happens at
each stage
the parts of the CPU to their role in executing instructions visually.
● Describe the role of each part
of the CPU as part of the
fetch-decode-execute cycle
Main memory In this lesson learners will be introduced to main memory, RAM and ● Describe the characteristics of
ROM, as well as cache. This lesson builds on the core knowledge from RAM and ROM
the previous lesson about CPU components. ● Explain the role of main
memory as part of a
computer system
● Define cache memory
● Describe the role of cache in a
computer system
Secondary storage In this lesson, learners will be introduced to secondary storage and take ● Explain why a computer
an in-depth look at solid-state storage. You will guide them to discover system needs secondary
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KS4 – Computer systems Unit overview
the need for secondary storage, through assessing the devices they storage
have learnt about already. By the end of the lesson, learners will be ● State the different types of
able to explain how solid-state storage stores data, and describe the secondary storage and
advantages and disadvantages of those devices. describe their functional
characteristics
● State how solid-state memory
works and describe its
characteristics
Optical and magnetic This lesson builds on from the first secondary storage lesson; it involves ● Explain how optical and
storage exploring optical and magnetic storage devices. Learners will need to magnetic memory stores data
be aware of how each type of storage operates, and to explain how in the form of binary
data is written and read from each device. The last activity has them ● Describe how data is read
synthesising the characteristics of the storage mediums to compare from and written to optical
them. Using a combination of their learning, and a reference table, and magnetic memory
learners will actively rank the mediums in each of the key areas of ● Apply knowledge of storage
comparison. devices to compare the three
mediums of storage
Selecting a storage This is the last of three lessons on secondary storage. The previous two ● Apply the knowledge of
device lessons have equipped the learners with the knowledge they need to storage devices to
systematically select and justify a device for a given use. This lesson will recommend an appropriate
model that process for the learners, and then lead to them completing device
the full process on their own. The second half of the lesson explores the ● Describe the limitations of
limits of physical storage and how cloud storage can fill the gaps. secondary storage
Learners will examine cloud storage and answer GCSE-style questions ● Explain the definition of ‘cloud
on the impacts of cloud storage. storage’ and describe the
characteristics of cloud
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KS4 – Computer systems Unit overview
storage
Computer This lesson will teach your learners how to evaluate a computer based ● Explore the factors that
specifications on its specifications. They will discover the factors that limit a CPU’s impact a CPU’s performance
performance: clock speed, cache, and the number of cores. ● Select components to create a
computer system
Learners will then use a computer component website to build ● Evaluate a computer’s
computer systems of their own. This activity is designed to put their suitability for a given task
understanding of computer systems into a real-world context. Selecting
components to a budget will force learners to make compromises and
to examine the importance of the components.
Computer systems quiz The beginning of this unit has introduced the essential components of ● Revise computer systems
computer systems to your learners. This lesson offers them an content covered so far
opportunity to revise that knowledge while engaging in a fun software ● Design and implement a
project. software project
The learners will be using the questions they have produced in the
previous plenaries to make a quiz they can use for revision. The quiz
project serves as a fun way for them to revisit the different
components, but the project will also help them with the next few
lessons. After this, you will be looking at how computers execute
programs; the quiz serves as a knowledge activator for that learning.
Logic gates In this lesson, learners will discover logic gates — the building blocks of ● Discover the logic gates AND,
processors at the heart of a computer system. Through the activities NOT, and OR, including their
symbols and truth tables
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KS4 – Computer systems Unit overview
they will build an understanding of how logic gates are used to address ● Learn how logic gates are
real-world problems. used in carrying out
computation
● Design a logical circuit,
combining logic gates to solve
a problem
Logic problems In this lesson, learners will be introduced to the concept of three-input ● Construct truth tables for a
logic problems, and will be taught how to construct a three-input logic three-input logic circuit
diagram, truth table, and expression. Links will be made to show that ● Write a Boolean expression to
describe a logical circuit
computer circuits are made of logic gates, through an explanation of
● Describe how combinations of
how you can use logic gates to construct a binary adder.
logic gates can perform
mathematical operations
Assembly language This is the final set of lessons for the ‘Computer systems’ unit, a double ● Determine that assembly
programming I lesson in which learners will design and write their own assembly language has a 1:1 relationship
language program. You will build them up to this task, first modelling with machine code
the translation of a Python program into assembly, and then moving on ● Explain the basic commands
to analysing and tracing an assembly language program as it runs. in the LMC’s assembly code:
Over the course of the lesson, learners will build up a ‘toolbox’ of INP, OUT, STA, LDA, ADD, SUB,
assembly language commands. and BRP
Assembly language This final lesson involves one last project: the learners will be given a set ● Design and write your own
programming II of requirements and tasked with first designing a Python solution and program in assembly
then an assembly language program to meet the requirements. There language
is an assessment for the learners to complete to round off the unit and
test their understanding.
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KS4 – Computer systems Unit overview
Progression
This unit progresses learners’ knowledge and understanding of computer systems.
Please see the learning graphs for this unit for more information about progression.
Curriculum links
National curriculum links
● Develop their capability, creativity, and knowledge in computer science, digital media, and information technology
● Develop and apply their analytic, problem-solving, design, and computational thinking skills
● Understand how changes in technology affect safety, including new ways to protect their online privacy and identity, and how to
report a range of concerns
Assessment
Summative assessment
● Please see the assessment question and answer documents for this unit.
Subject knowledge
This unit focuses on the components that make up a computer system and their roles in computation. It also teaches learners about the
generations of programming languages and how software and hardware work together in computation.
Enhance your subject knowledge to teach this unit through the following training opportunities:
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KS4 – Computer systems Unit overview
Online training courses
● Understanding Computer Systems
● How Computers Work: Demystifying Computation
● Understanding Maths and Logic in Computer Systems
Face-to-face and remote courses
● Introduction to computer systems, networking and cyber security in computer science (face to face)
● Introduction to computer systems, networking and cyber security in computer science (remote)
● Computer processors and instruction sets (face to face)
● Computer processors and instruction sets (remote)
● Computer systems: input, output and storage (face to face)
● Computer systems: input, output and storage (remote)
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KS4 – Computer systems Unit overview
Resources are updated regularly — please check that you are using the latest version.
This resource is licensed under the Open Government Licence, version 3. For more information on this licence, see ncce.io/ogl.
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