Key Stage 3

Our world is digital. An understanding of computer science will enable young people to make informed choices in their digital world. This is important for all our children, not just those who will become the graphic designers, games programmers or software engineers of the future.

The Computing Curriculum is designed to equip students with knowledge, understanding, skills and a desire to learn more about the three disciplines within Computing: IT, Digital Literacy and Computer Science. 

They will learn IT skills that will help them use a computer well, create digital products and become effective digital citizens.  

They will become digitally literate including staying safe online, understanding the impact of computing, and learning the key moments that shaped our digital world.  

And they will study Computer Science:  how computers work, how they communicate globally, why Computational Thinking helps us solve problems, and how to create algorithms and write programs to solve problems.

GCSE Computing

This GCSE gives students an excellent opportunity to investigate how computers work and how they are used to develop computer programming and problem-solving skills.  Students will do some in-depth research and practical work.

The course will:

· Give learners a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works

· Provide excellent preparation for higher study and employment in Computer Science

· Develop critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills.

Level 1/2 Vocational Award in ICT

ICT usage is becoming increasingly widespread in day-to-day life, as people become progressively dependent on their digital devices. In 2021, Ofcom reported that 84% of UK adults owned a smartphone and 74% of adults described the internet as ‘an essential part of their life’. In the workplace, ICT is also vital for the smooth running of many everyday tasks as well as enabling organisations to operate in a more efficient manner. Students will develop a number of skills that employers look for which centre around having an understanding of, and the practical ability to use, a range of computer programmes, software and other applications.