Why do we learn computer science?
Our intention is to ensure that all students experience a wide range of Computer science topics, techniques and processes. We aspire to create a curriculum where students engage with the learning, and it has a positive impact on their everyday use and relationship with computers. At the end of each unit, we want students to feel that they have discovered a new practical skill they can use with their computers at home and are more confident in using them independently. We strive to enable all students to succeed. All students should be able to access the curriculum and it be relevant to their lived experience.
Students should learn the skills, knowledge and practice to positively enhance their digital experience. This can range from being able to collect and analyse data more efficiently through the use of spreadsheets, program a solution to a specific problem or even create their own blog about a cause/hobby they are passionate about. Their practical and theoretical accomplishments will give them the confidence to independently explore their computers in the future and tackle problems they may have with technology even if they do not continue this study into Key Stage 4 and 5.
Head of Department
Ms Morton
Outcomes
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
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 |
---|---|
E-safety
|
Algorithms and Programming (Espresso)
|
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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Data and information
|
Digital Art • Use a computer to create different digital images. |
Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
---|---|
Communication and Collaboration
|
Using the Internet
|
All Year 1 subjects Next Year 1 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages
Year 2
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
---|---|
E-safety
Word Processing
|
Algorithms and Programming (Espresso)
|
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
---|---|
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 |
---|---|
E-safety
Word processing
|
Algorithms and Programming (Espresso and Scratch)
|
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
---|---|
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 |
---|---|
E-safety
Word Processing
|
Algorithms and Programming (Espresso and Scratch)
|
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
---|---|
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 |
---|---|
E-safety
Word Processing
|
Algorithms and Programming (Python)
|
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
---|---|
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 |
---|---|
E-safety
Word Processing
|
Algorithms and Programming (Python)
|
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
---|---|
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 |
---|---|
Can I speak to my computer? Micro:bit Coding |
Can I speak to my computer? Modelling data using spreadsheets |
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
---|---|
How do computers speak to each other? Networks: From Semaphores to the Internet |
How do computers speak to each other? Using media: Gaining support for a cause |
Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
---|---|
Can I make my computer do whatever I want? Programming essentials in Scratch (1) |
Can I make my computer do whatever I want? Programming essentials in Scratch (2) |
All Year 7 subjects Next Year 7 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages
Year 10
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
---|---|
What does a computer understand? Boolean Logic & Data Storage |
What does a computer understand? Refining Algorithms & Data Storage |
Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
---|---|
What is the architecture of a computer? CPU & Data Types |
What is the architecture of a computer? Embedded Systems & Programming Techniques/Fundamentals |
Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
---|---|
How can a computer send me a message? Secondary Storage, Networks & Topologies |
How can a computer send me a message? Wired & Wireless Networks, Protocols & Layers, Networks & Topologies |
All Year 10 subjects Next Year 10 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages