Computing

Subject Vision

To empower students with the digital literacy, computational thinking and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technological world. Through a broad and engaging curriculum, students develop the knowledge, confidence and creativity required for future study, employment and everyday life.

Curriculum Intent

The Computing curriculum develops responsible, competent, confident and creative users of technology. Students learn how digital systems work, how data is represented and processed, and how technology can be used safely, ethically and effectively.

Through programming, digital media, cybersecurity and data analysis, learners develop transferable skills that prepare them for further education and careers within the digital sector.

Curriculum Overview

Key Stage 3

Year 7

Term	Topic	Overview
1	E-Safety and Digital Citizenship	Students learn how to use technology safely, responsibly and legally. Topics include online safety, digital footprints, cyberbullying, misinformation, privacy and illegal online behaviour.
2	Digital Media	Students develop digital design skills using software such as Canva and learn the principles of effective visual communication.
3	Networks	Students explore how computer networks and the internet enable communication between devices.
4	Programming Essentials in Scratch	Students learn programming fundamentals including sequence, selection, iteration and variables.
5	Modelling Data Using Spreadsheets	Students learn how to organise, analyse and model data using spreadsheets.
6	Gaining Support for a Cause	Students create a blog while exploring copyright, licensing and evaluating online information.

Year 8

Term	Topic	Overview
1	Media – Vector Graphics	Students create digital products such as logos, icons and posters using vector graphic software.
2	Layers of Computing Systems	Students explore how software, hardware and data interact within computer systems.
3	Developing for the Web	Students design and build web pages using HTML and CSS.
4	Representations	Students investigate how computers represent and process information digitally using binary.
5	Criminal Online Scams	Students learn how to identify and protect themselves from online scams and fraud.
6	Introduction to Python Programming	Students begin text-based programming using Python.

Year 9

Term	Topic	Overview
1	Python Programming with Sequences of Data	Students extend their Python skills through the use of lists and strings to store, manipulate and process data.
2	Data Science	Students analyse real-world datasets to identify patterns, trends and relationships whilst developing skills in data analysis and visualisation.
3	Databases	Students learn how databases store, organise and retrieve information through practical database design and querying activities.
4	Representations – Going Audio-Visual	Students explore how images and sound are represented digitally and how multimedia content is stored and processed.
5	Introduction to Cybersecurity	Students learn about cyber threats, online safety, harmful online content and strategies used to protect people, systems and data.
6	Animations	Students use Blender to develop 3D modelling and animation skills whilst exploring applications of computing within the creative industries.

Key Stage 4 – GCSE Computer Science

Year 10

Topic	Overview
Computer Systems	Students explore computer architecture, memory, storage and system performance.
Algorithms	Students develop computational thinking skills through the study of search and sort algorithms.
Programming Techniques	Students strengthen their Python programming skills through increasingly complex problem-solving activities.
Cybersecurity	Students investigate cyber threats, vulnerabilities and methods used to secure systems and networks.
Computer Networks	Students study network infrastructure, protocols, internet technologies and network security.
Data Representation	Students learn how numbers, text, images and sound are represented digitally and explore data compression techniques.

Year 11

Topic	Overview
Logic Gates	Students develop an understanding of Boolean logic, truth tables and digital circuits.
Ethical, Legal, Cultural and Environmental Issues	Students explore the impact of technology on society, considering privacy, legislation, ethics and sustainability.
Additional Programming Techniques	Students extend their knowledge of programming through file handling, arrays, SQL and defensive programming.
Examination Preparation	Students consolidate their learning through revision, retrieval practice and examination-style questions.

Key Stage 5 – A Level Computer Science

Component	Overview
Paper 1: Computer Systems	Students study computer architecture, systems software, data representation, Boolean logic and programming paradigms.
Paper 2: Algorithms and Programming	Students develop advanced programming skills whilst studying algorithms, databases, networking, web technologies, encryption and data compression.
Non-Exam Assessment (NEA)	Students complete an independent programming project, applying their knowledge and skills to solve a real-world problem.

Assessment

Students are assessed through a range of methods including:

Practical programming tasks
Project-based learning
Knowledge retrieval activities
End-of-unit assessments
Examination-style questions
Mock examinations at GCSE and A Level

Assessment helps students identify strengths, address misconceptions and make sustained progress throughout the curriculum.

Careers

Computing develops valuable digital, analytical and problem-solving skills that support careers in:

Software Development
Cybersecurity
Data Science
Network Engineering
Web Development
Games Development

Many of the skills developed in Computing are also highly valued across a wide range of industries and professions.

Enrichment Opportunities

Students may have opportunities to engage in:

Coding and Programming Clubs
Cybersecurity Challenges
STEM Activities
Computing Competitions
Digital Media Projects
Careers Events and Industry Talks

The Duston School

Computing

Contact Us