Curriculum-Computing – Yavneh College

Computing

Our curriculum across both KS3 and KS4 is driven by our vision:

‘To create digital natives, who understand and are excited by the world of technology. Therefore being able to take full advantage of the tools it provides.”

Computers have become an essential part of everyday life. Through the study of digital information technology, learners will develop a wide range of fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding that they will need for the rest of their lives, and that will enable them to participate effectively in both the real and the digital world. The Curriculum aims to develop independent resilient learners who embrace challenge, see trial and error as a normal part of the learning process and grow through collaborative work. Learners will understand the basic principles of using computers and be able to use them for a wide range of applications.

Key Stage 3

KS3 Implementation

Collaborative, detailed and thorough curriculum planning lies at the heart of what we do in the department. We have a two and three-year plan detailing our schemes of learning. We use all available resources and teaching strategies to ensure that learners have a comprehensive knowledge of the specifications and are capable of going beyond what is taught in lessons. Techniques to help develop long-term memory and help learners master subject content are embedded in the curriculum. These are focused on embedding challenge, metacognition, memory techniques, numeracy and literacy into our departmental curriculum. To complement the schemes of learning learners also engage in computing through enrichment experiences. These build on what is covered in the curriculum and provide new and exciting ways for learners to try out their new skills in a different kind of environment.

KS3 Impact

We know our curriculum is working in the computing department as results are consistently above the national average and among the best in the school at GCSE and A Level. The quality of teaching and learning in computing has been praised during learning walks by both external and internal observers. The engagement of learners in the department can be observed in lessons and recorded in student voice. The number of students choosing to study computing at key stage 4 is very high. Furthermore, the number of students choosing both key stage 4 and 5 have significantly increased in recent years. A lot of our students go on to study the subject further at university. More importantly, students frequently express their enjoyment of computing, the quality of teaching they have received and their appreciation of the knowledge and study skills they have gained from the department.

Key Stage 3 Intent

Over the course of Key Stage 3, our students will study and learn the following:-

Topic/Study Focus	Knowledge/Skill focus
User interfaces	Understanding what a user interface is and the different types. Knowledge of the different hardware used in interfaces.
Factors & influences	Understanding of the different factors that affect choosing a user interface. Being able to investigate the needs of the audience.
Design principles & psychology	Being able use different design principles to create an effective interface. Understanding of the psychology involved when thinking about the look and feel of the system.
Project Planning	Being able to use tools to plan a project. Knowledge of the different software methodologies used when making a program. Understanding the different components that need to be incorporated into a proposal.
Designing	Being able to make a design of a user interface. Understanding of the requirements that must be built into the design. Knowing how to develop an initial design using the design principles.
Reviews	Being able to review the success of the interface. Understanding how to review the planning carried out. Being able to suggest improvements for the user interface.

Key Stage 4

KS4 Implementation

KS4 Impact

Computer Science at KS4

Y9 Intent

Over the course of Year 9, our students will study and learn the following:-

Topic/Study Focus	Knowledge/Skill focus
Programming Fundamentals	Understanding the basics of how to program, including the 3 main constructs of sequence, selection & iteration. Ability to program using subroutines and file handling.
Computational Thinking	Being able to decompose a problem, so that a computer can understand and solve it.
Designing Algorithms	Understanding that every algorithm needs to have an in input, process and output. Being able to use flowcharts and pseudocode to plan algorithms.
Searching & Sorting Algorithms	Knowledge of the basic algorithms used for searching and sorting. These include binary search, linear search, bubble sort, insertion sort & merge sort.
Defensive Design	Ability to use defensive techniques to ensure programs can’t be broken by users. This includes both validation and authentication.
Testing	Understanding the importance of testing programs to ensure they work in all situations. Knowledge of the different types of errors in a program. Being able to make a test plan.

Y10 Intent

Over the course of Year 10, our students will study and learn the following:-

Topic/Study Focus	Knowledge/Skill focus
Systems Architecture	Understanding the fundamentals of a processor and it’s role in the computer. Knowledge of the components that make up a processor. Being able to compare different processors. Understanding of what an embedded system is.
Types of Storage	Knowledge of both primary and secondary storage. Understanding the roles of both and their characteristics. Knowing the units that we use in computing.
Data Representation	Being able to represent numbers in binary and hexadecimal. Understanding how binary is used to store data in the computer including images & sound. Knowledge of how compression works.
Network topologies	Understanding of what a network is and the different types. Knowledge of the different pieces of hardware used to make a network. Being able to explain some basics of how the Internet works. Understanding the different layouts used in a network.
Network Protocols	Understanding of the protocols used across networks. Knowledge of the layers used when sending data over the Internet.
Network Security	Understanding of the threats to a network, including malware, social engineering, brute-force, DoS & SQL injection. Knowledge of how to protect a network against these threats.

Y11 Intent

Over the course of Year 11, our students will study and learn the following:-

Topic/Study Focus	Knowledge/Skill focus
Systems Software	Understanding of the different types of software on a computer. Knowing what an operating system is and its roles. Being able to describe utility software including encryption, defragmentation and compression.
Ethical & Legal Issues	Understanding of the different ethical issues that surround the technology landscape. Knowledge of the legal issues including the data protection act, computer misuse act and copyright, designs & patents act. Being able to explain the differences between open source and proprietary.
Boolean Logic	Understanding of the basic logic gates that make up a computer. Being able to draw logic diagrams and make truth tables for these. Using Boolean logic to solve real world problems.
Programming Languages & IDEs	Knowledge of the different types of programming languages. Understanding the uses of both high and low level languages. Knowledge of the different translators used. Being able to use an IDE and understanding the variety of tools it provides.