Our Computing curriculum aims to develop knowledgeable, responsible and creative digital citizens who can understand and shape the technological world around them. Students gain a secure understanding of computing principles, programming, data representation, cybersecurity and digital literacy whilst developing problem-solving, logical thinking and resilience. The curriculum prepares students for further study, employment and active participation in an increasingly digital society.

Our curriculum is ambitious because it provides all students with access to challenging and engaging computing concepts regardless of prior attainment. Students’ progress from fundamental digital skills at Key stage 3 to advance programming and computational thinking in key stage 4 and key stage 5. We promote high expectations, encourage independent learning and provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. The curriculum reflects current technological developments and equips students with the skills needed for future education and employment.

The department takes into account the differing levels of previous learning of Computing at KS2 and seeks to normalise all students’ experience and encourage continued growth in learning and experience of Computing for each student. Care is taken to identify and correct any misconceptions.

The curriculum for KS3 is designed to introduce new concepts gently and to re-visit, reinforce and develop further experience and understanding in each KS3 year. The PRIMM pedagogy is applied to teach the practical coding aspects of the learning to first engage the students in predicting and experiencing principles before building understanding and confidence to investigate and understand the issues before being able to apply and evaluate their understanding to the problems posed. Literacy is at the core of all aspects of Computing and the PRIMM pedagogy supports a gradual development of the required literacy skills and abilities for students and does not disadvantage or leave behind any less able students.

At KS4 the principles from KS3 are developed and studied in more detail and the students encouraged to further develop their robustness and resilience through both theory and practical assignments. An NEA practical project is completed that enables students to gain experience of the lifecycle of Computing projects in Industry and to practice and develop their problem solving skills.

At KS5 students learn a broader coverage of Computer Science topics and develop a deeper understanding. We welcome students who have not studied the subject at KS4 and work with them to help overcome any issues and build confidence in the subject.KS5 students work on a significant NEA project which is scheduled alongside their second year curriculum to gain a rich appreciation of the skills and processes required in a Computing project lifecycle.

Extra Curricular coding classes are available for all year groups to encourage the development of coding skills and to encourage creativity, particularly for those students not following Computing options.