Brief overview of KS3 curriculum

Each student has two lessons per fortnight. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology so our curriculum has been created to cover a wide range of topics, In Years 7 and 8 we follow the Key Stage 3 Computing National Curriculum. Using Dynamic Learning and the Computing Progression Pathways, students cover the following subject areas: 

Year 7

• E-Safety
• Computer Basics
• Programming with Scratch
• Data Representation
• Algorithms
• Using Microbits

Year 8

• 3D Design
• Networks and Hardware
• Cryptography and Security
• Programming with Small Basic
• Web Development
• Creating Graphics

Brief overview of KS4 curriculum

In KS4 students can currently opt to study one of the three courses we run; GCSE Computer Science (OCR), Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia or Cambridge Nationals in Enterprise and Marketing

In GCSE Computer Science students will learn how to create programs using the Python programming language. Students will also gain an insight into system architecture, computer hardware & software, networking, security and algorithms.

This course is assessed through two exams (50% each)

• Computer Systems
• Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming.

Pupils will also have to complete a programming project working with scenarios set by the exam board.

In Creative iMedia, students will learn pre-production skills and will have the opportunity to plan and create multimedia products. This course will provide students with opportunities to link design theories and creating products in engaging and practical ways. The units we cover are

• R081 Pre-Production Skills (Exam)
• R082 Creating digital graphics
• R087 Creating interactive multimedia
• R088 Creating a digital sound sequence

Finally, in Enterprise and Marketing, this qualification will allow students to get to grips with key aspects of running small businesses with a focus on enterprise and marketing. The two centre-assessed units offer practical task-based opportunities for learning, alongside the examined unit, which contains underpinning knowledge and business theories. The units we cover are:

• R064 Enterprise and marketing concepts (Exam)
• R065 Design a business proposal
• R066 Market and pitch a business proposal