Computing
The aim of computing is to allow young people to be equipped with the knowledge and IT skills that will be required to use in their future career and the wider world.
In Key stage 3 the computing curriculum is sequenced so that all pupils, regardless of prior learning before joining secondary school, are all at the same starting point where they will be taught ICT skills such as logging into the school system, how to use remote learning applications such as email, OneDrive, Teams and Arbor. All pupils will be given the opportunity to learn basic computing skills such as typing and controlling the mouse.
Through our sequenced curriculum, students will learn aspects of how computers function, to code using Scratch as an introduction to coding, advancing to a text-based programming language: Python in preparation for Key Stage 4. They will begin to understand how various types of instructions are stored and executed in computer systems, and how they can be used to represent images, music and text.
Students will undertake creative projects that involve selecting, using, and combining multiple applications to achieve challenging goals. This includes collecting and analysing data and meeting the needs of known users. They will understand a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely: including protecting their online identity and privacy; recognising inappropriate content; contact and conduct; and knowing how to report concerns.
By the end of Key Stage 3 all our year 9 students will have the foundation knowledge and skills ready to develop their understanding at GCSE level if they chose to carry Computer Science as an option in year 10. Students will be taught computational thinking as its core, helping students to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand human and machine intelligence. Students will apply the academic principles they learn in the classroom to real-world systems in an exciting and engaging way.
Due to the assessment of the course for Computer Science, each lesson students will partake in past paper questions to embed understanding and address any misconceptions in advance of the public exams each student studying the course will take. Staff and students regularly utilise formative assessment within the subject and there is a clear review process in place in order for students to continuously make progress.