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At Holcombe we aim to deliver the following ambitious outcomes for our students through our curriculum. Students will:
We cover a Computing course at Key Stage 3 with an aim to equip pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with Maths, Science as well as Design Technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of Computing is Computer Science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are encouraged to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of different content. Computing also helps to provide a backbone of ICT ensuring that all pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
By the end of Key Stage 3 all students should be able to:
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Students develop essential digital literacy skills, including logging into networks, managing files, using email appropriately, working safely online, and understanding cloud storage. They begin creating and editing digital images while exploring the differences between bitmap and vector graphics, establishing secure and responsible computing habits for future study. | Students learn to organise, analyse and present data using spreadsheets. They create formulae, apply functions, use cell references, conditional formatting, and generate charts and graphs. Learners develop confidence in selecting appropriate tools to manipulate data and interpret information effectively in a range of practical contexts. | Students explore the history and development of computing, studying influential figures, Moore’s Law, and technological change. They learn to communicate information effectively through word processing and presentation software, developing skills in formatting, design, proofreading, and selecting appropriate content to engage different audiences successfully. | Students are introduced to programming through Scratch, learning sequencing, selection and iteration. They design, develop and test programs to solve problems, analysing requirements and creating logical solutions. Through practical programming tasks, learners build computational thinking skills and gain confidence in designing interactive digital products. | Students investigate the hardware that makes computer systems function, including input and output devices, memory and storage technologies. They learn how components work together and evaluate suitable hardware for different purposes, developing a foundation for understanding modern computer systems and future study of computer architecture. | Students transition to text-based programming using Python. They learn programming fundamentals including variables, inputs, outputs and calculations. Through creating simple programs, learners develop problem-solving skills, understand program structure, and begin applying computational thinking to design and implement solutions to straightforward real-world problems. | |||
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Students extend their spreadsheet skills through advanced functions, validation techniques, sorting, querying and macros. They learn to automate tasks, improve accuracy and design sophisticated spreadsheet solutions. Learners develop the ability to select appropriate techniques for different scenarios while interpreting and presenting increasingly complex data. | Students develop computational thinking by exploring abstraction, decomposition, pattern recognition and algorithm design. They learn to create and interpret flowcharts, compare alternative solutions and sequence logical processes. These skills strengthen problem-solving abilities and provide the foundation for designing efficient programs and computational systems. | Students expand their Python programming knowledge by using selection statements and condition-controlled loops. They analyse requirements, design solutions and develop programs capable of making decisions. Through practical coding challenges, learners strengthen computational thinking and gain confidence in producing more sophisticated and responsive software applications. | Students investigate online safety, cyber security threats and methods used to protect digital information. They explore malware, encryption and ciphers while learning strategies for maintaining security online. Learners develop awareness of risks and responsibilities, enabling them to use digital technologies safely and confidently. | Students explore how computers represent and process data using binary. They learn binary conversion, data representation, logic gates and Boolean logic. Through practical activities, learners develop an understanding of the fundamental principles underpinning computer systems and gain insight into how digital devices process information. | Students develop multimedia production skills through recording, editing and combining audio and video. They explore editing techniques, effects and project planning while creating engaging digital media products. Learners evaluate their work critically and gain confidence using industry-standard tools to communicate ideas creatively and effectively. |
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Students learn how websites are created using HTML and CSS. They design and build web pages containing text, images and hyperlinks while exploring layout, styling and user experience. Learners develop coding skills and gain an appreciation of the design principles required to produce effective websites. | Students investigate how networks operate and how data travels across the internet. They study networking hardware, IP addresses, DNS and internet services, developing an understanding of communication technologies. Learners explore the infrastructure that enables global connectivity and supports modern digital communication systems. | Students extend their programming expertise by using count-controlled and nested loops. They design and develop increasingly complex Python programs capable of solving a wider range of problems. Through structured programming tasks, learners strengthen problem-solving skills and gain greater confidence in developing efficient software solutions. | Students examine ethical, legal and social issues surrounding modern technology. They explore intellectual property, copyright, algorithms in decision-making and responsible data use. Learners evaluate the impact of computing on society and develop the knowledge needed to use technology responsibly and make informed digital decisions. | Students apply knowledge gained throughout Key Stage 3 to analyse requirements, plan solutions and manage project development. They create substantial digital products using a range of software tools while considering timelines, copyright and user needs. Learners develop independence, creativity and project management skills. | Students complete and evaluate substantial computing projects that showcase their knowledge, technical skills and computational thinking. They demonstrate proficiency across programming, digital media, data handling and problem-solving while reflecting on their progress. This term consolidates learning and prepares students for future study in Computing. |
Please see attached the Key Stage 3 Learning Journey for Computer Science.
Computer Science is a very practical subject – students will be able to use the knowledge and skills they learn in the classroom on real-world problems. It is also a highly creative subject that calls on learners to be inventive.
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Students develop an understanding of CPU architecture, including the Von Neumann model, processor components, registers and the fetch-execute cycle. Alongside this, they begin text-based programming, learning variables, inputs, outputs, operators and basic programming constructs. Practical programming activities reinforce computational thinking and problem-solving skills. | Students explore factors affecting CPU performance, including clock speed, cache size and processor cores. They investigate embedded systems and their applications while extending programming knowledge through sequence, selection and iteration. Learners develop increasingly sophisticated programs and strengthen their ability to analyse, design and implement computational solutions. | Students study primary storage, including RAM, ROM and virtual memory, before examining data types such as integers, reals, Booleans, characters and strings. They investigate secondary storage technologies, comparing devices and media to determine suitability for different applications while continuing to develop programming proficiency. | Students learn how data is represented within computer systems through binary numbers, data units and storage calculations. They perform binary conversions and arithmetic while exploring overflow errors. Programming studies focus on file handling techniques, enabling learners to read, write and manage data within practical software solutions. | Students deepen their understanding of data storage through binary representation and computational methods. They develop advanced programming skills including string manipulation, file handling, records and database concepts using SQL. Practical programming activities encourage students to apply computational thinking to increasingly complex and realistic scenarios. | Students consolidate their understanding of system architecture, memory, storage, data representation and programming concepts through revision and practical application. They refine coding techniques, strengthen problem-solving abilities and develop examination skills through assessment activities, preparing for the demands of Year 11 and GCSE Computer Science examinations. |
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Students develop a detailed understanding of computer networks, including LANs, WANs, topologies, network hardware, internet technologies, protocols and network layers. They also study defensive design, maintainability and software testing, learning how robust programs are developed. Practical programming activities strengthen computational thinking, coding and problem-solving skills. | Students explore Boolean logic through logic diagrams, truth tables and logical operators, applying logical reasoning to solve computational problems. They develop a deeper understanding of how computers make decisions and process data. Practical programming reinforces these concepts while building confidence in analytical thinking and examination-style problem solving. | Students investigate threats to computer systems including malware, phishing, brute-force attacks, denial-of-service attacks and data interception. They examine methods used to prevent vulnerabilities and secure systems. Alongside this, students study searching and sorting algorithms, evaluating their effectiveness while applying algorithmic thinking to programming challenges. | Students explore the social, ethical, cultural and legal impacts of computing technologies. They examine privacy, intellectual property, legislation, environmental concerns and responsible use of technology. Learners develop evaluative and analytical skills required for extended examination responses while strengthening their understanding of computing’s influence on modern society. | Students consolidate knowledge from across the OCR GCSE Computer Science specification through targeted revision, retrieval practice and examination preparation. They refine examination technique, strengthen problem-solving skills and address misconceptions. Following examinations, students reflect on their learning and prepare for progression to further study in Computer Science and related fields. | GCSE Exams |
Please see attached the Key Stage 4 Learning Journey for Computer Science.
Computer Science (this is not ICT, ICT is totally different from Computer Science) is a practical subject where you can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. It’s an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement, that can look at the natural world through a digital prism. Computer Science qualifications will value computational thinking, helping you to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence.
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Components of a computer and Their Uses
| Exchanging Data
| Networks and Web Technologies + Legal Moral Ethical and Cultural Issues
| Data Types
| Data Structures
| Boolean Algebra
|
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Computational Thinking
| Programming Techniques and Algorithms
| Review and Revise Component 1 | Review and Revise Component 2 | Personalised Program of Support | Exams |
Please see attached the Key Stage 5 Learning Journey for Computer Science.
On top of the obvious range of resources supplied to students in class, work packs, copies of class PowerPoints published onto teams, pdf textbooks, pdf question packs etc we also provide access to 3 outstanding online resources Seneca Learning (range of KS3, 4 and 5 interactive learning and testing), Test and Track (self-review and assessment to track knowledge and understanding helping the development of independent study) and CODIO (web-based IDE to support the development of programming skills which includes learning tasks as well as some theory).
You will develop an ability to analyse, critically evaluate and make decisions. The project approach is a vital component of ‘post-school’ life and is of particular relevance to Further Education, Higher Education and the workplace. Irrespective of your final choice of workplace or further education place Computer Science helps you to develop the analytical skills essential to success.
Students reflect on their work and develop their understanding though appropriate questioning. They take account of the views of others and respect their opinions even when they differ from their own.
