Computing

We want our students to understand and play an active role in the digital world that surrounds them, not to be passive consumers of an opaque and mysterious technology. A sound understanding of computer science concepts will help students see how to get the best from the systems they use, and how to solve problems when things go wrong. In a world suffused by computation, every school-leaver should have an understanding of computer science and be digitally literate.

Computer science at Easington Academy is an immersive experience, exposing students to fundamentals such as Microsoft Office, which is an essential tool for most jobs in today's workforce. Creative computing such as image manipulation, website and computer game development, which teaches young people how to express their creativity in an informed and responsible way and encourages them to reflect on what they produce and strive for excellence. Finally, computer science concepts such as how computers work and developing coding solutions, using multiple programming languages, to real world problems, which develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential in future life.

Throughout the key stages, students will encounter a range of software, completing project-based tasks, providing solutions to given scenarios. Students will also be encouraged to think about e-safety and cultural issues of computer science. These include the impact of technology on daily life, the “digital divide” and globalisation.

As well as following the curriculum, students will be encouraged to read for pleasure, experiencing a diverse range of literature as a platform for exploring new ideas, developing critical thinking skills and learning more about the world around them.

Students enjoy computer science because it is varied, fast-paced and fun. Every student is inspired to believe in their potential and to aim high. Careers within coding and the digital sector are the fastest growing sector today, predictions estimate there will be twice as many jobs than candidates to fill them in the coming years. We have devised our computer science curriculum with this in mind, students acquire a grounding towards knowledge, skills and understanding that a growing number of employers are demanding.

It’s not only computer science lessons that are exciting at the academy: Computer science teachers also facilitate range of computer science extra-curricular clubs, from computer games to coding and girls in computer science. These clubs are very popular with our students.

Curriculum information

Year	Autumn	Spring	Summer
7	E-Safety including cyber bullying and digital footprints. Office Skills including email, Teams and online systems use.	Introduction to computer systems including hardware, software, storage devices, networks and network security.	Photoshop, looking at image manipulation in the media and using skills learnt to create an image based on a given scenario. Scratch, a block-based visual programming language where students learn coding concepts and develop a game based around the classic PONG theme.
8	E-Safety including body image and social media. Intermediate computer systems including binary, sorting algorithms, network topologies, computer logic and data representation.	Vector Graphics including digital graphic properties, branding and image editing skills. Website Development, creating websites, embedding videos, sounds and links. Together with HTML coding.	GameMaker, a high-level visual programming language where students learn coding concepts, basic scripting and develop a maze game of their own theme, similar to that of PAC MAN.
9	E-Safety including grooming, inappropriate content and messaging. Python including sequence, selection, iteration and string manipulation.	Interactive Multimedia Products, students design and create a product for a given scenario, including video, sound, and animation. Photoshop, looking at image manipulation in the media and using skills learnt to create an image based on a given scenario.	Digital Literacy Skills,students will be empowered with knowledge and skills to enable them to be exceptional digital citizens of todays digital world.
10	Topic 2: Data Computers use binary to represent different types of data. Students are expected to learn how different types of data are represented in a computer. Topic 3: Computers Students must be familiar with the hardware and software components that make up a computer system. Topic 1 & 6: Computational thinking & Problem solving with programming Students are expected to develop a set of computational thinking skills that enable them to design, implement and analyse algorithms for solving problems. Students are expected to be familiar with and use the Programming Language Subset (PLS) All problems set in the practical programming tasks in the examination can be solved with the functionalities presented in the Programming Language Subset (PLS)	Topic 3: Computers Students must be familiar with the hardware and software components that make up a computer system. Topic 4: Networks Most computer applications in use today would not be possible without networks. Students should understand the key principles behind the organisation of computer networks. Topic 5: Issues and impact Students should be aware of the influence of digital technology and recognise some of the issues and the impact on wider society associated with its use. Topic 1 & 6: Computational thinking & Problem solving with programming Students are expected to develop a set of computational thinking skills that enable them to design, implement and analyse algorithms for solving problems. Students are expected to be familiar with and use the Programming Language Subset (PLS) All problems set in the practical programming tasks in the examination can be solved with the functionalities presented in the Programming Language Subset (PLS)	Topic 4: Networks Most computer applications in use today would not be possible without networks. Students should understand the key principles behind the organisation of computer networks. Topic 1 & 6: Computational thinking & Problem solving with programming Students are expected to develop a set of computational thinking skills that enable them to design, implement and analyse algorithms for solving problems. Students are expected to be familiar with and use the Programming Language Subset (PLS) All problems set in the practical programming tasks in the examination can be solved with the functionalities presented in the Programming Language Subset (PLS)
11	Topic 3: Computers Students must be familiar with the hardware and software components that make up a computer system. Topic 4: Networks Most computer applications in use today would not be possible without networks. Students should understand the key principles behind the organisation of computer networks. Topic 1 & 6: Computational thinking & Problem solving with programming Students are expected to develop a set of computational thinking skills that enable them to design, implement and analyse algorithms for solving problems. Students are expected to be familiar with and use the Programming Language Subset (PLS) All problems set in the practical programming tasks in the examination can be solved with the functionalities presented in the Programming Language Subset (PLS)	Topic 5: Issues and impact Students should be aware of the influence of digital technology and recognise some of the issues and the impact on wider society associated with its use. Topic 1 & 6: Computational thinking & Problem solving with programming Students are expected to develop a set of computational thinking skills that enable them to design, implement and analyse algorithms for solving problems. Students are expected to be familiar with and use the Programming Language Subset (PLS) All problems set in the practical programming tasks in the examination can be solved with the functionalities presented in the Programming Language Subset (PLS) Component 1 and component 2 revision.	Component 1 and component 2 revision. Topic 1 & 6: Computational thinking & Problem solving with programming Students are expected to develop a set of computational thinking skills that enable them to design, implement and analyse algorithms for solving problems. Students are expected to be familiar with and use the Programming Language Subset (PLS) All problems set in the practical programming tasks in the examination can be solved with the functionalities presented in the Programming Language Subset (PLS) Topic 4: Networks Most computer applications in use today would not be possible without networks. Students should understand the key principles behind the organisation of computer networks.

Computer science is where you learn the ‘behind the scenes’ of computers. You learn a lot about code, how to make programs and games, how the internet works and more. It’s definitely making learning fun!

Year 9 student