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Computing
Computing Curriculum Intent
- To provide students with the fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding needed to become digitally literate and a responsible member of the online community.
- To provide students with the fundamental IT skills, knowledge and understanding needed to engage, work, and thrive in an ever-changing digital world.
- To provide students with the fundamental computational skills, knowledge and understanding needed to understand how digital devices work, using skills applicable to everyday life.
Year 7
Year 7 - 1 lesson per week
In Year 7 students will develop the generic but fundamental skills required to:
- Use a computer and other digital devices. This includes how to use basic office software for work skills purposes.
- Use programming software. This includes an introduction to algorithms and computational thinking.
- Define one’s self-image and identity and their digital self-image and identity.
As in all years, students learn how to use the Internet safely and how to report varying types of potential online issues. This includes any hot topics that arise at the time.
| Topic | Focus | |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn 1 | Digital Literacy & Information Technology |
Using a Computer & The Internet Baselining |
| Autumn 2 | Computer Science | Introduction to algorithms and coding |
| Spring 1 | Digital Literacy & Information Technology | Using devices & security settings |
| Spring 2 | Computer Science |
Code.org Computer Science Fundamentals |
| Summer 1 | Digital Literacy | Self-Image & Identity |
| Summer 2 | Computer Science |
Scratch Introduction and Fundamentals |
Year 8 & 9
Year 8/9 - 2 lessons per week
Over the course of 2 years (cycle 1 & 2) students in Years 8 and 9 will develop the skills learnt in year 7 and apply them to more complex scenarios and real life situations. These skills include:
- How to use more office programs including more online applications and how to create documents used in everyday life.
- Creating more complex programs in Scratch and using other programming software, learning skills such as loops, lists, and planning algorithms/programs.
- How to manage online information and data, and how to identify and manage one’s mental health and wellbeing.
As in all years, students learn how to use the Internet safely and how to report varying types of potential online issues. This includes any hot topics that arise at the time.
| Cycle 1 | Topic | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn 1 | Digital Literacy | Online Relationships & Online Reputation |
| Autumn 2 | Information technology | Using Microsoft Office |
| Spring 1 | Computer Science | Scratch: building on introduction and fundamentals |
| Spring 2 | Digital Literacy | Online Bullying |
| Summer 1 | Computer Science | Code.org – Computer Science Discoveries |
| Summer 2 | Computer Science | Code.org – Computer Science Discoveries |
| Cycle 2 | Topic | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn 1 | Digital Literacy | Managing Online Information & Health, Well-being & Lifestyle |
| Autumn 2 | Information Technology | Explore a Topic with Research and Collaboration |
| Spring 1 | Computer Science | Creating & designing robotics |
| Spring 2 | Computer Science | Code.org – Computer Science Discoveries |
| Summer 1 | Digital Literacy | Privacy & Security & Copyright & Ownership |
| Summer 2 | Computer Science | Code.org – Computer Science Discoveries |
Year 10 & 11
QUALIFICATION & Assessment: Edexcel Functional Skills - Entry Level 1 to Foundation Level 1/2
In Years 10 and 11 students focus on gaining a qualification in Functional Skills ICT (from entry levels to functional skills). Previously learnt skills are built upon to ensure our students leave with digital life skills and in most cases a qualification as well. The skills needed for the exams include:
-
Using the Internet for research whilst checking for reliability.
-
Using the Internet for professional communications via E-mail.
-
Using Microsoft Office software to create documents following work life briefs at a standard that could be used in a professional environment.
As in all years, students learn how to use the Internet safely and how to report varying types of potential online issues. This includes any hot topics that arise at the time.
| Year 10 | Topic | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Functional Skills | Microsoft Word & Excel |
| Spring | Functional Skills | Internet Research and Practical Solutions |
| Summer | Functional Skills | Revision & Mock Exam |
| Year 11 | Topic | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Functional Skills | Microsoft Word & Excel |
| Spring | Functional Skills | Revision and Mock Exam |
| Summer | Functional Skills & Project | Exam & Year 11 Media Project |
