ICT and Computing
ICT/Computing is delivered following the National Curriculum and prepares our pupils for rapidly changing advancements in the world of modern computing.
Pupils are taught vital areas in computing, which are ‘Computing Science’, ‘Information Technology’, ‘Digital Literacy’ and ‘Online Safety’. Pupils will learn skills such as writing/debugging computer programs and algorithms; constructing flowcharts to control systems; researching, analysing and presenting information; staying safe online and on mobile devices. Pupils also use skills taught across the curriculum, further develop their numeracy, literacy and communication skills.
Based on their suitability, pupils are entered for an exciting range of qualifications. These include WJEC Entry Pathways (Entry Level 1, Entry Level 2,
Entry Level 3 or Level 1) or OCR Entry Level Computing Science.
ICT and Computing Curriculum Overview
ICT and Computing Curriculum Topics
Computing in Primary
Pupils study a range of topics in line with the national curriculum such as:
Online Safety
Computer Skills – Word processing, using and applying
Computer Art – Drawing and DTP
Internet Research – Communication and Presentation skills
Programming BeeBots and Robots
Programming with Scratch, Game Development.
ICT and Computing in Year 7
In Year 7 we begin to use our virtual learning platform (School360) more independently. We also enjoy using Google Classroom for the first time. Having our Computing work assigned to us in Google Classroom helps us to build our ICT and Computing skills, making sure we are ready for our learning, not only in Computing lessons but also across the rest of the curriculum.
We discover how to use the school network appropriately, which is linked heavily to e-safety. This builds in time for teacher-led discussions on why appropriate usage is important, as well as allowing for opportunities to highlight online safety issues.
We begin every school year with a block of bespoke online safety lessons. We learn about current issues that are relevant to us to ensure that we can keep ourselves and others safe online. Online safety is also embedded through the curriculum all year round. In addition to this, our Online Safety Champions share relevant information throughout the year to ensure everyone is kept up to date.
We are introduced to the wonderful world of spreadsheets and the concept of cell referencing. We collect, analyse, and manipulate data, before turning it into graphs and charts.
We look at computer networks and we imagine a world without them: there would be no more YouTube, Google, instant messaging, online video gaming, Netflix, and iTunes! No online shopping, no file sharing and no central backups of information. We are not keen on this idea! We define a network and address the benefits of networking, before covering how data is transmitted across networks using protocols.
We investigate Programming with Scratch. The aim is to build our confidence and knowledge of the key programming constructs. The main programming concepts covered in this unit are sequencing, variables and selection. We build upon our understanding of the control structures’ sequence, selection, and iteration (the big three), and develop problem-solving skills.
We have fun discovering the beauty of vector graphics and developing our own creations. We enjoy using drawing tools to produce different effects and we recognise that vector drawings consist of layers which add to the overall outcome.
In Year 7 we are building upon our existing skills, asking questions and making new discoveries.
ICT and Computing in Year 8
n Year 8 we begin with a block of bespoke online safety lessons. We learn about current issues that are relevant to us to ensure that we can keep ourselves and others safe online. Online safety is also embedded through the curriculum all year round. In addition to this, our Online Safety Champions share relevant information throughout the year to ensure everyone is kept up to date.
We continue to discover new aspects of our virtual learning platform (School360) and Google Classroom. We are now becoming more confident using both of these platforms.
We enjoy looking at how digital media is used to give messages, including news and adverts. We research these areas and then combine text and graphics to create our own exciting piece of digital media.
We take a look through the different layers of computing systems: from programs and the operating system, to the physical components that store and execute these programs, to the fundamental binary building blocks that these components consist of. We explore the building blocks of the World Wide Web, HTML, and CSS. We investigate how websites are catalogued and organised for effective retrieval using search engines.
We also investigate the basics of text-based programming with Python. These lessons form a journey that starts with simple programs involving input and output. We introduce binary digits as the symbols computers use to perform tasks and focus on the representation of text and numbers
We also have the chance to explore the entire process of creating our own mobile app, using App Lab from code.org. We use block based programming language which includes sequencing and selection to develop our games. We get the chance to perform user research and design our own app.
In Year 8 we enjoy the real life aspects of our learning. We are able to see how ICT and Computing is linked heavily to our everyday lives and how it will play a big part in our future.
ICT and Computing in Year 9
In Year 9 we begin the academic year with a series of online safety lessons. During these lessons we delve into real life issues that are relevant to us. We discuss and debate these issues and become confident that we can keep ourselves and others safe online. Online safety is also embedded through the curriculum all year round. In addition to this, our Online Safety Champions share relevant information throughout the year to ensure everyone is kept up to date.
We continue to use our online learning platform (School360) and we use Google Classroom to develop our IT skills.
We investigate the techniques that cybercriminals use to steal data, disrupt systems, and infiltrate networks. We start by considering the value our data holds and what organisations might use it for. We then learn about social engineering and other common cybercrimes, and finally we look at methods to protect against these attacks.
We delve deeper into data science, and by the end of this unit we feel empowered by knowing how to use data to investigate problems and make changes to the world around us.
We enjoy discovering the world of animation. We research our favourite animations and learn how they are created. We also discover how the professionals create 3D animations and we use the industry-standard software package, Blender to create our own. By completing this unit we gain a greater understanding of how this important creative field is used to make the media products that we consume.
We spend some time looking at physical computing. This unit applies and enhances our programming skills in a new engaging context using the BBC micro:bit or the Raspberry Pi. We look at Python Programming with sequences of data. This unit introduces us to how data can be represented and processed in sequences, such as lists and strings. The lessons cover a spectrum of operations on sequences of data, that range from accessing an individual element to manipulating the entire sequence.
We also have the opportunity to focus on making digital media such as images and sound. We discover how media is stored as binary code. We will draw on familiar examples which will help us to understand how the underlying principles of digital representations are applied in real settings.
In Year 8 we enjoy discovering real world examples of IT and Computing. We can relate to our learning and we link it to things that happen in our lives. We are inspired by technology and look to the future, imagining what could be next and if we could be part of those new innovations.
ICT and Computing in Year 10
In Year 10 our pupils take one of two paths. They either access the WJEC Entry Pathways for Information Technology or the GCSE Computer Science.
In the WJEC Entry Pathways sessions the pupils will work towards either an Entry Level 1, Entry Level 2, Entry Level 3 or Level 1 qualification.
The level will be decided as the course progresses and we evaluate the coursework that has been completed by the pupils. The units that the pupils will cover throughout the year are IT User Fundamentals, Improving Productivity and Presentation Software.
If the Pupils are going down the GCSE route they will spend this year working on the following components: systems architecture, memory, storage, networks, security, software, ethical concerns, legal concerns, cultural concerns, environmental concerns, algorithms and programming techniques, producing robust programs and computational logic.
All pupils are taught a series of bespoke online safety lessons during the first half term of the school year. Key messages about staying safe online are also embedded throughout the curriculum all year round. We have a team of Online Safety Champions who share relevant information throughout the year to ensure everyone is kept up to date.
ICT and Computing in Year 11
In Year 11 our pupils continue down the path that they began in Year 10. They either access the WJEC Entry Pathways for Information Technology or the GCSE Computer Science.
In the WJEC Entry Pathways sessions the pupils will work towards either an Entry Level 1, Entry Level 2, Entry Level 3 or Level 1 qualification. The level will be decided as the course progresses and we evaluate the coursework that has been completed by the pupils. The units that the pupils will cover throughout the year are Spreadsheet Software and Word Processing Software. Followed by an additional unit called IT and the World of Work.
If the Pupils are going down the GCSE route they will spend this year working on the following components: Computational thinking, translators and facilities of languages and data representation. The pupils will also carry out revision and exam preparation to ensure that they are fully prepared for the exams.
All pupils are taught a series of bespoke online safety lessons during the first half term of the school year. Key messages about staying safe online are also embedded throughout the curriculum all year round. We have a team of Online Safety Champions who share relevant information throughout the year to ensure everyone is kept up to date.