Curriculum Statement - Computing

‘In a world that’s changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.’ – Mark Zuckerberg

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Powerful Knowledge in Computing

Powerful Knowledge in Computing is based on a robust understanding of declarative and procedural knowledge of Computer Science, Digital Literacy and Information Technology. Computational thinking and problem solving are the foundation of Computer Science. This provides students with the knowledge to understand and interpret all areas of the Computing curriculum. Through Digital Literacy, students learn of the opportunities and risks of using technology, with the aim for students to become reflective, responsible and effective digital citizens. Information Technology provides students with knowledge of software and systems that enables them to confidently operate in a digital world.

 

Curriculum Features

The curriculum is designed to ensure students studying GCSE Computer Science have a grounding in the fundamental concepts covered at KS4, whilst providing opportunities for all students to develop digital skills and knowledge; ready for when they leave Laurus Ryecroft.

GCSE Students who then wish to pursue a career in Computing have the opportunity to take GCSE Computer Science and later A Level Computer Science at Laurus Ryecroft Sixth form.

Students will develop their understanding of how to use technology safely, responsibly and securely.

Building on this fundamental knowledge, students will understand how computers work, looking at different elements over the three years, improving their Computing, Information Technology and Digital Literacy skills.

Throughout KS3, students will get to look at the ever-changing digital world around them and see how systems work for the benefit of companies, individuals and themselves.

 

Co-Curriculum Enrichment

Students are given every chance to further delve into the world of Computing. Using links with well-known companies, we are able to provide the best opportunities for our students, growing their curiosity and enthusiasm. Examples of these include:

  • Cyber First Girls Competition for Year 8 students
  • Bebras Challenge across KS3
  • Cyber Girls First Events for KS3 girls looking for opportunities in Cyber Security companies such as GHCQ, J.P. Morgan and Microsoft.
  • BAE Systems Digital Intelligence Workshop where students get to try and stop a cyber-criminal through coding, network forensics, etc.
  • Visit to Manchester University to see the potential opportunities for Life after Laurus.

 

KS3

Year 7

Year 7 students begin their year by learning about computational thinking and how to use flowcharts to solve problems in a manageable way. Once completed, students will study E-Safety to remind them all how to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely.

The next unit allows students to apply their computational thinking, from earlier in the year, to create graphics using python in EduBlocks.

Now understanding the key constructs of programming, students will investigate the hardware/software of a computer and how it is used to process instructions.

Finishing the year, students will develop their digital literacy skills in using spreadsheets efficiently.

Year 8

Year 8 students begin the year by expanding their understanding of E-Safety from Year 7 by looking into Cyber Crime and how to protect against malware and other forms of attack.

Students will then develop an understanding of how computers represent values using Binary. This foundational knowledge allows students to then begin to investigate how networks are used to share data.

Continuing the programming skills developed in Year 7, students will study text-based languages with an introduction to Python.

Students finish the year with an exploration of how graphics are developed and how graphical manipulation programs are used, ready for advanced data representation in Year 9.

Year 9

Year 9 students will start the year further developing their understanding of Computational Thinking, introducing logic circuits, sorting algorithms and searching algorithms.

Continuing their programming skills development, students will then investigate advanced text-based programming techniques in Python Advanced.

Following this, students will apply their understanding of images from Year 8 to see how images and sound are represented within computers.

Students will then delve into the world of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and how this will change their future careers/opportunities.

Finishing the final term, we will understand how we present data in a clear, concise way using Infographics to be used in potential careers and after they leave school.