Report a Concern Computing and iMedia
“Everybody should learn how to program a computer because it teaches you how to think.”
Steve Jobs
Head of Faculty: Mr Senessie
Our Vision
Our department aims to ensure pupils are prepared to enter the digital world, through a rich and varied curriculum which gives an insight into the computing and digital world.
Our Curriculum
At Key Stage 3, pupils receive their computing curriculum through a combination of 'Tech Days' and taught lessons.
Pupils begin KS3 learning the basics of using the computers and keeping safe online. They will also be learning how to use Microsoft Applications software i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc to support them for the upcoming years. Pupils also experience how to use Scratch Programming in preparation for pupils to Python programming language from Y8 onwards.
- By Year 8, pupils begin to understand the inner workings of the computer. They learn about Mathematics in computing . This will then progress to a simple Programming language (PYTHON).
By the end of Key Stage 3, pupils have explored Cybersecurity, File Management and the History of Computer Science. From here pupils begin to understand the topics of Algorithms and start thinking computationally, digitally, logically and arithmetically.
At Key Stage 4, pupils have the choice of two digital pathways. At Key Stage 4, all pupils have an entitlement to digital literacy teaching through their wider curriculum.
For those that opt to pursue as a GCSE Option, pupils can opt for a Computer Science or Digital Media Pathway. Further details on those courses can be found below.
Key Stage 3
|
|
TOPICS AND KEY IDEAS |
| YEAR 7 |
Digital Media Networks Programming: Scratch Data Modelling |
| YEAR 8 |
Vector Graphics Layers of Computing Systems Web Development Representation App Development Programming: Python |
| YEAR 9 |
Animation Data Science Audio Visual Representation Cyber Security Physical Computing |
For more information, visit our learning journey below.
KEY STAGE 4
GCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE
At the start of Year 10, pupils embark upon their GCSE Studies of English Language and English Literature. We follow the AQA Specification.
| TOPICS AND KEY IDEAS | |
| YEAR 10 |
Systems Architecture Memory and Storage Networks, Connections and Protocols Network Security Systems Software Ethical and Legal Impacts |
| YEAR 11 |
Algorithms Programming Boolean Logic Programming Languages and IDEs |
Assessment
At Key Stage 3, we formally assess pupils twice a year. These results are reported to you formally as parents, with an opportunity to discuss at the forthcoming parents evening. We also assess pupils reading skills using a standardised test twice a year. These assessments are supplemented by regular in class formative assessment. You can learn more about our approach to assessment at Key Stage 3 by visiting the link here.
At Key Stage 4 pupils are assessed twice a year in the form of a mock examination. These reflect components of the GCSE course. These assessments are supplemented by regular in class formative assessment. Together, we use this information to provide additional guided study support for pupils.
Homework
Pupils do not receive computing homework at KS3.
At Key Stage 4, pupils get an hour of homework a week for their option subjects. This may take the form of coursework, pre-reading or revision/exam practice.
Useful Resources
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zft3d2p
https://www.computingatschool.org.uk/
View our learning journey
Please click here for KS3-4 Learning Journey
