Computing

Our Year 7 Computing curriculum provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the dynamic world of technology, equipping them with essential skills for the digital age. Throughout the year, students will engage with a broad range of topics designed to foster both creative and technical proficiency, while also developing their understanding of responsible digital citizenship.

• 1 E-Safety: Students will explore the critical importance of staying safe online. Topics such as fake news, online influencers, cybersecurity, and data privacy will empower students to navigate the digital world confidently and responsibly.
• 2 Vector Graphics: Through hands-on experience with vector graphics software, students will learn the principles of digital design. They will develop skills in creating and manipulating digital images, preparing them for more advanced creative tasks in later years.
• 3 Kodu Programming: Using Kodu, a visual programming platform, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of coding and game design. They will learn to create interactive environments and program characters, gaining an understanding of logic, problem-solving, and the basics of computational thinking.
• 4 Databases: Students will also be introduced to databases, learning how to structure, query, and manage data efficiently. These skills are crucial for organizing information and understanding how data is used in various real-world applications.

By the end of Year 7, students will have a solid foundation in both creative and technical computing disciplines. They will not only develop practical skills in programming, digital design, and data management, but also gain a deep understanding of the ethical and responsible use of technology in their everyday lives.

Our curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity and prepare students for the ever-evolving digital landscape, laying the groundwork for future studies and success in the digital world.

Our Year 8 Computing curriculum builds on the foundational skills introduced in Year 7, with a focus on deeper understanding of hardware, digital design, programming, and data management. The curriculum is designed to encourage both technical proficiency and creativity, equipping students with the skills necessary for success in an increasingly digital world.

• 8.1 Hardware and Networks: Students will explore the fundamentals of computer hardware and network structures, including the roles of input, output, and processing devices. They will learn the difference between wired and wireless networks, understand bandwidth, and explore how the internet functions, including IP addresses, data transmission, and the role of routers and domain names. This unit provides a solid understanding of how hardware impacts the performance of networks and the role of the internet in our modern world.
• 8.2 Bitmap Graphics: In this unit, students will delve into the world of bitmap images, focusing on aspects such as resolution, colour depth, and file formats. Using digital tools, they will learn to edit and manipulate bitmap images, exploring techniques such as compression, image effects, and desaturation. The unit culminates in students creating their own social media post design, applying the skills and techniques learned throughout the course.
• 8.3 Scratch Programming: Building on their knowledge of programming from Year 7, students will advance their skills in coding using Scratch. They will explore key concepts such as sequencing, variables, selection statements, operators, and loops, learning to create interactive programs and games. This unit helps students develop logical thinking and problem-solving abilities, essential skills in programming.
• 8.4 Spreadsheets: This unit introduces students to the power of spreadsheets as a tool for managing and analysing data. They will learn key spreadsheet terms, apply basic and advanced formulas, and use functions such as SUM, AVERAGE, and IF statements. Students will also explore the use of autofill and how to apply these formulas across multiple worksheets, culminating in an assessment where they demonstrate their ability to design, query, and interpret data using spreadsheets.

Each unit includes assessments that allow students to demonstrate their understanding of key concepts and apply their skills in practical projects. Following the assessments, feedback and reflection sessions ensure that students can review their progress, understand areas for improvement, and actively engage in their learning journey.

The Year 9 Computing curriculum aims to deepen students’ technical knowledge and creative problem-solving abilities. Building on the skills learned in previous years, these units cover digital design, programming, and data representation, preparing students for more advanced computing challenges in future studies.

• 9.1 & 9.2 – R095: Digital Graphics and Comic Creation: In this unit, students will explore digital design by interpreting client briefs, developing pre-production documents such as mind maps and storyboards, and using tools like the pen and shape tools in Adobe Fireworks. They will create their own comic book characters and layouts, demonstrating an understanding of design principles, dialogue creation, and the importance of scalability. The unit culminates in a series of assessments where students showcase their comic design process and finished products, followed by opportunities for feedback and reflection to support their ongoing development.
• 9.3 Python Programming: Students will continue their journey into programming by learning Python, one of the most widely used languages in both education and industry. They will explore core concepts such as loops, variables, and randomisation, as well as more advanced programming techniques like lists, IF statements, and input commands. Through practical coding tasks, they will build their understanding of how to design functional programs. This unit fosters logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of how programming can be applied to real-world scenarios.
• 9.4 Binary Representations: This unit introduces students to the fundamental concept of binary, the language that underpins all computing systems. Students will learn how to convert between binary and decimal, understand ASCII and its use in character encoding, and explore Boolean logic. In addition, they will develop skills in writing pseudocode and creating flowcharts to represent logical processes. These skills are essential for understanding how computers store, process, and communicate information, providing a strong foundation for further study in computer science.

Each unit includes assessments that allow students to apply their skills and demonstrate their understanding of key concepts. Our Year 9 Computing curriculum is designed to build confidence in technical skills, encourage creative thinking, and prepare students for the complex challenges of modern computing, ensuring students are equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

At KS4 students will study the Cambridge National in Creative iMedia. This course develops students’ knowledge and skills in digital media production, equipping them with both practical and theoretical understanding, preparing them for future careers in ICT, the creative industries and media-related fields.

• R093: Creative iMedia in the Media Industry
  Students will look at media industry, helping them develop an understanding of the different sectors and products within it. Students will explore a variety of job roles and career paths available in the industry and learn about the skills and attributes needed to succeed. This includes analysing how different media products are created to meet client and audience needs, exploring the legal and ethical issues involved in media production and understand the stages of a typical media production lifecycle, from planning through to distribution. This unit is externally assessed through a written exam.
• R094: Visual Identity and Digital Graphics
  In this unit, students will learn how to create visual identities for clients, focusing on branding and visual communication. They will develop an understanding of how visual identity can influence the way a business or organisation is perceived. This unit involves designing logos, colour schemes, and typography that represent a brand’s identity, understanding the principles of graphic design and how they apply to different media products and using industry-standard software to create digital graphics that meet specific client briefs. This unit is coursework-based.
• R095: Characters and Comics
  This unit allows students to delve into the world of comic creation, focusing on developing characters and designing comic books. Students will learn the creative and technical aspects of producing engaging visual narratives, which includes; interpreting client briefs to create unique and well-defined comic characters, designing storyboards and layouts for comic strips, considering visual flow and audience engagement and using digital tools to develop comic characters and create final comic designs. Like R094, this unit is also coursework-based.