Why learn Computing?
We are living in the age of digital technology, things that used to be completed on paper or in person are now done online often remotely. With this in mind learning not only about computers and how they work, but how to use them is an essential skill to learn. Studying computing not only gives you an insight into how computers work, how they think, how programs are made, but how to use them effectively. Studying computing not only opens a whole world of opportunities not only in terms of life skills, but transferable ones to many different career pathways. It can open the door to many careers both in STEM subjects such as computer science and engineering but almost any other career path that involves the use of computers and information technology.
Computing Curriculum Overview
Please click the year group and half-term to view additional information.
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 | Half Term 3 |
| Knowledge | Knowledge | Knowledge |
| IT Skills | Micro:Bits | Under the Hood |
| E-Safety | Under the Hood | How the Web Works |
| Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge |
| Safe use of the internet | How to create a program using a visual programming language | Converting binary / denary numbers |
| How to identify if content is safe/appropriate | The basic concepts and fundamentals of programming | The purpose of storage in computer devices |
| Effective internet searching | The programming constructs: sequence, selection, and iteration | Be able to plan a multimedia product |
| Who to contact if in doubt about your online safety | Knowing a range of computer hardware and software | Be able to create a multimedia product |
| Knowing the difference between inputs/outputs and processing | Be able to review and test a multimedia product | |
| The purpose of the CPU | ||
| Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning |
| KS1 and KS2 national curriculum | KS1 and KS2 national curriculum | KS1 and KS2 national curriculum |
| Under the hood of a computer | ||
| Assessment | Assessment | Assessment |
| End of topic test | Theory test | End of topic test |
| Practical test | ||
| Half Term 4 | Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
| Knowledge | Knowledge | Knowledge |
| Multimedia product | Python introduction | How the web works |
| Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge |
| Be able to plan a multimedia product | What is python? | The difference between the internet and the world wide web |
| Be able to create a multimedia product | How do I make programs in python using sequence and selection? | The difference between LAN’S & WAN’S |
| Be able to review and test a multimedia product | What are mathematical and Boolean operators | |
| What are data types and why do computers need them? | ||
| What is maintainability? | ||
| Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning |
| Ks1 and ks2 national curriculum | KS1 and KS2 national curriculum | KS1 and KS2 national curriculum |
| I.T. skills | Under the hood of a computer, micro:bits | |
| Assessment | Assessment | Assessment |
| End of topic test | Theory test | End of topic test |
| Practical test |
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 | Half Term 3 |
| Knowledge | Knowledge | Knowledge |
| Memory & Storage | Searching & sorting data | Video editing |
| Searching & Sorting Data | Python recap | |
| Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge |
| Why does a computer need memory? | What are merge sort algorithms and how do they work? | Be able to plan a multimedia product |
| Why does a computer need different types of memory? | How do I make programs in python? | Be able to create a multimedia product |
| Why are some of the different types of memory faster than others? | Be able to create programs using selection & iteration. | |
| How do computers search and sort data? | How can I make my programs more efficient? | |
| What are linear and binary search algorithms and how do they work? | How can I make my programs robust? | |
| What are bubble and merge sort algorithms and how do they work? | ||
| Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning |
| Year 7- under the hood of a computer, Micro:bits, small basic | Year 7- under the hood of a computer, python introduction, micro:bits | Year 7- I.T skills |
| Assessment | Assessment | Assessment |
| End of topic test | End of topic theory test | Year 7- I.T skills |
| End of topic practical test | ||
| Half Term 4 | Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
| Knowledge | Knowledge | Knowledge |
| Video editing | Networks | System Security |
| Networks | Binary & hexadecimal | |
| Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge |
| Be able to plan a multimedia product | The difference between LAN’S and WAN’S | What are the different threats posed to networks? |
| Be able to create a multimedia product | Knowledge of different types of network hardware and their use | How can I identify and prevent vulnerabilities in a network |
| The difference between LAN’S and WAN’S | Use of different types of networks | |
| Knowledge of different types of network hardware and their use | Understanding of network topologies where and why they are used | |
| Use of different types of networks | The purpose of network protocols | |
| Understanding of network topologies where and why they are used | Converting binary, denary, and hexadecimal numbers | |
| The purpose of network protocols | ||
| Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning |
| Ks1 and ks2 national curriculum | Year 7- under the hood of a computer, how the web works | Year 7- E-safety, how the web works |
| Year 7- i.t. skills, under the hood of a computer, python introduction, micro:bits | ||
| Assessment | Assessment | Assessment |
| End of topic test | End of topic test | Mid unit assessment |
| End of topic test |
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 | Half Term 3 |
| Knowledge | Knowledge | Knowledge |
| Python recap | Digital Graphics | Ethical, legal, and environmental issues in computing |
| Digital graphics | ||
| Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge |
| How do I make programs in python? | What is the purpose & what are the properties of digital graphics. | What are some of the ethical, legal, and environmental issues that computers have on society |
| Be able to create programs using selection & iteration. | Be able to plan a digital graphic | |
| How can I make my programs more efficient? | Be able to create a digital graphic | |
| How can I make my programs robust? | Be able to review a digital graphic | |
| What is the purpose & what are the properties of digital graphics. | ||
| Be able to plan a digital graphic | ||
| Be able to create a digital graphic | ||
| Be able to review a digital graphic | ||
| Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning |
| Year 7- micro:bits, python introduction, multimedia product | All lessons in year 7 & 8 contain aspects of the topic in addition to those specifically named below | Year 7- E-safety, multimedia product |
| Year 8 - python recap, video editing | Year 7- IT skills, under the hood of a computer | Year 8 – video editing |
| Year 8- multimedia products | ||
| Assessment | Assessment | Assessment |
| Theory test | Theory test | End of topic test |
| Practical test | Creation of a digital graphic to meet a brief | |
| End of unit topic test | ||
| Half Term 4 | Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
| Knowledge | Knowledge | Knowledge |
| Image & Sound Representation | Advanced Python Programming | Multimedia product |
| Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge |
| How do computers represent images? | Be able to use procedures and functions in python | Be able to plan a multimedia product |
| How do computers represent sound? | Be able to use file handling when creating programs in python | Be able to create a multimedia product |
| What is compression and what effect does it have on storage. | ||
| Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning |
| Year 7- under the hood of a computer, micro:bits, python introduction | Year 7- micro:bits, python introduction, under the hood of a computer | Year 7 – I.T. skills, multimedia product |
| Year 8 – python recap | Year 8 – python recap. | Year 8 – video editing |
| Year 9 – python recap. | ||
| Assessment | Assessment | Assessment |
| End of topic test | Theory test | Multimedia product created |
| Practical test |
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 | Half Term 3 |
| Knowledge | Knowledge | Knowledge |
| R093 creative iMedia in the media industry R093 factors influencing product design |
R094 visual identity and digital graphics Revision techniques |
R094 visual identity and digital graphics Revision techniques |
| Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge |
| The products and job roles within the media sector How style, content and layout are linked to the purpose of the product Client and audience identification Research methods and sourcing information |
Developing a visual identity- the purpose elements and design of products Planning digital graphics for products Graphic design conventions Properties and use of graphics Topic 1 the media industry Topic 2 factors influencing product design Topic 3 pre-production planning Topic 4 distribution considerations Exam technique |
Developing a visual identity- the purpose elements and design of products Planning digital graphics for products Graphic design conventions Properties and use of graphics Topic 1 the media industry Topic 2 factors influencing product design Topic 3 pre-production planning Topic 4 distribution considerations Exam technique |
| Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning |
| Year 7- multimedia product Year 8- video editing Year 9- digital graphic, multimedia product |
Year 7- multimedia products Year 8- video editing Year 9- digital graphic, multimedia product |
Year 7- multimedia products Year 8- video editing Year 9- digital graphic, multimedia product |
| Assessment | Assessment | Assessment |
| Recall quizzes Mock paper (half term 3) |
Recall quizzes Coursework Mock paper (half term 3) |
Recall quizzes Coursework Mock paper (half term 3) |
| Half Term 4 | Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
| Knowledge | Knowledge | Knowledge |
| R094 visual identity and digital graphics | R094 visual identity and digital graphics Revision techniques |
Revision techniques |
| Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge |
| Developing a visual identity- the purpose elements and design of products Planning digital graphics for products Graphic design conventions Properties and use of graphics |
Developing a visual identity- the purpose elements and design of products Planning digital graphics for products Graphic design conventions Properties and use of graphics Topic 1 the media industry Topic 2 factors influencing product design Topic 3 pre-production planning Topic 4 distribution considerations Exam technique |
Topic 1 the media industry Topic 2 factors influencing product design Topic 3 pre-production planning Topic 4 distribution considerations Exam technique |
| Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning |
| Year 7- multimedia products Year 8- video editing Year 9- digital graphic, multimedia product |
Year 7- multimedia products Year 8- video editing Year 9- digital graphic, multimedia product |
Year 7- multimedia products Year 8- video editing Year 9- digital graphic, multimedia products |
| Assessment | Assessment | Assessment |
| Recall quizzes Coursework |
Recall quizzes Coursework Mock paper 2 (half term 6) |
Recall questions Coursework Mock paper 2 |
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 | Half Term 3 |
| Knowledge | Knowledge | Knowledge |
| R097 interactive digital media Revision techniques |
R097 interactive digital media Revision techniques |
R097 interactive digital media Revision techniques |
| Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge |
| Creating different types of assets for use in interactive digital media products such as audio, images and videos File naming conventions Creating an interactive digital media product Techniques used to save and export interactive digital media products Topic 1 the media industry Topic 2 factors influencing product design Topic 3 pre-production planning Topic 4 distribution considerations Exam technique |
Creating different types of assets for use in interactive digital media products such as audio, images and videos File naming conventions Creating an interactive digital media product Techniques used to save and export interactive digital media products Testing an interactive digital media product Reviewing an interactive digital media product Topic 1 the media industry Topic 2 factors influencing product design Topic 3 pre-production planning Topic 4 distribution considerations Exam technique |
Creating different types of assets for use in interactive digital media products such as audio, images and videos File naming conventions Creating an interactive digital media product Techniques used to save and export interactive digital media products Testing an interactive digital media product Reviewing an interactive digital media product Topic 1 the media industry Topic 2 factors influencing product design Topic 3 pre-production planning Topic 4 distribution considerations Exam technique |
| Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning |
| Year 7- multimedia products Year 8 – video editing Year 9- digital graphic, multimedia products Year 10- R093 the media industry, R094 visual identity and digital graphics |
Year 7- multimedia products Year 8- video editing Year 9- digital graphic, multimedia products Year 10- R093 the media industry, R094 visual identity and digital graphics |
Year 7- multimedia products Year 8- video editing Year 9- digital graphic, multimedia products Year 10- R093 the media industry, R094 visual identity and digital graphics |
| Assessment | Assessment | Assessment |
| Recall quizzes Coursework Preparation for mock paper 1 (half term 2) |
Recall quizzes Coursework Mock paper 1 & preparation for mock paper 2 |
Recall quizzes Coursework Mock paper 2 |
| Half Term 4 | Half Term 5 | |
| Knowledge | Knowledge | |
| R097 interactive digital media | R093 creative imedia in the media industry Revision techniques |
|
| Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge | |
| Testing an interactive digital media product Reviewing an interactive digital media product |
Topic 1 the media industry Topic 2 factors influencing product design Topic 3 pre-production planning Topic 4 distribution considerations Exam technique |
|
| Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning | |
| Year 7- multimedia products Year 8- video editing Year 9- digital graphic, multimedia products |
Year 7- multimedia products Year 8- video editing Year 9- digital graphic, multimedia products Year 10- R093 the media industry, R094 visual identity and digital graphics Year 7- multimedia products |
|
| Assessment | Assessment | |
| Recall quizzes Coursework |
Recall questions Skills quizzes Past paper |
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 | Half Term 3 |
| Knowledge | Knowledge | Knowledge |
| System architecture & storage System software Programming fundamentals |
System software Data representation Programming fundamentals |
Robust & secure programming Programming fundamentals Revision techniques |
| Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge |
| Python programming skills Data types The purpose of the CPU Common CPU components Operating systems Utility software Primary & secondary storage Types of storage |
Operating systems Utility software Secondary storage (virtual memory) Understanding binary Image & sound representation File sizes & equations Python programming skills |
Defensive design Testing Python programming skills |
| Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning |
| Year 7- under the hood of a computer, micro:bits, small basic Year 8- python introduction, memory and storage Year 9-, python/advanced python programming, image & sound representation |
Year 7- micro:bits, small basic, under the hood of a computer Year 8- python introduction, binary and hex Year 9-, python/advanced python programming, image & sound representation |
Year 7- micro:bits, small basic Year 8 - python introduction Year 9 - python/advanced python programming |
| Assessment | Assessment | Assessment |
| End of topic test Exam questions |
End of topic test Exam questions |
End of topic test Exam questions Mock exam 1 paper 1 & 2 (in-class) |
| Half Term 4 | Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
| Knowledge | Knowledge | Knowledge |
| Computer networks Programming fundamentals Ethical, legal & environmental issues |
Ethical, legal & environmental issues Programming fundamentals Revision techniques |
Classification of programming languages Programming fundamentals Revision techniques |
| Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge |
| LAN & WAN Network topologies Network connection types Python programming skills |
Legal issues Ethical issues Environmental issues Python programming skills |
High- & low-level languages Python programming skills |
| Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning |
| Year 7- how the web works, micro:bits, small basic Year 8 - networks, python introduction Year 9 - ethical, legal & environmental issues, python/advanced python programming |
Year 7- e-safety, multimedia product, micro:bits, small basic Year 8 – video editing, python introduction Year 9 – ethical, legal & environmental issues, digital graphics, python/advanced python programming |
Year 7 - micro:bits, small basic Year 8 - python introduction Year 9 - python/advanced python programming |
| Assessment | Assessment | Assessment |
| End of topic test Exam questions |
End of topic test Exam questions |
End of topic test Exam questions Mock exam 2 paper 1 & 2 (in-class) |
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 | Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 |
| Knowledge | Knowledge | Knowledge | Knowledge |
| Algorithms & computational logic Programming skills Revision techniques |
Computer networks, protocols & layers Programming skills Revision techniques |
Network & cyber security Programming skills Revision techniques |
Network & cyber security Programming skills Revision techniques |
| Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge | Skills / application of knowledge |
| Computational thinking Designing, creating, and refining algorithms Searching and sorting algorithms Programming fundamentals |
Networks and topologies Wired and wireless networks, protocols, and layers Network topologies Network hardware Programming fundamentals |
Identifying and preventing vulnerabilities Threats to computer systems and networks Programming fundamentals |
Identifying and preventing vulnerabilities Threats to computer systems and networks Programming fundamentals |
| Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning | Links to prior learning |
| Year 7- micro:bits, small basic Year 8- searching and sorting data, python introduction Year 9-, python/advanced python programming |
Year 7- how the web works, micro:bits, small basic Year 8- networks, python introduction Year 9- python programming/advanced python programming |
Year 7- e-safety, micro:bits, small basic Year 8- system security, python introduction Year 9- ethical, legal, cultural, and environmental issues in computing, python programming/advanced python programming |
Year 7- e-safety, micro:bits, small basic Year 8 - system security, python introduction Year 9 - ethical, legal, cultural, and environmental issues in computing, python programming/advanced python programming |
| Assessment | Assessment | Assessment | Assessment |
| End of topic test Exam questions Mock exam 1 paper 1 & 2 (in-class) |
End of topic test Exam questions Mock exam 1 paper 1 & 2 (in-class) |
End of topic test Exam questions Mock exam 2 paper 1 & 2 (official) |
End of topic test Exam questions |