INNOVATE . FOCUS . ACHIEVE

At Boldon School, all aspects of the school ethos, ‘Innovate, Focus and Achieve’ are underpinned across each subject area. In Computing, we strive to embed these principles within our curriculum:

Innovate: To create innovative and progressive schemes of work which are well-sequenced to ensure excellent student outcomes.

Focus: A clear drive and focus key threads for reading, writing and spoken language;
A relentless drive to sharpen key knowledge concepts and ensure understanding of portable themes.
To ensure that all lessons widen the scope and appreciation of grammar, vocabulary and subject content.

Achieve: The aim is to ensure proficiency in reading, writing and oracy; this is key to social mobility. Our robust curriculum is designed to build strong foundations in knowledge and understanding which lead to academic and personal success. We want our students to enjoy the subject, and be inspired to be innovative in their responses, to focus on skill acquisition and implementation and, ultimately, to achieve their true potential. Students will be well-skilled to succeed in their next steps, whether it be education, further training or the world of employment.

Each of our curriculum areas are carefully designed with the students at the heart of our thinking. The intent is for the framework for each programme of study in the National Curriculum to be well planned and sequenced to enable all students to build their knowledge and skills towards the agreed end points at each key stage. We consider how this is taught in order to support our students and ensure this is implemented effectively. For the desired impact to be reflected in the outcomes that students achieve through the education they have received.

This is embedded across each subject area: Computing

Intent:

The KS3 Computing Curriculum has been designed to ensure students are able to achieve the highest standards and outcomes. High quality teaching comes from specialist subject teachers. The curriculum includes formal teaching throughout a wide range of subject areas. Students will learn a wide range of problem solving skills, programming skills, collaboration, creativity and interest for pursuing a future career in the subject. All skills are taught in a sequential manner to support independence in assessments. The projects and topics are developed to ensure that each year students embed and build upon previous knowledge and skills.

The KS3 Computing Curriculum allows students to put into practice what they learn to further embed knowledge. Learners will use a range of industry led software and hardware to enable them to flourish in a world dominated by digital technology and opportunities. Our intent is underpinned by a culture of high aspirations and each student believing that by working hard they can achieve their very best. In every topic, links to careers and the world of work are made. The curriculum is regularly monitored and adapted to suit the needs of all our learners. 

Implementation:

Outstanding subject knowledge and strong teaching pedagogy is at the forefront of our KS3 Computing curriculum. Students are taught by subject specialists to ensure high quality and consistent teaching. All skills are sequenced from year 7 to 9 to ensure students are progressing each year and they can continuously retrieve information from each project. High quality questioning and resources are used during practical lessons and theory lessons. 

Assessment sheets and quality marks are used at the end of each topic to inform students of their progress and achievements, this will allow students to progress to the next level with skills and knowledge. Through CPD, all staff have updated current skills to the required industry standard.

Students will learn the fundamentals of design, development and testing. This will provide learners with skills in Computer Systems, Programming, Cyber Security, Graphics Development, Spreadsheets, Animation and Video Editing.

Impact:

Historically, there has been a high intake of students who opt to pursue a career in Computing in the form of sixth form, university or an apprenticeship. Feedback from students demonstrates that they enjoy studying at Boldon School and have acquired the key skills required to succeed in the digital industry.  All data is analysed by senior leaders and governing bodies within the school to ensure challenge and accountability.

Regular learning walks within the faculty are conducted to ensure high quality teaching and delivery is being provided to learners. Student voice is used to survey the impact of the KS3 Computing Curriculum, the outcomes allow us to reshape and restructure the curriculum to maximise student learning, outcomes and enjoyment.