Term 1: Introduction to Computer System
In the first lesson, students will learn how to use the network and systems at Turing House, the importance of choosing secure passwords and organisation. Students will gain a comprehensive overview of how computing systems operate, exploring the various layers from software applications to hardware components and fundamental binary concepts. By the end of the term, students will have a foundational understanding of computer systems and an introduction to contemporary topics like artificial intelligence and open-source software. By providing a structured and simplified tour through the layers of computing systems, this unit aims to build a strong foundation for further study in computer science. Students will leave with a broad understanding of how computers work, both in terms of software and hardware, and an appreciation for contemporary technological topics.
Students will complete a series of online quizzes and complete evidence based tasks
Password
A string of characters that allows access to a computer, interface, or system
Computer Network
A set of computers connected together for the purpose of sharing resources and hardware. Most computer networks have at least one server. A server is a powerful computer that provides one or more services to a network and its users.
Develop the individual:
Students look at how technology can bring benefits to discussions and tolerance to an individual’s beliefs. Students are exposed to the limitations and abuse of the internet ,they question and justify the aims, values and principles of right & wrong
Create a supportive community:
Recognising the difference between right and wrong; respecting the law; understanding consequences of your behaviour and actions; investigating moral and ethical issues; offering reasoned views.
Term 2: Web Development
Students will explore the foundational technologies of the internet and World Wide Web, learning to build and style their own websites using HTML and CSS.This combines technical skills with creative expression, empowering students to create their own digital presence while gaining a foundational understanding of web development. By the end of this module, students will not only have a tangible project to showcase but also a deeper appreciation for the technologies that power the modern web.
Practical Project Based Assessment
Develop the individual:
Create a supportive community:
Term 3: 2D Animation
Undertake creative projects that involve selecting, using, and combining multiple applications. Students learn about editing, drawing and animating images using graphics software and find out why we have different image formats. They will create, re-use, revise and re-purpose digital artefacts for a given audience, with attention to trustworthiness, design and usability.
Practical end of unit task and a online assessment
Develop the individual:
Exploring beliefs and experiences; respecting faiths, feelings and values; enjoying learning about yourself, others and the surrounding world; using your imagination and creativity. The wonder of technology
Create a supportive community:
Care and use of equipment: Making clear the guidelines about the ethical use of the internet and how we keep ourselves and others safe
Term 4: AppShed
The aim of this unit is to teach the pupils how to build their own apps using a web-based app builder. It will give them all the tools and resources to build a working web app which can be used on any HTML5 compatible device. In the unit they will evaluate existing apps, mock up their own designs and build, test and evaluate their own apps. By the end of this unit they will have an understanding of a good user interface, know the difference between web apps and native apps, and be able to find and create resources such as icons and backgrounds.
completion of a practical task and an online assessment
Develop the individual:
Create a supportive community:
TERM 4A: Representations- Representations – from clay to silicon
This curriculum module introduces Key Stage 3 learners to the fundamental concept of data representation, highlighting the importance of symbols in recording, processing, and transmitting information. Students will explore how humans use symbols in everyday communication and then delve into how computers use binary digits (bits) for the same purposes. The unit begins with an introduction to binary, explaining its simplicity and effectiveness as the foundational language of computers. Students will learn to convert between binary and decimal systems, gaining a practical understanding of how numbers are represented in binary form. Additionally, the unit covers text representation, demonstrating how characters are encoded using binary codes such as ASCII. Hands-on activities will reinforce these concepts, allowing students to practice encoding and decoding information in binary. By integrating these lessons with broader computing concepts, students will see how data representation fits into the overall operation of computing systems. By the end of the term, students will have a solid grasp of how binary representation underpins computer functionality, providing a crucial foundation for further study in computer science.
Develop the individual:
Create a supportive community:
Term 6: Programming- Introduction to Python
This is an introduction to Python, a powerful but easy-to-use high-level programming language. Although Python is an object-oriented language, at this level the object-oriented features of the language are barely in evidence and do not need to be discussed. The focus is on getting pupils to understand the process of developing programs, the importance of writing correct syntax, being able to formulate algorithms for simple programs and debugging their programs. Pupils will look at If statements and While loops whilst covering concepts such as validation and searching.
Final Task and an on screen assessment
Develop the individual:
Students will develop an understanding of how the technology they use daily functions and operates. They will build on problem solving, research and reasoning skills when reflecting on a system requirements task.
Create a supportive community:
Students can support each other in their understanding and reflect on the technological requirements of organisations such as a school.
Term 5: Programming – Small Basic
This unit is an introduction to programming in a textual language designed to make programming easy and approachable for beginners. It starts by introducing Turtle graphics, leading into the use of variables and For…EndFor loops. Simple programs using the Text window are used to introduce input, output and selection. Pupils will get used to these programming statements while having fun writing a quiz program, producing coloured graphics and making a simple screensaver.
Practical task
a written assessment
Develop the individual:
Computing Empowers students to apply their ICT and computing skills and to gain knowledge of how programming links between subjects for instance maths.
Create a supportive community: