Computing
Key Stage 3
The new computing curriculum equips students to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which students are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, students are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that students become digitally literate being able to use and express themselves and develop their ideas through information and communication technology at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world. All Year groups complete the Bebras Challenge after the October half term this introduces computational thinking to students worldwide. The challenge involves a series of interactive tasks, designed to encourage logical thinking and problem-solving skills appropriate for their age group. The tasks are designed to allow every student the opportunity to showcase their potential, whether they excel in maths or computing, or not. All student sin KS3 are taught in the maths groups and have 1 lesson per week. Each year covers a balanced mix of Computer Science, IT skills, and digital literacy.
Year 7
Year 7 begin the year practicing their typing skills before looking at collaborating online respectfully, focusing on how to organise their digital files, send respectful emails, use the formatting features of word processors and plan and present presentations. They are then introduced to the binary number system and learn how to convert between binary numbers and denary numbers. After Christmas the complete a topic on vector graphics, before moving onto understanding flow charts and beginning to learn coding through the use of Edublocks. The summer term is spent on understanding the role of various computing hardware before finishing with a topic on cyber security.
Year 8
In Year 8 students start by reviewing the cybersecurity the learned at the end of year 7 before moving on to work with functions and formulae in spreadsheets. They then recap binary numbers and learn how to add numbers in binary. After half term they complete the Bebras challenge before looking at bitmap images. After Christmas they build on their Edu blocks knowledge from year 7 and formalise this by beginning to code in the Python coding language. They then learn about the history of computers before looking at networks and how data travels over the internet. Year 8 finished with a unit on Physical Programming.
Year 9
Year 9 Begins by revisiting binary number system, reviewing conversions, addition and then building on this with binary shifts and converting to the hexadecimal number system. The look at logic gates and searching and sorting algorithms. They then look at IT in the world of work, before building on their python coding skills. The summer terms in Year 9 is spent looking at Machine learning and artificial intelligence before finishing off KS3 with an exciting Minecraft project.
Useful links:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zvc9q6f
GCSE Computing
The new computing curriculum equips students to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which students are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, students are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that students become digitally literate being able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through information and communication technology at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
In GCSE Computing students will learn to:
- Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation.
- Analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs.
- Think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically.
- Understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems.
- Understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society and apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science.
GCSE Computing Specification:
https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/558027-specification-gcse-computer-science-j277.pdf
BTEC Digital Information Technology
The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Digital Information Technology (603/7050/6) is for learners who want to acquire sector-specific applied knowledge and skills through vocational contexts by studying project planning, data management, data interpretation, data presentation and data protection as part of their Key Stage 4 learning.
The qualification recognises the value of learning skills, knowledge and vocational attributes to complement GCSEs. The qualification will broaden learners’ experience and understanding of the varied progression options available to them. The Tech Award gives learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific applied knowledge and skills through realistic vocational contexts.
The focus is on four areas of equal importance, which cover the development of key skills that prove your aptitude in digital information technology, such as project planning, designing and creating user interfaces and dashboards as a way to present and interpret data. Students learn about the process that underpins effective ways of working in digital information technology, such as project planning, the iterative design process, cyber security, virtual teams, legal and ethical codes of conduct. Students think about the attitudes that are considered most important in digital information technology, including personal management and communication and leave with the knowledge that underpins effective use of skills, process and attitudes in the sector such as how different user interfaces meet user needs, how organisations collect and use data to make decisions, virtual workplaces, cyber security and legal and ethical issues.
The digital sector is a major source of employment in the UK. Despite a turbulent economy in 2020 the Digital sector in the UK advertised 90,000 jobs per week during. Digital skills span all industries, and almost all jobs in the UK today require employees to have a good level of digital literacy. The UK Tech industry as a whole employs over 2.93 million people and has seen 40% growth between 2017-2019. The UK has positioned itself to be the ‘Digital capital of Europe’ as it continues to invest billions every year in digital skills and commerce. The modern world expects digital skills to be as important as English and maths. Having both technical skills and business understanding is the key to success.
Btec Digital Information Technology Specification
