Computing
Our curriculum intent
As a dynamic subject, the Computing curriculum aims to excite and engage students to enable them to understand the challenges and opportunities that are offered currently and in the future of the technologically diverse world we live in.
Students will gain a secure knowledge of the theoretical concepts surrounding how computers and computer systems work and the impact of technology on our everyday life. Alongside that they will gain practical experience using a range of different applications that will support their digital literacy and develop programming capability.
The curriculum promotes the important skills of problem solving using Abstraction and Decomposition. Students will be able to develop logical thinking skills, become more independent in their use of the computer and make reasoned justifications for choices made in their solutions to problems. Students will be encouraged to think creatively in designing their solutions to problems, to communicate with others about their choices and support others in developing solutions.
What this looks like in practice
The Computing department at Robertsbridge Community College provides students with opportunities to experience a range of software applications and hardware to develop their understanding and confidence in a highly dynamic subject. Digital skills are crucial to success in the world of work; therefore, the curriculum is designed to provide students with these vital skills.
Students in Key Stage 3 will cover topics such as:
- Emailing – etiquette and structure
- An understanding of the basic computing components; hardware and software
- Computational Thinking skills, looking at computing pioneers such as Alan Turing
- Developing an Interactive Multimedia Product
- Programming concepts using a micro:bit and Scratch
- Web Design using HTML
- Designing control programs using Flowol
- Representing data using Sound and Images
- Programming concepts using Python
- Using technology creatively to develop a range of digital skills.
At Key Stage 4, students can choose Computer Science as a GCSE option, where they will study the subject in greater depth. The subject is engaging and practical and encourages students to be creative and solve problems. Students will be required to program solutions to problems and develop programming techniques using Python as well as study a range of theoretical concepts including Systems architecture, Hardware and Software, Storage, Networks, Security and Data representation. Students will also be expected to develop an awareness and be able to discuss and evaluate ethical, legal, cultural and environmental issues. To be successful, students need a range of skills that include logic, problem-solving and resilience along with lots of inspiration!
Curriculum overview
Detailed information about the curriculum for each year group can be found in the document below. Curriculum Map - Computing 2022.pdf