Computing

Curriculum Intent

Our Computing curriculum is designed to equip your child with essential digital skills, fostering their creativity and developing their logical thinking. We aim for students to understand how computers work and how to interact with the digital world safely and effectively. This comprehensive learning journey is built around three core pillars: Programming, where students learn to give instructions to computers using code; Digital Media, focusing on creating and editing various forms of digital content; and Computer Systems, which explores the fundamental components of technology and how networks function, including vital aspects of online safety.

Throughout the curriculum, your child will learn to code their own programs, starting with basic concepts like sequencing and using inputs/outputs with tools like Micro:bits, and progressing to advanced concepts such as variables, loops (iteration), and an introduction to Python. They will also create and edit digital content such as art, videos, and presentations, understanding how different applications and devices work together to convey messages effectively. Furthermore, students will explore the inner workings of their devices, learning about hardware and software, computer networks, and crucial Cyber Security practices to protect their digital world. Our ultimate goal is to empower students to explore, create, and master the digital world, developing strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are beneficial in all aspects of their learning and future.

Computing learning journey

Sam Hamblin - Head of Computing - sam.hamblin@swale.at

Our computing skills curriculum will ensure students develop essential abilities in the digital world. Our curriculum is structured around three core areas: 

Programming

Students will learn how to give instructions to computers using code, designing their own programs and understanding algorithms (step-by-step instructions). This journey boosts logical thinking and creativity, involving activities like using Micro:bits for basic concepts, variables, inputs/outputs, sequencing, selection, iteration, and flowcharts.
 
They will also be introduced to text-based coding languages such as Python. Students will become detectives to debug any mistakes in their code.
 

Digital Media

Students will learn to create and manipulate digital content. This includes making digital art, editing videos, designing presentations, and understanding how different applications and devices interact.
 
They will explore creating brands, website design, and image editing, learning to effectively convey messages to specific audiences.
 

Computer Systems

This area explores what makes computers, tablets, or phones function. Students will learn about hardware (physical parts) and software (programs), how devices connect in networks, and the importance of cyber security for staying safe online.
 
Key concepts include input, output, and storage devices, memory (RAM/ROM), binary representation, and how computer networks function.
 

How do students level up?

Students will progress through different levels – Emerging, Developing, Secure, and Mastered – across Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8, and 9), with clear objectives for each stage.

This ensures a structured development of their computational thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy skills, aligning with national curriculum aims.

KS4

Allocation of time:

Five 60-minute lessons per fortnight

Exam board and hyperlink to specification

OCR GCSE Computer Science J277

OCR Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia J834

Year 10 Computer Science

In term 1 students will study programming languages, IDEs, algorithms and Python programming. On the theory side they will learn about systems architecture, memory and storage.

In term 2 students will study different algorithms used in Computer Science. As an example, this could be for searching and sorting through data. This will be backed up with continued Python Programming.

In term 3 students will learn about the fundamentals of programming and how to produce robust programs.

In term 4 students will revisit the learning in terms 1-3 to allow a deeper understanding in preparation for trail exams.

In terms 5 & 6 students will complete a final end of year programming project which will be evidenced for the exam board.

Year 11 Computer Science

In term 1 students will study the Ethical, legal, cultural & environmental impacts of digital technology. Students will also learn about computer networks, connection and protocols. 

In term 2 students will study Network Security and different types of Systems software. They will move on to learning about boolean logic and Programming languages and IDEs

In terms 3-5 students will revise all Computer Science topics to prepare for their final exams.

Paper 1 - Computer Systems

Paper 2 - Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming

Year 10 Creative iMedia

In terms 1 & 2 students will study the first part of Unit R093: Creative iMedia in the media industry. This is a theory unit that will be examined in Y11. The topics covered will also help their understanding of the design process that will be assessed in their NEAs

In terms 3 & 4 students will study for their first NEA, Unit R094: Visual identity and digital graphics. Students will learn to develop visualidentities for clients. They will also learn to apply the concepts of graphic design to create original digital graphics which incorporate your visual identity to engage a target audience.

In terms 5 & 6 students complete Unit R094 and begin to study for their second NEA. This unit is flexible and can be changed based on the particular cohort of students.

Year 11 Creative iMedia

In term 1-3 students will study for and complete their second NEA.

In term 4-6 students will complete the learning for Unit R093: Creative iMedia in the media industry. And revise for their final R093 exam. 

Homework

KS4  homework will be given fortnightly, in line with the school’s policy. This will comprise of tasks to help students embed learning from their classwork.

Additional Resources

Creative iMedia

Any useful coursebooks to purchase:
PG Online ClearRevise OCR iMedia J834

Websites to use:
Image editing online platform - https://www.photopea.com/
Video editing online platform - https://clipchamp.com/en/

Computer Science

Any useful coursebooks to purchase:
GCSE Computer Science - PG Online Clear Revise OCR Computer Science J277

Websites to use:
Online coding platforms - https://replit.com/ - https://trinket.io/
Block based coding platforms - https://scratch.mit.edu/
Micro:Bit - https://makecode.microbit.org/

The only way you are going to have success is to have lots of failures first.

LARRY PAGE - Google