Computing

Our Year 7 Computing curriculum provides students with a strong introduction to the world of digital technology. Across the year, students develop essential knowledge of online safety, computer systems, vector graphics, algorithms, and programming fundamentals. They are encouraged to think critically about the impact of technology while also building their problem-solving and creative skills through practical tasks. This foundation equips students with the confidence to navigate both the digital world and future areas of study in Computing.

7.1 E-Safety

Students will learn about the importance of staying safe online and how to recognise potential risks. They will explore topics such as fake news, online challenges, live streaming, data harvesting, and cybersecurity. These lessons are designed to help students become confident, responsible digital citizens who can protect themselves in the online world. The unit is assessed through a written paper out of 20.

7.2 Computer Systems

This unit introduces students to the foundations of computer systems. They will learn about the differences between wired and wireless networks, how the Internet works, and the role of services such as IP addresses, packets, and domain names. Students will also explore the World Wide Web and its impact on everyday life, including internet-connected devices. The unit is assessed through a written paper out of 20.

7.3 Vector Graphics

Students will explore the world of vector graphics and how they are used in both creative and professional contexts. They will learn the differences between vector and bitmap graphics, the advantages and disadvantages of vector graphics, and how to create their own digital artwork using tools such as the Pen Tool. By the end of the unit, students will understand the use of vector graphics in everyday life and complete a creative project assessed out of 20.

7.4 Algorithms

This unit introduces students to the fundamental building blocks of computing. They will develop an understanding of hardware, software, and the role of algorithms in problem-solving. Key topics include sequencing, algorithm design, and the computer system model. Students will also practise writing and applying their own algorithms. The unit is assessed through a written paper out of 20.

7.5 Flowcharts

Students will learn how to represent algorithms visually through flowcharts. They will explore the purpose of flowchart symbols, practise building flowcharts to represent processes, and develop their skills through increasingly advanced tasks, including creating flowcharts for a game scenario. The unit concludes with an assessment, marked through a written paper out of 20.

7.6 Scratch

This unit introduces students to programming through Scratch, a block-based coding platform. Students will learn how to use the Scratch environment to design and develop a Pacman-style game. They will explore sprite movements, variables, and coding techniques to bring their projects to life. The unit ends with a practical project, marked out of 20.

Our Year 8 Computing curriculum builds on the foundational skills introduced in Year 7, with a focus on deeper understanding of data management, artificial intelligence, digital design, and programming. Students explore the power of spreadsheets, the role of AI and machine learning in modern society, and develop creative skills through bitmap graphics. They also gain practical experience in web development with HTML and CSS, alongside learning how data is represented through binary. Python programming consolidates their understanding of algorithms and problem-solving. The curriculum is designed to encourage both technical proficiency and creativity, equipping students with the skills necessary for success in an increasingly digital world.

8.1 Spreadsheets

Students will develop their understanding of spreadsheets and their use in everyday life. They will explore key terms, learn to apply a range of basic and advanced formulas, and use functions such as SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, and IF. Students will also practise using features like auto fill to save time and increase accuracy. The unit concludes with a practical project, marked out of 20.

8.2 AI and Machine Learning

This unit introduces students to the exciting world of artificial intelligence and machine learning. They will learn how machines make decisions, explore real-world applications such as image recognition and chatbots, and investigate the strengths and weaknesses of AI. Students will also experiment with text sentiment analysis and consider both the opportunities and challenges of this technology. The unit is assessed through a written paper out of 20.

8.3 Bitmap Graphics

Students will explore the foundations of bitmap graphics and digital image editing. They will learn about pixels, resolution, and colour depth, as well as how compression affects image quality. Using tools such as the magic wand, polygon lasso, and pen tool, students will practise editing and enhancing bitmap images by applying effects like opacity and gradients. The unit concludes with a creative project, marked out of 20.

8.4 HTML

This unit introduces students to web development through HTML and CSS. Students will learn the syntax of HTML, explore how to add images to webpages, and understand how CSS is used to style and enhance designs. They will then apply their skills to create their own fully functioning webpage, demonstrating both structure and design. The unit ends with a written assessment, marked out of 20.

8.5 Binary

Students will gain an understanding of binary, the fundamental language of computers. They will learn how to convert between binary and decimal, add binary values together, and explore how binary is used to represent images and characters. By examining different character sets and storage methods, students will understand how binary underpins modern computing. The unit concludes with a written assessment, marked out of 20.

8.6 Python

This unit introduces students to the Python programming language, building on their knowledge of algorithms. Students will learn to write code for outputs, variables, and inputs, and will explore how to apply selection using if statements. By developing small programs, they will build confidence in writing and testing code. The unit concludes with a practical project, marked out of 20.

Our Year 9 Computing curriculum prepares students for the transition into KS4 study by combining theoretical knowledge with project-based learning. Students explore the impact of computing on society, develop advanced programming skills, and engage in creative digital media projects. By working through extended assignments split into two parts, they experience a more professional design and development process, building resilience, independence, and technical expertise. This approach ensures that students are ready to meet the challenges of formal qualifications in Computing.

9.1 iMedia in the Media Industry

Students will gain an insight into the media industry and the importance of pre-production planning. They will learn about work planning, teamwork, and resource management, before moving on to design documents such as storyboards, wireframes, and scripts. This unit helps students to understand how ideas are developed and communicated within media projects. The unit ends with a written assessment, marked out of 20.

9.2 Visual Identity and Digital Graphics Project (Part 1)

Students will begin a creative project focused on building a visual identity. They will interpret client briefs, design mood boards, and create annotated sketches of logos. Using their ideas, they will design and produce a visual identity for a given brand. This project is assessed through a practical task, marked out of 20.

9.2 Visual Identity and Digital Graphics Project (Part 2)

In the second half of this project, students will further develop their design skills. They will use pre-production documents such as mind maps and visualisation diagrams to plan their work and prepare assets for digital editing. They will then create and refine their final product, applying advanced editing techniques to improve quality. The project concludes with an assessment, marked out of 20.

9.3 Computer Science Theory

Students will explore the impact of computing on society, considering legal, ethical, and environmental issues. They will learn about computing legislation, ethical challenges, and the environmental effects of technology. The unit concludes with a debate, allowing students to develop their critical thinking and communication skills. The unit is assessed through a written paper, marked out of 20.

9.4 Characters and Comics Graphics Project (Part 1)

Students will begin by exploring pre-production documents and interpreting client briefs. They will then use Adobe Fireworks tools such as the pen tool and convert marquee to path to design and create comic-style characters and objects. The project is assessed through a creative task, marked out of 20.

9.4 Characters and Comics Graphics Project (Part 2)

In the second half of this project, students will design storyboards, create panel backgrounds and layouts, and add dialogue to bring their comic stories to life. They will also evaluate their finished product, suggesting improvements to enhance their work. This project is assessed through a practical evaluation, marked out of 20.

At KS4 students with study the Cambridge National in Creative iMedia. This course develop students’ knowledge and skills in digital media production, equipping then with both practical and theoretical understanding, preparing them for future careers in the creative industries or further study in media-related fields.

• R093: Creative iMedia in the Media Industry
  Students will look at media industry, helping them develop an understanding of the different sectors and products within it. Students will explore a variety of job roles and career paths available in the industry and learn about the skills and attributes needed to succeed. This includes analysing how different media products are created to meet client and audience needs, exploring the legal and ethical issues involved in media production and understand the stages of a typical media production lifecycle, from planning through to distribution. This unit is externally assessed through a written exam.
• R094: Visual Identity and Digital Graphics
  In this unit, students will learn how to create visual identities for clients, focusing on branding and visual communication. They will develop an understanding of how visual identity can influence the way a business or organisation is perceived. This unit involves designing logos, colour schemes, and typography that represent a brand’s identity, understanding the principles of graphic design and how they apply to different media products and using industry-standard software to create digital graphics that meet specific client briefs. This unit is coursework-based.
• R095: Characters and Comics
  This unit allows students to delve into the world of comic creation, focusing on developing characters and designing comic books. Students will learn the creative and technical aspects of producing engaging visual narratives, which includes; interpreting client briefs to create unique and well-defined comic characters, designing storyboards and layouts for comic strips, considering visual flow and audience engagement and using digital tools to develop comic characters and create final comic designs. Like R094, this unit is also coursework-based.