Computing

Our Vision

Computers are now part of everyday life and , for most of us, technology is essential to our lives at home and at work. Computational thinking is a skill that all students must learn if they are to be ready for the workplace and be able to participate effectively in the digital world. Our curriculum model will ensure that students learn how computers and computer systems work, they will design and build programs, they will develop their ideas using technology, and create a range of digital content.

There are 3 main strands within computing and each of these is essential in preparing students to thrive in an increasingly digital world. We will not categorise the strands with the students but have devised activities that include all 3 strands and cover the national curriculum in a balanced, stimulating and creative way.

Computer Science

Involves using computational thinking to solve problems and make things for a purpose.

Information Technology

This strand is divided into two main areas. One of these is that students should know how it all works; how information of all kinds becomes accessible to and manipulate it by technology. The second part is that pupils need to know how to use technology.

Digital Literacy

Is the ability to effectively, responsibly, safely and critically navigate, evaluate and create digital artefacts using a range of digital technologies.

Key Concepts

Logical Reasoning
Abstraction
Evaluation
Algorithmic Thinking
Decomposition
Generalisation

KS3 Computing

Curriculum Breakdown

Algorithms
Real World Problems
Programming Languages
Boolean Logic
Hardware and Software

Year 7

Small Basic
Bedras Challenges
Microbits
Microbits
Introduction

Year 8

Spreadsheet modelling
Small Basic
Scratch
Scratch
HTML

Year 9

Small Basic
Python
Python
Understanding Computers
Networks
Instructions
Creative Projects
Digital Artefacts
Safety

Year 7

Graphics
Graphics
Graphics
Using Computers Safely

Year 8

HTML
Scratch

Year 9

Understanding Computers
Networks

Curriculum Breakdown

Year 7

  • What makes up a computer system – input, output, storage devices
  • How to create graphics in Adobe fireworks
  • The significance of audience and purpose in creating graphics
  • Understand how data types (text, sound, image) are represented and manipulated digitally
  • Understand where computer control is used in everyday life
  • To understand the impact on safety if control systems fail
  • Understand the importance of sequence, selection and iteration
  • Understand the different techniques for animation: frame-by-frame, tweening, motion tweening
  • Understand how to use technology safely, respectfully and securely
  • Understand how to apply the concepts of computational thinking to solve problems

Year 8

  • Understand the use of computer models in the real world
  • Understand what makes an effective model and how to present information effectively
  • Understand the importance of the audience and purpose when selecting using and combining information to create websites
  • Understand how to evaluate the effectiveness of their website
  • Understand how decomposition and abstraction will assist with game design
  • To use algorithmic thinking to design a game
  • Understand the block based programming language Scratch
  • To understand the importance of variables, Boolean logic/operators in game design

Year 9

  • Understand how to apply the concepts of computational thinking to solve problems
  • Understand the difference between hardware and software
  • Understand how to perform binary conversions and binary arithmetic
  • Understand the difference between memory and storage
  • Understand how computers process instructions
  • Understand how characters are encoded
  • Understand how to use Python to create code, using sequence, selections and iteration
  • Understand the hardware and software components that make up computer systems and how they communicate with each other and other systems

KS4 Computing

At KS4 programming is a common element in all GCSE specifications and the KS3 curriculum model ensures that students will have an understanding of key algorithms and computational thinking. This will ensure that students can understand the problem, and identify a solution before they begin coding, thus allowing for specific syntax for different languages to be taught at GCSE. Students will be more effective coders as they know what the program needs to do.