Intent

Computational thinking is a fundamental Skill for everyone, not just for computer scientists. It is a universal attitude and skill set, just like reading, writing, and arithmetic. 

jeannette wing

Curriculum Rationale: Computing

Powerful knowledge in Computing – Why do we teach these concepts?

It is difficult to find any significant aspect of modern life or employment that has not been shaped by computing. Because technology evolves so quickly, we do not simply train students to use particular software. Instead, we teach the underlying ideas and principles of computer science, so that students develop a lasting understanding of how computers work, how to solve problems computationally, and how to communicate safely and responsibly online.

Computing plays an increasing part in young people’s lives, and the safe and responsible use of technology is a key component of our curriculum. Students explore how technology has evolved and continues to evolve, how it changes the way we communicate, and how it affects society around the world. By understanding how computing has developed, students are better prepared to adapt to whatever comes next.

We have deliberately built our curriculum around thinking like a computer scientist. Students develop the tools of computational thinking, including abstraction, decomposition, pattern recognition and algorithmic thinking, alongside a desire to find efficient and elegant solutions. These are the foundations of the GCSE Computer Science course and of computing beyond school.

Curriculum Features - How do we embed the learning?

The aim of our curriculum is to develop an understanding of ideas and principles, rather than simply training students to use software that is likely to be out of date by the time they leave school. By developing confident, computational thinkers, we help students acquire future technology skills for themselves and keep pace with rapid change.

The curriculum spirals around the broad themes of using computers safely and responsibly, digital literacy, digital creativity, programming, data and computer systems, and communication and networks. Within each theme, students are first introduced to concepts using accessible tools, before revisiting the theme to develop increasing mastery.

Our programming journey is a clear example of this spiral. In Year 7, students build their first game in Scratch, using visual blocks. In Year 8, they bridge from blocks to text with Edublocks, seeing how block code maps onto written code. In Year 9, they move to Python, a professional text-based language, which continues into GCSE Computer Science. The aim is not to master any single tool but to build a secure understanding of the principles of programming that transfer to any language. Mastery of computing concepts is achieved by regularly revisiting taught ideas.

Alongside programming, students study how computers work (including the CPU and memory), data representation, computer networks, and cyber security, building the knowledge that underpins GCSE Computer Science.

Curriculum Enrichment – How do we link with other subjects and offer experiences?

Computing has deep links with Mathematics, Science, Design Technology and Business, and connects to fast-evolving areas such as app design, cyber security and e-commerce. Examples of how Computing links to other subjects include:

“Build Your First Game” (Scratch in Year 7, extended through Python in Year 9) links with Design Technology (project planning and storyboarding), Art (design elements), English (creative writing and scripts) and Maths (sequencing instructions and logical thinking).

“Staying Safe and Smart Online” (Year 7) explores e-safety, digital footprints and how to recognise online risks, linking with PSHE (wellbeing and online conduct) and English (persuasive and advisory writing).

“3D Modelling and Animation” (Year 9, using Blender) develops digital creativity and links with Art and Design and with Maths (coordinates, shape and transformation in three dimensions).

What Skills are developed with ICT?

By studying Computing, students develop e-safety awareness, including how to stay safe when using devices and social media, and how to protect their own and others’ wellbeing online. They explore computer hardware and investigate its functions, learning where and why specific hardware is used.

Students further develop problem-solving, logical thinking, creativity, planning and evaluative skills. They learn to write and debug programs, to break problems down into manageable steps, and to interpret a brief and produce a solution that meets given requirements, a key skill across the whole computing industry.

Careers using ICT

The modern world runs on technology, and Computing supports almost every industry. There are many progression routes after this course. Following Year 11, students could progress to sixth form or college to study A Level Computer Science alongside other qualifications, and then to a professional course, an undergraduate degree, or a postgraduate qualification.

After gaining the right qualifications, there are many sectors to specialise in, including software engineering, IT support, cyber security, systems analysis and design, networks, database administration, web and multimedia, and areas that overlap with electrical and electronic engineering.

Because almost every organisation now uses computing, the range of employers is vast: technology companies, finance and commerce, local government and the Civil Service, the NHS, games development, web design agencies, aerospace, manufacturing and education. Popular careers for people with computing qualifications include:

• Software developer / programmer
• Games programmer
• Cyber security analyst
• Network engineer
• Data analyst
• Data scientist
• Database administrator
• Web developer
• Application analyst
• IT support technician
• IT consultant
• Information systems manager
• Systems analyst
• Graphics and multimedia designer