Year 7
Introduction to computing and digital systems
Students initially need to be taught the functional skills required to access and use the school systems to support the setting of homework in other other subjects.
Typing skills to encourage the proper form for touch typing early are essential to correct bad habits that may have formed so that all typing in class becomes practice for the future allowing students to achieve a high number of words per minute.
Once the key functional skills are established online safety becomes a high priority to ensure that we properly train students to act safely online to reduce safeguarding concerns in the future.
Bebras Competition
Introduction to Computer Systems
The Bebras challenge promotes logical and computational thinking in an applied manner. These skills are highly useful when solving complex problems in the real world.
Knowing the components of a computer demystifies the computer, highlighting that it is still just a machine, with different components that can all be swapped and upgraded. Knowing the parts of a computer equips students to select appropriate hardware when they buy desktops, phones, laptops in their everyday life and possibly begins a journey understanding computer hardware so that students can specify and order their own computers for personal or business use.
Data representation crosses over with mathematics, in understanding that numbers are symbolic representations. Understanding that computers are limited to using 0s and 1s to represent everything that they do, beginning with numbers, shows that they are mathematical engines.
3D Modelling
3D modelling allows students to manipulate 3d objects with a 2d interface. This not only develops spatial skills but also develops the skills needed to turn imagined imagery/objects quickly and simply into virtual reality. Modelling allows rapid prototyping and development of ideas.
3D modelling forms the foundation of many careers: Mechanical engineering, architecture, interior design.
The demonstration of 3d printing at the culmination of this course shows how computers are not solely limited to impacting the virtual world, but can reach far beyond it.
Computing fundamentals
Students are introduced to the core concepts of computational thinking, programming and computer systems through unplugged activities and learning with the BBC micro:bit. No prior learning is assumed and this is an ideal introduction for students to ensure they have a shared understanding of these important elements of computing. During this unit, students will build the foundations for future programming to an advanced levels by: learning to apply the fundamental principles & concepts of computer science; gaining practical experience of writing computer programs to solve problems; evaluating new or unfamiliar technologies analytically to solve problems.
Introduction to spreadsheets
Spreadsheets perform an essential role in the modern world, allowing any numerical system to be modelled, complex calculations on data to be carried out and the visualisation of the results. From household finances, tracking medical data during a pandemic, presenting trends in consumer data spreadsheets have a wide variety of applications.
Spreadsheets also combine skills from many areas of the KS3 syllabus: mathematics (formula, graphs), English (layout & presentation) and programming (functions) to produce tangible results.
Computational thinking and programming (Scratch)
Computational thinking encourages a system of breaking down complex ideas into smaller specific ones. A critical skill for everyday life. Understanding the types of instruction that a computer can carry out supports development for computer science at GCSE but also demonstrates how computers 'think' and thus demystifies the students' interactions with them in their daily lives.
Year 8
"Social Media on Mental Health,
Phishing & Blagging"
As students increasingly experience and explore the world through the internet, it is more and more important that they become aware of the dangers and pitfalls of online life, to use the internet as an information finding tool and to express their ideas in digital formats. The first part of this module focuses on the risks involved in social media and how to protect oneself from them. We finish the term by giving the tools to effectively find the information they want online and guiding them in effectively presenting this information.
Bebras Challenge
Introduction to Python Programming
The Bebras challenge promotes logical and computational thinking in an applied manner. These skills are highly useful when solving complex problems in the real world.
During this term students will continue to 'think like a computer' requiring them to develop the ability to describe problems in clear, unambiguous steps. We also support the use of the freeform text based programming language Python, employing the EduBlocks platform to support the transition from restricted block based programming languages like Scratch.
Introduction to Digital Graphics
This module teaches the fundamentals of using photo editing tools such as Photoshop. These tools are useful in a number of fields: marketing, media, publishing as well as editing personal photographs. This module also allows an appreciation of how many of the images that we see, especially on social media, may not be reflective of reality.
Introduction to Databases
Databases are a workhorse of modern computer systems, forming a third of software behind the internet and allowing us to search and find patterns in large amounts of information. Whenever you hear the terms ‘Big Data’ or ‘Data Science’, it is likely that a database is being employed. This module teaches students the fundamentals of these systems: how we organise and retrieve data. Database technologies also feature on both options to take Computing further at GCSE.
Introduction to 2D Animation
Computers allow the workflow of animation to be sped up massively, removing the need for specialist sketching and camera equipment. This module shows students how to use a computer's ability to reproduce, transform and interpolate images to produce animations quickly and efficiently. This supports both creative endeavors in the future (as all the tools used are freely available online) and careers in developing content for both online and other digital media.
Innovate for Climate Change (App Development)
This course focuses on allowing students to positively engage with social media, AI and apps by developing the skills required to use AI, to reach out and engage companies and to develop an app to support student initiatives to fight climate change.
Year 9
Networks & Network Security
The knowledge gained on this course will support understanding of the hardware and software involved in computers communicating with each other. Almost all computers feature a connection to the internet. By giving students the knowledge to select the right hardware and software to enable this (especially software that protects our computers and information from hackers and malware) they acquire a vital life skill in the 21st century.
Bebras Challenge
Python Programming
The Bebras challenge promotes logical and computational thinking in an applied manner. These skills are highly useful when solving complex problems in the real world.
In Y9 we continue with our journey into understanding how computers think and how we can control them. Knowing how to code allows students to be more productive in any industry where computers are used. This course further develops skills in the Python programming language, the number 1 programming language in the world. In Y9 students will be writing code 'freehand' as professional software engineers do.
Advanced Spreadsheets
Building on our introduction to Spreadsheets in Y7, we continue to develop both numerical and analytical skills by employing the more advanced functions of spreadsheets. In Y9 we are able to begin to employ functions, formulas and boolean logic to increase the complexity of the decisions and analysis that the spreadsheet can automatically generate. All these skills allow students to create spreadsheets to analyse and model data in the fields of business, finance, science, engineering and personal finance.
Physical Computing using Arduinos
During this course, we examine the link between the ‘cyber’ and physical worlds by programming small computers called Arduinos that feature the electronics to read data from the real world into the computer, process it, then change the real world through controlling electronic devices such as lights. This teaches both practical electronics, software engineering and demonstrates how computers are embedded into many devices in the world.
Web Development using HTML & CSS
The Internet is the most transformative technology of the last 40 years. During this course we will teach students how websites are created, covering the foundations of HTML & CSS, 2 of the 3 'languages of the internet'. This knowledge allows students to appreciate how the internet is a distributed system, pulling resources from many different locations. During this term students will create their own websites using code. This prepares them for careers in web development or to effectively employ web developers in their future.
3d Modelling using Blender
Blender is a tool that is used by Animators, Artists, Architects, Engineers and more to create 3D models for a host of purposes. By learning this tool students are enabled to convert their imagination into reality, allowing them to prototype, present, animate, 3D print or engineer their ideas. This course will cement the skills of creating and manipulating 3d objects using 2d tools (screen & mouse) which enriches both students' career prospects and creativity.
