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ICT

The ICT/Computer Science Curriculum

At Key Stage 3, our students learn to:

  1. design, use and evaluate computational abstractions that model the state and behaviour of real-world problems and physical systems
  2. understand several key algorithms that reflect computational thinking
  3. understand how numbers can be represented in binary, and be able to carry out simple operations on binary numbers
  4. understand the hardware and software components that make up computer systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems
  5. understand how data of various types (including text, sounds and pictures) can be represented and manipulated digitally, in the form of binary digits
  6. understand a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, including protecting their online identity and privacy. They will be able to recognise inappropriate content, contact and conduct, and know how to report concerns.

At Key Stage 3, the curriculum is designed to be inspiring with a balance of theory and practical programming tasks embedded in each unit of work. It will provide a scaffold for GCSE pathways and introduces students to a range of key concepts (algorithms, pseudo code, abstraction, decomposition) which will equip them with the practical (programming) skills, knowledge and understanding to undertake a GCSE in Computer Science or ICT and onwards to A’ level. 

The Computer Science and IT curricula at Key Stage 4 teaches students to:

  1. develop their capability, creativity and knowledge in computer science, digital media and information technology
  2. develop and apply their analytic, problem-solving, design, and computational thinking skills
  3. understand how changes in technology affect safety, including new ways to protect their online privacy and identity, and how to report a range of concerns

The KS4 GCSE program of study is designed to build on the foundations of knowledge and understanding gained at KS3, and provides the essential skills and qualifications to go onto further study at A’ level. 

At Key Stage 5 the Computer Science and IT curricula teach all students to develop:

  1. an understanding of and ability to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science
  2. the ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems including writing programs to do so
  3. the capacity for thinking creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically.
  4. the ability to articulate the individual (moral), social (ethical), legal and cultural opportunities and risks of digital technology.
  5. knowledge and understanding of the range of cyber  threats, vulnerabilities and risks that impact on both individuals and organisations.
  6. a greater understanding of how organisations use information sources both internally and externally and the types of information you will encounter.