In Year 7 Computing, the vision is to provide a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the fundamental aspects of computing. The curriculum begins with the Basics of Using a Computer, ensuring all students are comfortable with essential skills and software applications. Building on this foundation, we explore Computer Systems Architecture, giving students a solid understanding of how computer systems function and are organised. Data Representation follows, where students delve into the binary system, learning binary addition and conversion, which are crucial for understanding how computers process information. The course then covers Algorithms, focusing on the creation and interpretation of flowcharts, and the concepts of abstraction and decomposition, enabling students to break down complex problems into manageable parts. They will also engage in block-based programming to apply these concepts practically. Finally, in Web Design, students will spend the third term learning to plan and create their own websites, starting with basic HTML. This structured approach aims to build a robust foundation in computing principles, encouraging problem-solving, creativity, and logical thinking.

In Year 8 Computing, students will embark on an exciting journey through various essential topics, laying a solid foundation for future learning. The first half term focuses on E-Safety, ensuring students understand the importance of staying safe online, recognising potential threats, and adopting responsible digital behaviours. In the second half term, students delve into Data Representation, exploring hexadecimal systems, and learning about ASCII and Unicode, which are fundamental for understanding character encoding.

The second term introduces Logic Gates, where students will learn about AND, OR, and NOT gates, including their notation and how to construct basic circuits. Following this, the curriculum covers Legal, Cultural, and Environmental Issues in Computing, fostering awareness of the broader implications of technology in society.

In the third term, students will engage in a Scratch Project, building their own game to apply their knowledge in a creative and interactive way. Finally, the year concludes with an introduction to Python Programming Basics, providing students with the skills to write simple programs and understand basic coding principles.

In Year 9 Computing, students will explore advanced topics, building on their prior knowledge to develop a deeper understanding of key concepts in the field. The first half term revisits Data Representation, where students learn how data is represented in various forms, including images and sound, and the methods used for data compression. In the second half term, the curriculum covers Computer Systems Architecture, with an emphasis on memory and storage, and the Fetch, Decode, Execute cycle.

The second term introduces Networks, where students will compare Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN), understand networking hardware, and explore the differences between wired and wireless networking. This is followed by a study of Databases and SQL.

In the third term, students will delve into Computer Systems, including operating systems, utility software, and embedded systems, to understand the software that drives hardware. The year concludes with two engaging topics: Careers in Computing and Inspirational Practitioners of Computing, designed to inspire students by showcasing potential career paths and influential figures in the computing world. This comprehensive curriculum aims to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Year 7

Term 1a:

The Basics of Using a Computer – Office Programs and Using the Drives

Term 1b:

Computer Systems Architecture – Hardware Components & Storage

Term 2a:

Data Representation - Binary

Term 2b:

Algorithms – Flowcharts, Abstraction, Decomposition and Block-based programming

Term 3a:

Web Design – Planning a project

Term 3b:

Web Design – Building a project in HTML

 

Year 8

Term 1a:

E-Safety

Term 1b:

Data Representation – Hexadecimal, ASCII & Unicode

Term 2a:

Logic Gates – AND, OR & NOT (Notation and Circuits)

Term 2b:

Legal, Cultural and Environmental Issues in Computing

Term 3a:

Scratch Project – Building a Game

Term 3b:

Python Programming Basics

 

Year 9

Term 1a:

Data Representation – Representing Data (Images, Sound, Compression)

Term 1b:

Computer Systems Architecture (Memory and Storage) – The Fetch, Decode Execute Cycle

Term 2a:

Networks (LAN v WAN, Hardware, Wired vs Wireless Networking)

Term 2b:

Databases and SQL

Term 3a:

Computer Systems (Operating Systems, Utility Software, Embedded Systems)

Term 3b:

2 topics (Careers in Computing & Inspirational Practioners of Computing)

 

For each half-term there is a Knowledge Expert Sheet which outlines the essential knowledge that all students in Year 7, 8 and 9 need to know.
 

Online Courses and Tutorials: Students can explore online platforms like Khan Academy, Codecademy, or Coursera, which offer interactive courses and tutorials on topics such as HTML, binary systems, and block-based programming.

Coding Clubs and Competitions: Joining a coding club or participating in competitions like the UK Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge can provide practical experience and foster a deeper understanding of algorithms and problem-solving skills.

Project-Based Learning: Encouraging students to undertake personal projects, such as creating a small website or developing a simple game using block-based programming tools like Scratch, can help them apply their knowledge and explore their creativity.

Students demonstrate their depth of knowledge by completing their Knowledge Expert Books.

In Year 10 Computing, students will enhance their skills in user interfaces, data handling, and digital working practices, setting the stage for future studies and careers in technology. The year begins with Exploring User Interfaces & Project Planning, teaching students to design and plan computing projects. This is followed by completing Coursework 1 of their NEA, applying these skills practically.

In Term 2a, students focus on Collecting, Presenting, and Interpreting Data using Excel, learning to create charts and graphs. Term 2b advances their Excel skills with formulas, VLookUp, and database design, essential for data management.

In Term 3a, students complete coursework on Collecting, Presenting, and Interpreting Data, refining their abilities further. The year concludes with Effective Digital Working Practices, covering data characteristics, representation, processing suitability, data collection, information quality, sectors using modelling, and digital threats.

In Year 11 Computing, students will gain crucial skills in data security, responsible digital practices, and examination preparation, laying a solid foundation for future academic and professional success. The year begins with a focus on understanding threats to data, prevention and management strategies, and data protection policies. Students will learn to safeguard information in a digital world. This is followed by a study of responsible use and the legal and ethical considerations in computing, fostering accountability and integrity.

As the year progresses, students will prepare for examinations by learning various forms of notation essential for solving computing problems and engaging in thorough mock exam preparation. Term 2b focuses on intensive exam practice with in-class past papers, providing hands-on experience and detailed feedback to refine examination techniques. The year culminates in final examinations, where students will showcase their knowledge and skills acquired throughout the year.

 

Year 10

Term 1a:

Exploring User Interfaces & Project Planning

Term 1b:

Internal Coursework Completion – Students will complete Coursework 1 of their NEA.

Term 2a:

Collecting, Presenting, and Interpreting Data – Excel Skills

Term 2b:

Excel – Formulas, VLookUp, Database Design

Term 3a:

Internal Coursework Completion –  Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data.

Term 3b:

Effective Digital Working Practises – Modern Technologies, Impacts of Modern Technologies.

 

Year 11

Term 1a:

Threats to Data, Prevention and management of threats to data, Policies

Term 1b:

Responsible Use & Legal and Ethical

Term 2a:

Forms of Notation / Mock Examination Preparation

Term 2b:

In-class past papers (Exam practice and feedback)

Term 3a:

Examinations

For each half-term there is a Knowledge Expert Sheet which outlines the essential knowledge that all students in Year 10 and 11 need to know.

By purchasing and revising from the BTEC DIT Book – Available for purchase through the school.

Students demonstrate their depth of knowledge by completing their Knowledge Expert Books.