Term 1: Digital Literacy iDEA
Exploring digital literacy and completing the iDEA qualification. The Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award, known as iDEA is an international programme that helps you develop digital, enterprise and employability skills for free. Through our series of online challenges, you can win career-enhancing badges, unlock new opportunities and, ultimately, gain industry-recognised Awards that help you stand out from the crowd.
Completion of a practical task and an online assessment
Develop the individual:
As students develop their skills in a range of software they are challenged to work in groups to find solutions whilst developing respect for the ideas and opinions of others in their team.
Create a supportive community:
Computational thinking encourages students to develop and explore their problem solving skills. Computing Empowers students to apply their ICT and computing skills
TERM 1A: Cyber Safety
This curriculum module introduces Year 9 students to the critical concepts of cyber safety, guiding them through the techniques used by cybercriminals to steal data, disrupt systems, and infiltrate networks. The unit begins by helping students understand the value of their data and the various ways organisations might use it. Students will then explore different types of cybercrimes, with a focus on social engineering tactics and other common threats. Finally, the unit covers effective methods to protect against these attacks, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to safeguard their personal information and digital assets. Through this journey of discovery, students will become more aware of the cyber threats they face and how to mitigate them, fostering a safer online environment.
Online Quiz
Develop the individual:
Create a supportive community:
Term 2 and 3: Transition from Small Basics to Python Programming
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. Further an introduction to Python, a powerful but easy-to-use high-level programming language. 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.
Practical application and a written summative assessment
Develop the individual:
Computational thinking encourages students to develop and explore their problem solving skills.
Create a supportive community:
Term 4: Control Systems and Algorithms: Flowol
Students learn about control systems and develop an understanding of why and how technology is used all around us. The main focus is learning about input, process and outputs involved in developing controls systems and students investigate the importance of systems design and the consequences of system failure. Students will use Flowol to develop their logical reasoning and problem solving talents, develop programming skills and explore the world of automatic, autonomous systems and robots. Flowol supports many programming elements including sequences of instructions, branching using decisions, loops (infinite, or based on a condition or count), variables and simple variable manipulation and sub-procedures
Students will be assessed practically and will produce a report demonstrating their understanding of the algorithm.
Develop the individual:
As students develop their skills in a range of software they are challenged to work in groups to find solutions whilst developing respect for the ideas and opinions of others in their team.
Create a supportive community:
Term 5: Data Science
In this curriculum module, Year 9 students will be introduced to the fascinating field of data science. By the end of the term, students will be empowered with the knowledge and skills to use data to investigate problems and effect positive changes in the world around them. They will work with both global and local data sets, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how data can be collected, analysed, and visualised. Through this process, students will learn how visualising data can help identify patterns and trends, making complex information more accessible and actionable. This unit will inspire students to see the potential of data science in solving real-world problems and making informed decisions.
summative written assessment
hyperlink
A hyperlink is a link in a document or webpage that connects to another location.
Internet
The Internet is a computer network that connects computers worldwide
Develop the individual:
It will enhance student's SMSC development by fostering curiosity, ethical awareness, teamwork, and cultural appreciation. It prepares them to be thoughtful, responsible, and engaged members of society.
Create a supportive community:
Understanding Audience & Purpose
Term 6: Vector Graphics - Inkcape
This unit offers learners the opportunity to design graphics using vector graphic editing software. By the end of the unit learners will have produced an illustration, a logo, or some icons using vector graphics. The lessons are tailored to Inkscape (inkscape.org), which is open source and cross-platform. Vector graphics can be used to design anything from logos and icons to posters, board games, and complex illustrations. Through this unit, learners will be able to better understand the processes involved in creating such graphics and will be provided with the knowledge and tools to create their own.
As part of the computing curriculum students are taught to think and produce work that reflects the needs of diverse audiences within our community and the wider community.
Develop the individual:
Create a supportive community: