Curriculum Statement - Computing

Powerful Knowledge in Computing

Powerful Knowledge in computing is based on the ability to abstract and decompose a problem to produce a solution through thorough investigation. Students have opportunities throughout KS3 to produce robust and considered solutions to problems posed in class. Alongside this, it is important students develop an understanding of how the hardware within a computer functions, removing the ‘black box’ nature of technology.

 

Curriculum Features

The KS3 curriculum is designed to ensure students have a grounding in the fundamental concepts of the discipline. Students start in Year 7 learning about E-Safety. They then move on to learning about the physical components that make up a computer. After this students move onto Python programming and develop their knowledge of algorithms and writing code. Finally in Year 7 students learn about modelling and how we can use models to break down scenarios and analyse data. In Year 8 students begin by creating computer games in Kodu. They then move on to Data Representation where students study Binary and Hexadecimal, and how computers store images and and sound files. Students then move onto Sound and Vision where they learn to combine sound editing and video editing software to create a movie of their own.

 

Co Curriculum Enrichment

• Students have the opportunity to compete in a ‘Hackathon’ organised in co-operation with Thales UK
• Students have the opportunity to undertake the ‘100 days of code’ challenge during the Electives programme
• Students have the opportunity to visit Thales UK to undertake STEM activities there and see how Computer Science is used in industry