Aim

To provide students with the tools they need to survive in an increasingly digital world.

Topics covered

• Online safety
• Structure and function of computer systems
• Physical computing
• Robotics
• Electronics  
• Algorithms
• Web development and digital image manipulation
• Maths for computing (number systems – Binary/Hexadecimal, Boolean Logic)
• Programming (Python, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL)

Teaching groups

All students are taught in mixed ability form groups.

Assessment

Work is continually assessed throughout Key Stage 3 as the topics are very varied in nature, so there are a range of different assessment methods used. The students’ practical work is assessed using peer and teacher assessment. There are set tasks to complete and written tests (an initial benchmark test is taken by all students new to the School, in order to tailor their learning). At the end of each unit, the students receive feedback on their performance outcomes and are given lesson time to improve their assessment outcomes based on that feedback.

How to support at home

• Encourage your child to use computing in the course of their everyday work, using automation and programming to solve problems
• Encourage your child to consider sequencing and decision-making when conducting everyday activities.  What tasks have to be done in a particular order (algorithm)? Could they be completed more efficiently or concurrently?
• Encourage your child to explore using programming.  Can they make their own games, create devices that entertain or help them to complete tasks?
• Take time to examine your child's use of the World Wide Web, discuss with them their online safety and encourage them to carefully analyse the information they find, find multiple sources and not just rely on one opinion
• Encourage them to limit their time when using electronic devices. Maybe ask them to limit their use to certain times (i.e. not just before bed, or first thing in the morning)