Welcome to Computing

Computing & IT is studied by all students in KS3 with further options in KS4

Aim of the Computing & IT Curriculum:

The key aims of the KS3 Computing Curriculum are to:

Provide a solid foundation in the understanding of Computer Science concepts:

• Introduce students to Data Representation, How Computers Work which includes integral Hardware, Software and Integral Components and how this work together.

Develop problem-solving and programming skills:

• Be able to apply Computational Thinking to scenarios to problem solve real life problems
• Students should be able to use Python Programming to write basic print, input, output and selection statements
• Be able to apply their Computational Thinking to Programming concepts such as being able to debug their own and other programs

Encourage an understanding of algorithms:

• How Computers use Algorithms to Search and Sort Data and the different algorithms which are commonly used

Promote awareness of digital safety and cybersecurity:

• Emphasise to students the importance of their own and others security in the digital world, posed by cyberthreats, while fostering responsible use of technology available to them
• Give students tools to recognise cyberthreats and how to respond to them at different stages of life

Expose students to the broader impacts of computing:

• Develop an understanding of how Computing is evolving as an industry and the impacts that this has on society and industries, as well as the environment. This is done through the use of seeing how quickly Computing has evolved as a subjec as well as where it is going in the future.

Prepare students for a digital world and careers which use computers:

• Giving students the digital literacy and IT Skills which are commonly used in all fields of work e.g. touch typing, research skills and general office skills

The knowledge the students will have by the end of the course:

Computer Systems

• Understand the components of a computer system (hardware and software).
• Knowledge of operating systems and file management.
• Awareness of how networks work, including the internet and basic networking concepts.
• Understanding data types, binary, and how information is processed and stored.

Programming & Algorithms

• Knowledge of key programming concepts such as variables, loops, conditionals, and functions.
• Ability to design and write simple programs using a block-based language (lSmall Basic)and text-based programming languages (Python).
• Understanding of algorithms and how they can be used to solve problems.
• Ability to plan, test, and debug programs effectively.

Cybersecurity

• Understanding of online safety, including secure passwords, encryption, and recognizing potential online threats (phishing, malware, etc.).
• Knowledge of the importance of data protection, privacy, and responsible behaviour online.
• Familiarity with the risks of social media, cyberbullying, and the concept of a digital footprint.
• Data Representation
• Understanding of how data is represented in computers, including binary, text, images, and sound.
• Familiarity with the concept of compression and how data can be stored efficiently.

Impact of Computing

• Awareness of the ethical, social, and legal issues surrounding computing, including privacy concerns, digital rights, and the impact of technology on society.

Our students develop their talents and gain all-important knowledge and information about the digital world with iDEA. Winning career-enhancing badges, unlocking new opportunities and, ultimately, gaining industry-recognised Awards that help them stand out from the crowd.

Read more about the iDEA Award Scheme here...

Visit our Online Safety page for information, links and resources for students and parents about how to stay safe online.