Computing

Computing Curriculum Intent

Our Computing curriculum at Key Stage 3 aims to equip all students with the foundational knowledge, understanding, and skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world. We believe that computing education is not merely about using technology, but about understanding the principles that underpin it, fostering computational thinking, and empowering students to be creators and innovators, not just consumers. Our vision is to cultivate digitally literate, confident, and responsible citizens who can critically engage with technology, solve complex problems, and contribute positively to society. This vision is deeply embedded within our core school values of kindness, respect, inclusion, and aspiration.

Core Principles:

Computational Thinking: To develop students' abilities to think computationally, encompassing decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithmic thinking. This approach transcends traditional programming and is applicable across all disciplines.

Digital Literacy: To ensure students are confident and competent users of a range of digital technologies, understanding their capabilities, limitations, and ethical implications. This includes safe and responsible online practices, data privacy, and critical evaluation of digital information.

Computer Science Fundamentals: To introduce students to the fundamental concepts of computer science, including algorithms, programming, data representation, hardware, networks, and the societal impact of computing.

Creativity and Innovation: To foster a spirit of creativity and innovation, enabling students to design, develop, and test their own digital solutions and express themselves through computational means.

Problem Solving: To cultivate resilient problem-solvers who can identify issues, break them down, and devise effective computational solutions, learning from iterative development and debugging.

Ethical and Societal Impact: To encourage critical reflection on the ethical, social, legal, and economic impact of computing on individuals and society, promoting responsible digital citizenship.

Lessons

Y7-8: 2 hours per fortnight

Y9: 1 hour per fortnight

GCSE Options - Computer Science and i-Media

Y10-11: 5 hours per fortnight

Y10 -11: All students continue to develop Computing skills via the school's digital strategy and SAIL time activities and missions.

Staff

Mrs Storey – Associate Assistant Headteacher and Curriculum Leader of Computer Science

Mr Hughes - Teacher of Technology and Computing