CURRICULUM
Computing & ICT
Head of Computing, ICT – Mr W Maddock
Head of Business Studies – Miss V Douglas
Teacher of Computing, ICT – Ms D Hardman
Teacher of Computing, ICT & Business – Ms D Ouko
Intent
Computers are now part of everyday life and, for most of us, technology is essential to our lives, at home and at work. ‘Computational thinking’ is a skill that all pupils must learn if they are to be ready for the workplace and able to participate effectively in the digital world. The curriculum for computing, with computer science at its heart, has been developed to equip students in Maghull High School with the foundational skills, knowledge and understanding of computing they will need for the rest of their lives. Through the programme of study for computing, they will learn how computers and computer systems work, they will design and build programs, develop their ideas using technology and create a range of digital content.
The Royal Society has identified three distinct strands within computing, each of which is complementary to the others: computer science (CS), information technology (IT) and digital literacy (DL). Each component is essential in preparing pupils to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
We aim to provide a curriculum which promotes curiosity with students being encouraged to critique ideas and theories, developing their ability to think for themselves and build confidence within lessons. Aspire, Achieve and Enjoy is at the heart of everything that we do, and staff will curiously interrogate how each unit and opportunity aligns with this school vision. We will empower students to become; enthusiastic, skilled, innovative and considerate users of technology, with a deep-rooted ethical and moral compass. We will equip students with the knowledge and skills required to identify opportunities, develop their employability potential and become confident entrepreneurs of tomorrow. We promote inclusive classroom environments where scaffolding, adaptive teaching, and multi-modal resources enable all students to engage meaningfully with the subject content. This will include but not be limited to using visual aids and diagrams, create task and projects where the software will provide immediate results, create how to guides using both video resources and paper based. To adapt our teaching methods we will use unplugged activities to help introduce new concepts, pre-teach vocabulary, build confidence with quick wins and debugging strategies and using the PRIMM model to provide complete code to be modified before trying to make the code.
Students will complete year 9 as efficient and effective digital citizens, who understand how to thrive and adapt to an ever-increasing digital world. Opportunities will be given to all to develop technical skills, creative skills, digital literacy, business experience and aspirational career ambition.
At KS4 students will be able to choose a path that aligns to their future personal goals and career ambitions. We will offer inclusive courses that support and challenge students, providing successful qualifications to take the next steps in their journey.
Aspire – STEM Ambassadors talks; I’m a Computer Scientist; Class chats with Amazon; safe space to make mistakes as part of the learning process; celebrate the wins; Bebras Challenge and Apps for Good
Achieve – Review of learning and track their progress (small steps make big wins); vocational and academic courses offered; support in class and outside of lesson; Access to smart revise platform for GCSE
Enjoy – Bebras Challenge; Apps for Good; Code club; STEM Ambassadors talks; Drone flying experience; Student of the lesson; Positive contact made home;
Domains and Concepts
| Domains | Key Concepts |
| Effective use of Tools |
Word Processing Data Modelling Presentation of Information Data Science Animations and graphics Cloud storage and computing |
| Safety and Security |
Data Privacy Human Error Malware DDoS Brute Force Cyber Security Misinformation |
| Programming |
Data Types Constants and Variables String manipulation Program Flow Arrays File Handling Sub Programs Boolean Logic |
| Algorithms |
Computational Thinking Writing Algorithms Following Algorithms Search Algorithms Sort Algorithms |
| Impact of technology |
Ethical and cultural issues Environmental issues Computer Legislation Open Source and Proprietary Software AI |
| Computing Systems |
CPU Memory CPU and Performance Secondary Storage OS Utilities Embedded systems |
| Design and Development |
Structured programming Flowcharts Accessibility User needs Testing Trace tables IDE Refinement |
| Data and Information |
Binary Hexadecimal Characters Images Sound Compression |
| Creating Media |
Select and create a range of media Text Images Sounds Video Games |
| Networks |
Network structure (LAN, WAN, PAN) Hardware Topologies Protocols Connections Threats |
Key Stage 3
In Years 7-9, we prepare students for a digital life and ensure we cover the 3 main strands of the computer studies curriculum – creative, technical and digital literacy. It is important for pupils to learn the key skills and then build on them as they progress through the years. It is important to the department that everything we teaches helps to expand the experiences of our students.
Pupils will learn about:
- Year 7 – E-safety, Communication Software, Cloud Storage, Data Modelling, Programming Concepts, Digital Image Creation, Understanding Computers and Components, Tech as a Force for Good
- Year 8 – E-safety, Animations, Multimedia Production, Algorithms, Coding for Websites, Text Based Programming, Data Modelling, Computational Thinking
- Year 9 – E-safety, tech and its use in enterprise, Graphics, AI and Machine Learning, algorithm and programming, Game Development, Digital Skills
Scheme of Work Overview
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
BTEC Level 2 - Digital IT
ICT – BTEC Tech Award in Digital Information Technology
The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Digital Information Technology, is for learners who want to develop technical knowledge and skills through vocational contexts. This means you will be creating solutions to problems using a variety of skills and software. The Award gives learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment. You will be studying all aspects of IT such as project planning, designing and creating user interfaces, creating dashboards to present and interpret data. You will also be taught about the iterative design process, cyber security, and virtual teams, legal and ethical codes of conduct.
What will I Study?
The course is made up of three components, two of which are internally marked (coursework) and one component which is externally marked (exam). Your internally marked work will be marked by your teacher and then checked by an external moderator. Each of the coursework components are worth 30% of the final grade and the exam is 40% of the final grade.
Component 1: Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques – Internal Assessment (GLH 36)
Component 2: Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data – Internal Assessment (GLH 36)
Component 3: Effective Digital Working Practices – External Assessment (GLH 48)
How am I graded?
Grading is done using Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction* – where the grade is level 1 means it is below the equivalent grade 4 and level 2is equivalent to grade 4 or higher.
BTEC Level 2 - Scheme of Work Overview
Year 10
Year 11
GCSE OCR - Computer Science
Do you want to future proof your skills? Do you like to learn new things and be challenged? Then think about Computer Science. If you enjoy problem solving, and you are interested in learning to create programs and apps, this is the course for you. Many aspects of computer science involve similar skills and understanding of mathematics, so ideally you will be someone who enjoys and has a good ability in maths.
What will I Study?
In OCR GCSE Computer Science you will learn how a computer system works, and how it is constructed and programmed to follow instructions. You will learn how to code in a real world language and make your own programs to solve problems. The qualification has a real focus on computational thinking, helping you to develop the skills to solve problems and design systems that do so. Some of the topics you will cover are: Programming Languages; Algorithms; Binary and hexadecimal; Problem Solving; Computer hardware; Computer Software; Networks; System Security; Ethical, Cultural and Environmental Concerns
J277/01: External exam Computer Systems (50%)
J277/02: External exam Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (50%)
How am I graded?
Grades are awarded using the 9-1 system.
GCSE - Computer Science Scheme of work overview
Year 10
Year 11
BTEC Level 3 - Information Technology
ICT – BTEC National Certificate in Information Technology
This qualification is designed for learners who are interested in an introduction to the study of creating IT systems to manage and share information, alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in IT.
What will I Study?
The course is made up of four units, two of which are internally marked (coursework) one of them is mandatory while the other unit can be chosen from two optional units. The two externally assessed units are made up of an exam and a controlled assessment. Your internally marked work will be marked by your teacher and then checked by an external moderator.
Unit 1: Information Technology Systems – Exam (GLH 120)
Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage Information – Controlled Assessment (GLH 90)
Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business – Internal Assessment (GLH 90)
Option Units – 1 of the 2 below units
Unit 5: Data Modelling – Internal Assessment (GLH 60)
Unit 6: Website Development – Internal Assessment (GLH 60)
How am I graded?
Grading is done using Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction*
BTEC Level 3 - Scheme of Work Overview
Key Stage 5