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Computing

Curriculum Intent

Computing is a foundational discipline that empowers students to understand, shape, and thrive in a digital world. Our curriculum is designed to develop students’ computational thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, enabling them to engage confidently with technology and its role in society. The three strands of Computing – Computer Science, Information Technology, and Digital Literacy – provide a broad and balanced understanding of both natural and artificial systems. At the core is Computer Science, where students explore algorithms, programming, and the principles of computation. Through Information Technology, students learn to design and implement digital solutions using a range of tools and platforms.

Digital Literacy ensures students can communicate ideas effectively, make informed decisions online, and participate responsibly and ethically in a digital society.

Key Stage 3

At Key stage 3 Computing is taught as discrete units, where each unit focuses on one or a combination of the three strands (Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy). The aim is to get students to:

  • Understand and apply computing principles including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation.

  • Analyse problems in computational terms and develop a program to solve these problems.

  • Evaluate and apply information technology to new and unfamiliar contexts.

  • Become confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

By the end of key stage 3, students will have had in depth experience of at least two programming languages, of which at least one will be a text based programming language.

Year 9 includes an option class – Introduction to Computing. This course provides an exciting opportunity for students to explore computing in greater depth, with a stronger focus on technical skills and programming. It is designed to further develop students' confidence and ability in coding, supporting those who may be considering Computer Science at GCSE.

Key Stage 4

At GCSE we offer :

  1. GCSE in Computer Science  (AQA specification 8525)

The course is assessed by two written papers:

  • Paper 1 assesses computational thinking, code tracing, problem solving, writing and testing algorithms and contributes 50% of the overall grade.
  • Paper 2 assesses the theoretical aspects of Computer Science and contributes 50% to the overall grade.

Key Stage 5

At A-Level we study the AQA specification. The course is divided into two halves - programming and Theory.  We study advanced programming concepts such as object oriented programming, functional programming, SQL and the use of data structures.  On the theoretical side we focus on the theory of computation, computer architecture, communication and networking and legal, moral, ethical issues surrounding the use of Computing. The course is assessed through a written paper (40%), an online examination involving significant programming tasks (40%) and a non examination assessment where students develop a full fledged solution for a client (20%).

Where can Computer Science take me?

Computer Science is a very important subject, it provides access to a lot of university courses, apprenticeships and prepares students for the working world. After studying Computer Science you can become a computer programmer, network administrator, database manager, graphic designer, software engineer, teacher, professor.

Computing Curriculum & Assessment Overview