Why do we learn computer science?
Our intent in teaching computer science is to equip students for a future where digital literacy is essential and where AI and machine learning are integral to everyday life. We aim to prepare students to succeed in a digital world by offering a curriculum that covers a wide range of topics, techniques, and processes in computer science. This curriculum is designed to make learning engaging and impactful, empowering students with practical skills and fostering a positive relationship with technology. By the end of each unit, students will not only acquire a new practical skill they can apply at home but will also gain confidence in independently using technology.
We believe in providing an inclusive and relevant curriculum that enhances students' digital experiences. Our computing curriculum is comprehensive, well-balanced across Key Stages, and tailored to meet the needs of all learners.
Our school maintains strong connections with industry experts to enrich the curriculum and offers numerous extra-curricular computing opportunities, such as STEM clubs and competitions. These experiences, along with workshops and events, provide students with hands-on practice and inspire interest in fields like science, cybersecurity, and data analysis. Through these activities, students develop skills they can carry into the future, gaining confidence to explore and solve tech-related challenges independently, even if they choose not to pursue computer science further.
Head of Department
Ms Morton
Ms Hijazi
Outcomes
By the end of the Key Stage 3 curriculum, students will have developed skills and knowledge in digital literacy, programming, and computing concepts, including:
1. Digital Literacy and Online Safety
- Use Satchel One, Teams, and OneDrive for file management and collaboration.
- Identify online threats (malware, phishing) and practice online safety.
2. Computer Hardware and Systems
- Understand hardware concepts (CPU, RAM), binary conversions, and data compression.
3. Networks and the Internet
- Explain network types and data transmission (protocols, packets, addressing).
4. Programming Fundamentals
- Write basic Python programs using variables, data types, and control structures.
- Solve problems with selection, iteration, and arrays.
5. Software Application and Productivity Tools
- Use word processors, critique digital content, and address licensing issues.
6. Spreadsheet Skills and Data Analysis
- Format spreadsheets, apply formulas (SUM, MAX), and analyse data with charts.
7. App and Web Development
- Create a user-focused app and a basic website using HTML and CSS.
8. Graphics and Game Design
- Create vector graphics, design game characters, and use logic gates in circuits.
9. Computational Thinking
- Apply decomposition, abstraction, and programming constructs to solve problems.
10. Collaboration and Reflection
- Work with peers, troubleshoot, and reflect on projects to plan future learning.
These outcomes prepare KS3 students with foundational skills in digital technology, computational thinking, and problem-solving for further study and real-world application.
Primary
At Ark Academy we believe that the knowledge of computing and the skills it provides are a fundamental part of the education for all pupils. Technology is transforming the lives of everyone. Through teaching computing, we equip pupils to participate in a rapidly moving world where work and leisure activities are increasingly changed by technology.
The curriculum is designed to cover the three main strands of computing, which are:
- Computer Science
- Digital Literacy (which includes E-safety)
- Information Technology
Year 1
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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E-safety
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Algorithms and Programming (Espresso)
|
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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Data and information
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Digital Art • Use a computer to create different digital images. |
Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
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Communication and Collaboration
|
Using the Internet
|
All Year 1 subjects Next Year 1 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages
Year 2
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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E-safety
Word Processing
|
Algorithms and Programming (Espresso)
|
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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Data and Information
|
Digital Media
|
Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
---|---|
Creating Media
|
Using the Internet
|
All Year 2 subjects Next Year 2 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages
Year 3
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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E-safety
Word processing
|
Algorithms and Programming (Espresso and Scratch)
|
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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Data and Information
|
Digital Art
|
Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
---|---|
Communication and Collaboration
|
Using the Internet
|
All Year 3 subjects Next Year 3 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages
Year 4
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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E-safety
Word Processing
|
Algorithms and Programming (Espresso and Scratch)
|
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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Data and Information
|
Digital Media
|
Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
---|---|
Communication and Collaboration
|
How Computers Work / Using the Internet
|
All Year 4 subjects Next Year 4 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages
Year 5
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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E-safety
Word Processing
|
Algorithms and Programming (Python)
|
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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Data and Information
|
Digital Media
|
Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
---|---|
Communication and Collaboration
|
How Computers Work
|
All Year 5 subjects Next Year 5 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages
Year 6
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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E-safety
Word Processing
|
Algorithms and Programming (Python)
|
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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Data and Information
|
Digital Media
|
Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
---|---|
Communication and Collaboration
DT: ‘Design and make a bird box’ unit. Using digital media to design |
How Computers Work
|
All Year 6 subjects Next Year 6 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages
Secondary
Outcomes (what pupils will be able to do) of the KS3 curriculum. By the end of the curriculum, pupils will be able to:
- Safely engage with online content and understand when to use the most appropriate software
- Understand the use and proper application of a range of different software programs
- Use taught experience and reading to gain an understanding of subject specific vocabulary and use it in a manner that is accurate and relevant to its practical application
- Make links between the different units within Computer Science as well as any cross-curricular links
Year 7
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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Impact of technology Where do my data go? And how they are protected? |
Computer System Part 1 and Networks How do different devices, including embedded systems, use networks to communicate and share data? |
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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Using media: Gaining support for a cause What software should I use to share information? |
Vector Graphic How do developers create interactive and immersive experiences in games? |
Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
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Programming essentials in Scratch How do developers create interactive and immersive experiences in games? |
Modelling data using spreadsheets How can data be effectively structured, analysed, and visualised? |
All Year 7 subjects Next Year 7 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages
Year 8
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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Computer Law How can digital tools be used responsibly, effectively and lawfully? |
Computer System Part 2 How do computers process and manipulate data? |
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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Programming using Python How can algorithms be used to solve problems effectively? |
Programming using Python How can algorithms be used to solve problems effectively? |
Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
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Mobile App Development How can we design a user-friendly mobile app? |
Web Development How can my ideas reach users across the word? |
All Year 8 subjects Next Year 8 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages
Year 9
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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Data representation How do Computer understand data? |
Data representation How do Computer understand data? |
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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Cyber Security How do hackers exploit vulnerabilities? |
Programming with python part 2 How do program store huge data? |
Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
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Programming with python part 2 How do program store huge data? |
Future Technology How can we live with AI? |
All Year 9 subjects Next Year 9 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages
Year 10
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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Computer System How does a computer system process, store, and manage data and instructions to perform tasks efficiently? |
Programming How do programming languages enable the creation and manipulation of data, operations, and algorithms to solve problems effectively? |
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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Fundamentals of data representation & Programming How is data represented, manipulated, and encoded in computer systems? |
Networking How can a computer send me a message? |
Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
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Fundamentals of algorithms & Programming How can algorithms be designed, represented, and optimised to efficiently solve problems such as searching and sorting data? |
Cyber Security What are the common cybersecurity threats, and how to protect systems and data? |
All Year 10 subjects Next Year 10 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages
Year 11
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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Programming & SQL How do programming languages enable the creation and manipulation of data, operations, and algorithms to solve problems effectively? |
Impacts of digital technology What are the ethical, legal, cultural, and environmental implications of digital technology, and how do they impact society, including issues of privacy? |
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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Exam Preparation |
Exam Preparation |
Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
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Exam Preparation How can a computer send me a message? |
Next step What educational and career pathways should you can pursue to achieve your personal and professional goals? |
All Year 11 subjects Next Year 11 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages