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Welcome to the Computing Department
Curriculum Intent
We want to equip our students with the knowledge and skills they need to be creators of digital technology rather than just users. We want our students to be able to look at a digital product critically and be able to understand how and why it was made in the way it was; to have some understanding the way it works behind the scenes.
In the same way we want to equip students with the knowledge to think critically of information they see and read online with a knowledge of how to find the motivations and biases of whoever created it. We want students to be comfortable working on the World Wide Web, equipped with the knowledge and expertise to work with quality, efficiency, privacy and safely.
We need to prepare our students for the encroachment of automation and artificial intelligence into every workplace; indeed we need our students to be equipped to take the opportunities this will present rather than resent it from the other side.
Subject Definition
The study of how computers and computer systems work, and how they are developed, programmed and used.
How Computing Links to our CARES Values
Computational thinking is an approach to problem solving which builds resilience when students are designing computer-based solutions. We expect students to aspire to do their best and demonstrate courage when programming and debugging. In key stage 3 students look at airbrushing or “photoshopping” and its impact on body confidence and respect for ourselves and others. Students also look at the rules or respect, self-control and treating other equally in their online communication.
How Computing Links to British Values and the Prevent Duty
In key stage 3 students learn about facts, bias and opinions and how they are presented and shared online, including “fake news” and its impact on democracy.
Subject Staffing
T Howden
D Reid
Key Stage 3 Overview - 3 Years
Year 7
7.1 Introduction to Computing at HHS and E-Safety Project
7.2 Computer Hardware and Software
7.3 History of Computing
7.4 Using Media – Gaining support for a cause
7.6 Introduction to Python
Year 8
8.1 Networks
8.2 Canva and Digital Design
8.3 Website Design in HTML and CSS
8.4 Spreadsheet modelling
8.5 Databases
8.6 Python
Year 9
9.1 Advanced Python – Using a GUI
9.2 Ethics, Law, Cybersecurity and Environment
9.3 Algorithms
9.4 Using Fireworks
9.5 Robotics and AI
Key Stage 4 Curriculum - 2 Years
OCR GCSE Computer Science J277
2 units:
J277/01: Computer systems
This component will explore:
- Systems architecture
- Memory and storage
- Computer networks, connections and protocols
- Network security
- Systems software
- Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology
J277/02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming
This component will explore:
- Algorithms
- Programming fundamentals
- Producing robust programs
- Boolean logic
- Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments
OCR Cambridge Nationals - Creative iMedia
4 units:
- Pre-production skills (exam). How online media products are planned, designed and produced and shared
- Creating digital graphics – how and why digital graphics are created for different purposes and audiences
- Creating a multi-page website – how websites are designed, created/written and tested
- Interactive multimedia products – how multimedia products are produced for a range of different reasons and in different locations
Links to Enhanced Curriculum
Coding Club – developing skills through programming and physical computing.
