Intent
The Computing curriculum at GM School is designed to equip pupils with the computational thinking, problem-solving and digital literacy skills needed to navigate real-life challenges and the modern world of work.
This is achieved by:
- Raising awareness of the wide range of career opportunities within the computing and technology sector, promoting ambition and aspiration
- Increasing students’ cultural capital by providing access to a broad range of digital tools and experiences, both in and beyond the classroom, helping to address the digital divide and reduce gender imbalance
- Providing meaningful learning experiences and qualifications that enable students to achieve success in school and prepare them for life beyond education
- Developing students’ understanding of the ethical, moral and legal responsibilities associated with technology use
Implementation
At Key Stage 3, students follow the National Curriculum and are taught in mixed-ability groups for one lesson (60-minutes) each week, with every half term focusing on a particular unit. Each unit combines both theoretical and practical learning, enabling students to develop a secure understanding of key concepts alongside essential digital skills.
Students are assessed at the end of each half term to track their progress and inform teaching. Knowledge is delivered through carefully planned modelling and scaffolding, ensuring all learners can access and build upon core concepts.
The curriculum is designed using a spiral approach, revisiting and developing key knowledge over time. This prepares students for Key Stage 4 study, while also equipping them with transferable IT skills and the confidence to become effective and responsible digital users throughout their academic journey.
Key Stage 3
Helpful Resources
BBC Key Stage 3 Bitesize: Computing
Year 7
In Year 7, students are introduced to the foundations of computing and digital literacy. We begin by focusing on using the internet safely and responsibly, alongside developing an understanding of how computers work. Students build essential digital skills, including basic spreadsheet use, and learn how to design algorithms using flowcharts. These skills are then applied in creative ways, such as developing their own games using Scratch. As the year progresses, pupils transition into writing simple text-based programs using Python, helping them develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Units include: Online safety, computer systems, spreadsheets, algorithms, game design using Scratch, and introductory Python programming.
Year 8
In Year 8, students build on their prior learning and deepen their understanding of key computing concepts. They explore how data is represented in computers, including learning about binary. Students develop more advanced spreadsheet skills through practical projects, such as creating an online ordering system. They also have the opportunity to design their own mobile applications, encouraging creativity and user-focused thinking. Programming skills are further developed through learning sequencing and selection, enabling students to write more complex and structured code.
Units include: Data representation (binary), advanced spreadsheets, app design, and programming with sequencing and selection.
Year 9
In Year 9, students extend their knowledge in preparation for Key Stage 4. They explore computer networks and gain an understanding of how data, including sound, is represented and transmitted digitally. Students refine their computational thinking by representing algorithms using pseudocode and continue to strengthen their programming skills through a substantial Python project. This year provides a strong foundation for further study in Computer Science and IT, as well as developing skills that are transferable across many subjects.
Units include: Computer networks, digital sound representation, algorithms using pseudocode, and a Python programming project.
Key Stage 4
GCSE Computer Science
AQA GCSE Computer Science; graded 1-9
Course Content
GCSE Computer Science is a challenging course that covers the foundations of computer science and programming. Students learn logical thinking and problem solving skills which can be applied in a wide variety of work settings. Understanding the fundamentals of computer technology can help students to rapidly understand new application programs.
When studied further at college and university, computing can lead to a range of high-demand technology careers. Computing is a very young subject that is changing the world at an incredible pace. It is becoming vital to study computing in order to understand the modern world.
Helpful Resources
https://projecteuler.net – If you have a mathematical mind and think you can really code then try Project Euler
Enrichment Opportunities
Outside of the classroom, students have an opportunity to take part in a variety of enrichment activities to further develop their problem solving and computational thinking skills which include after school coding/robotics clubs, the annual Bebras competition for both primary and secondary pupils and much more!