IT
INTENT
Our KS3 Computer Science and IT curriculum aims to equip students with the digital literacy, problem-solving, and computational thinking skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing digital world. We intend for students to:
- Develop a secure understanding of the fundamentals of computer systems, coding, and networks.
- Use digital tools confidently, safely, and responsibly, becoming critical users and creators of technology.
- Build transferable skills such as logical reasoning, creativity, resilience, and collaboration.
- Foster curiosity and prepare for further study at KS4 and beyond, while also supporting wider learning across the curriculum and future employability
IMPLEMENTATION
The curriculum is designed to be engaging, progressive, and practical, ensuring students develop both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills. We deliver this through:
- A curriculum that revisits and deepens key concepts such as coding, data representation, hardware, networks, and digital literacy.
- Practical programming projects (using languages such as Python, Scratch, and block-based coding) to develop computational thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Applied IT projects where students use productivity software, multimedia tools, and online platforms to present, analyse and communicate information effectively.
- Explicit teaching of online safety, digital wellbeing, and responsible use of technology in line with safeguarding priorities.
- Assessment through a mixture of practical project work, low-stakes quizzes, extended challenges, and summative tasks, with feedback that encourages improvement and creativity
IMPACT
By the end of KS3, students will:
- Demonstrate competence in coding, problem-solving, and the use of a range of digital tools.
- Be digitally literate, able to evaluate and use technology safely and responsibly.
- Show resilience and creativity in tackling computational challenges.
- Be well-prepared for the demands of KS4 IT courses, with a strong foundation of skills and knowledge.
- Understand the role of computing and IT in everyday life, the workplace, and future opportunities, fostering ambition and adaptability in a digital society