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Welcome to CAS Key Stage 4 (14-16 years)

It is expected that all pupils must have the opportunity to study aspects of information technology and computer science at sufficient depth to allow them to progress to higher levels of study or to a professional career. 

When studying computing or computer science at key stage 4, all pupils should be taught to: 

  • 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 identify and report a range of concerns. 

Looking for Resources?

Check out our collection of resources to support you in teaching students at key stage 4.

Looking for help and guidance? Our communities can help with that...

Secondary Community

The Secondary community will schedule events across the year covering current issues and interest in the world of secondary computing and responding to the needs of the community.

Secondary Community

Local Communities

CAS has a network of local communities across the UK run by our volunteer Community Leaders, specialising in offering relevant local support to teachers. Communities are either primary or secondary specialised or focus on both – called ‘Mixed Communities’.  

CAS Local Communities

Thematic Communities

We have a range of thematic communities which are based around different themes including AI & Physical Computing.

CAS Thematic Communities

Talk to our friends... 

Here is a selection of trusted organisations who will also support you in teaching computer science at key stage 4:

Ada Computer Science

Ada is a free online Computer Science platform for teachers and students.

Through Ada you can access Computer Science resources for GCSE and A-Level including interactive coding questions for Python, C#, VB and Java. 

Create an Ada account here

Complete schemes of work including lesson plans, resources and assessment materials.

RaspberryPi Key Stage 4 Resources 

Presentations with recorded instruction and quizzes provided by topic.

Oak Academy 

Full units of work with lesson plans and supporting resources alongside one-off projects for the micro:bit programmable device.  Activities include example solutions and videos with many aligned to the Global Goals. 

micro:bit resources

Curriculum catalogue of courses and tutorials for independent learning.  Includes lesson plans for each interactive activity. 

Code.org 

Resources to support the knowledge and understanding through unplugged learning (computing without a computer).  Activities organised by theme and topic and include activity plans mapped to computational thinking, mathematics and literacy. 

Computing Unplugged 

Independent learning resources by exam specification and includes videos for threshold concepts and interactive quizzes and tests. 

BBC Bitesize 

Resources focussed on digital literacy including internet safety with lesson plans and supporting presentations and worksheets.

Project Evolve 

Exam Board Specifications

The links below will take you to the Computer Science exam board specifications for each awarding body: 

The links below will take you to the Computing exam board specifications for each awarding body: 

You may also find this resource helpful: GCSE Computer Science June 2022 Exam board comparison