Computing

Curriculum Intent

The Computing Curriculum aims to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills to understand and use technology effectively.  

In KS3, students study a mix of computer science principles and digital literacy:

Students will gain a foundation understanding of computer systems and networking.  They will develop their computational thinking skills, and have the opportunity to program algorithms. 

Students will develop their digital literacy; developing their IT, application and productivity skills to enable them to be confident and capable users of digital technology.

The KS3 curriculum will give a student the essential foundation of knowledge and skills to navigate and understand their digital world.

For those students who opt to further their studies onto GCSE level, there is the opportunity to study GCSE Computer Science.   The GCSE curriculum will equip students with a strong foundation in computer science principles and practical programming skills. It covers a broad range of topics, including:

• Data: Students will learn about how the binary number system is applied to represent characters, images and sounds.  They will also learn about data security and privacy.
• Computer systems and networks: Students will learn about the hardware and software components of computers, as well as how computers communicate with each other over networks.
• Programming: Students will learn to code in the Python programming language.
• Computational Thinking: Students will learn about different algorithms and how to use them to solve problems. They will also learn about computational thinking and how to break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable steps.

Curriculum Implementation

Our Knowledge Curriculum: Ambition in the Classrooms

We have structured our computing curriculum around key concepts and skills, identifying essential knowledge and functional practical IT skills. We’ve aimed to build on prior learning, gradually increasing complexity.   Regular retrieval practices like quizzes are used to reinforce learning. In-class teacher assessments, such as the use of mini-whiteboards and exit tasks, provide immediate feedback to inform teaching. 

For SEND students, scaffolding strategies like supported tasks and step-by-step tutorials are used. Subject literacy is developed by carefully introducing technical vocabulary. Frayer models are used to deepen understanding of key terms. Guided teaching practice (in “I do, We do, You do” structure) is used extensively in lessons to develop student understanding and build confidence and independence. More able students are challenged through extension “challenge” tasks.

Our Character Curriculum: Ambitious Individuals

Computing, as a subject, offers some unique opportunities to foster character development. Our curriculum helps students develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity skills. Collaborative projects promote teamwork and group working skills.

Our Computing curriculum aims to instill a sense of responsibility and digital citizenship. Students can learn about online safety and ethical use of technology. By creating digital content, they can express themselves creatively and create content for diverse audiences.

We broaden our students’ understanding that people from diverse backgrounds and ethnicity have made important contributions to Computer Science, technology and IT.

We instill in our students a belief that computing can be a powerful tool for nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to use their digital skills and confidence to contribute positively to society. By having a focus on digital literacy, computational thinking, and ethical use of technology, we aim to equip students with the skills and values they need to thrive in the 21st century.

Our Cultural Curriculum: Ambition Beyond our Classrooms

We are committed to encouraging students to extend their learning beyond the classroom. Such as:

• Participating in national coding challenges and competitions
• Use of online learning platforms to extend and deepen knowledge: For example, W3Schools.

We strive to foster a culture of innovation and problem-solving by encouraging students to actively engage with the world around them.

• Annual Community Project: Students have the opportunity to work as a team on a community based initiative. Students will create digital products for a specific goal and community based outcome.
• Ethical computing workshops: Through the year, there is a range of one-off extra workshops about responsible and ethical use of computing.  For example, e-waste awareness and use of AI.

We offer a range of experiences and opportunities to cater to the varied interests and aspirations of our students:

• After-school coding / IT club
• Educational visits (varies year-to-year)
• External Speakers and Workshops (varies year-to-year):  We invite those working in the IT industry to visit us and share their experiences, expertise, and highlight career / jobs paths.
• Competitions and awards:  Students have the opportunity to participate in a yearly “CodeIt Challenge”.   This is open to students of all year groups to demonstrate their creativity and programming skill.

Students Leaders: We provide opportunities for students to take on leadership roles within the Computing department, such as organizing coding clubs, events, mentoring younger students, and representing the department at school events.