Curriculum

Computing & IT

| Education | Curriculum | Computing & IT
The computing curriculum teaches pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to solve problems. They will learn the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to create programs and systems of their own. As a result, our pupils will become responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.
Curriculum Overview
Year 7 Year 8
  • Basic problems
  • Written descriptions
  • Flowcharts
  • Basic pseudo code syntax
  • Arithmetic operators
  • Loops and nested IF’s
  • Sorting and searching algorithms
  • Command sequence
  • Code readability
  • Strings and functions
  • User input and validation
  • Binary and analogue
  • Representing information
  • Hexadecimal
  • Representation of sound
  • Data compression
  • Encryption
  • Hardware and software
  • Networks
  • Data types and variables
  • Variable initialisation
  • Advanced strings and functions
  • Two-dimensional arrays
  • Reading and writing from files
  • Subprograms
  • Testing and evaluation
  • Sign and magnitude
  • Binary, denary and hexadecimal
  • Recording sound waves
  • Data storage and compression
KS4 Option Choice: OCR GCSE Computer Science
Year 9 Year 10 Year 11

Computer systems

  • Systems Architecture
  • Memory
  • Storage
  • Wired and wireless networks
  • Network topologies, protocols and layers
  • System security
  • System software
  • Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns

Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

  • Algorithms
  • Programming techniques
  • Producing robust programs
  • Computational logic
  • Translators and facilities of languages
  • Data representation

Programming project

  • Programming techniques
  • Analysis
  • Design
  • Development
  • Testing and evaluation and conclusions
 This qualification is completed in Year 10.
KS4 Option Choice: OCR Cambridge National Certificate in Creative iMedia
Year 9 Year 10 Year 11

Pupils will study two compulsory units:

  • R081: Preproduction skills
  • R082: Creating digital graphics

Pupils will then select a further two optional units from the following list:

  • R083: Creating 2D and 3D digital characters
  • R084: Storytelling with a comic strip
  • R085: Creating a multi-page website
  • R086: Creating a digital animation
  • R087: Creating interactive multimedia products
  • R088: Creating a digital sound sequence OR R089: Creating a digital video sequence
  • R090: Digital photography
  • R091: Designing a game concept
  • R092: Developing digital games
 This qualification is completed in Year 10.
Assessment

Internal assessments take place every half-term.

KS4 Exam Board Specification:

Enrichment Offer

The Department offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and pupils are able to use the Academy’s state-of-the-art IT facilities at both lunchtime and after school. Pupils are able to take part in school-wide competitions, as well as representing the Academy in local and national competitions designed to increase their engagement and enhance their subject knowledge. Intervention sessions to consolidate prior learning and ensure maximum progress are at the heart of our delivery model.

Useful Resources and Revision Support