Overview

Students at Key Stage 3 will design, use, and evaluate computational abstractions that model real-world problems and physical systems. They will learn two text-based programming languages, Python and HTML, and develop an understanding of how computers work by exploring the hardware that makes up computer systems. Pupils will learn how instructions are stored and executed and how computers can represent images, music, and text.

The curriculum also emphasises safe, responsible, and respectful use of technology, including protecting online identity and privacy, recognising inappropriate content, and knowing how to report concerns. The computing syllabus covers three main areas: digital literacy, computer science, and information technology.

Year 7

Students are introduced to IT skills to support other subjects, alongside the basics of programming, algorithms, and computer hardware.

  • Introduction to school systems including Teams, OneDrive, Email, Word, hardware, and inputs/outputs

  • Touch typing (1 lesson plus practice at home using TypDojo)

  • Binary, hexadecimal, ASCII, and character sets, including converting binary to denary and adding binary numbers

  • Introduction to computer hardware: naming and describing components of a PC

  • E-safety basics: passwords, social media, online safety

  • Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

  • Introduction to databases: setting up structures, entering data, and interrogating data

  • Scratch block programming as preparation for Python in Year 8

  • Photoshop: basic image manipulation

Year 8

Year 8 builds on Year 7 knowledge, with a stronger focus on programming, including textual coding, and computational thinking.

  • Scratch programming: creating games with specific criteria

  • Turing Tumble: computational problem-solving and debugging

  • Careers in computing

  • E-safety: TikTok, online grooming, and the Breck Bednar case

  • Microbit projects using Python: introduction to programming basics and bespoke projects

  • App creation

  • Introduction to networks

  • Photoshop: continued development of image skills

Year 9

Year 9 prepares students for GCSE Computer Science and BTEC DIT courses, with deeper programming practice and introduction to theory.

  • Cybersecurity fundamentals

  • Photoshop: creating a logo

  • Careers in Computer Science

  • App creation using Appshed, integrating previously created Photoshop logos

  • Spreadsheet modelling: basic and advanced functions

  • HTML: web page creation

  • Python: introduction to Pygame for interactive projects

This structure ensures that students progressively develop technical proficiency, computational thinking, and digital literacy, preparing them for further study in computing at Key Stage 4.