Why do we study Computing?

Computing at Hurworth enables students to acquire new skills in the three disciplines of Computer Science, Digital Literacy and Online Safety. Our aim is to create digital citizens whom are confident, safe users of technology.  

  •  The Computer Science elements of the course aim to provide students with problem solving skills and basic knowledge of computer systems. 
  • Digital literacy modules aim to provide learners with lifelong ICT skills including Microsoft Office proficiency and the ability to create and edit digital images.  
  • Online Safety components of the curriculum ensure that students have the skills to use digital devices safely and what to do in potentially dangerous situations. 

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) have stated that true employability depends on mastering the basic skills in communication, self-management, team working, problem solving, application of IT, business and customer awareness and the application of numeracy. All of these skills are developed in Computing. 

Year 7

Learning Outcomes

Students shall use the design process to set up a game design company.  

  •  Develop foundation office skills. 
  • Recognise online safety practices. 
  • Develop a logo for a purpose. 
  • Create algorithms to control real world scenarios. 
  • Create a text adventure game using sequence and selection. 

Learning Outcomes

Autumn Term

Basic skills and routines
Online Safety

Spring Term

Branding & identity 
Algorithm training with flowcharts

Summer Term

Game design for beginners

Year 7 Documents (click to download)

Year 8

Learning Outcomes

Students shall use the design process to develop their game design company.  

  • Design a computer system for a purpose. 
  • Develop Spreadsheet skills. 
  • Investigate the threats to a computer network. 
  • Create a digital graphic for a purpose. 
  • Create a text adventure game using modular sequence, selection and iteration. 

Learning Outcomes

Autumn Term

Computer Hardware
Graphic Design

 

Spring Term

Network Security 
Digital Graphic design  

Summer Term

Intermediate Game Design

Year 8 Documents (click to download)

Year 9

Learning Outcomes

Students shall use the design process to further develop their game design company.

 

  • Design a computer network
  • Create pre-production documents
  • Create a text adventure game using modular sequence, selection and iteration
  • Achieve the Bronze iDEA Award

Learning Outcomes

Autumn Term

Network Design
Pre-production documents

 

Spring Term

Game Design

Summer Term

Data Representation
iDea Award Bronze

Year 9 Documents (click to download)

Year 10

Learning Outcomes

This component will encourage students to develop and apply computational thinking skills. Students will be introduced to algorithms and programming, learning about programming techniques, how to produce robust programs, computational logic, translators and facilities of computing languages and data representation. Students will become familiar with computing related mathematics.

    Learning Outcomes

    Autumn Term

    Translators & facilities of languages
    Programming techniques
    Producing robust programs

     

    Spring Term

    Programming Project
    Data Representation

    Summer Term

    Data Representation
    Algorithms

    Year 10 Documents (click to download)

    Year 11

    Learning Outcomes

    This component will introduce students to the Central Processing Unit (CPU), computer memory and storage, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, system security and system software.

    Students will become familiar with the impact of Computer Science in a global context through the study of the ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns associated with Computer Science.

      Learning Outcomes

      Autumn Term

      Systems Architecture
      Memory
      Storage
      Wired & Wireless Networks
      Network topologies, protocols & layers

       

      Spring Term

      System Security
      Systems Software
      Ethics

      Summer Term

      Year 11 Documents (click to download)

      Creative iMedia

      Year 10

      Exam Specification

      Learning Outcomes

      Visual identity and digital graphics – In this unit you will learn to how to develop visual identities for clients and use the concepts of graphic design to create original digital graphics to engage target audiences.

      Topics include: 

      • Develop visual identity
      • Plan digital graphics for products
      • Create visual identity and digital graphics

      Visual imaging – In this unit you will learn how to plan, create and review portfolios of visual imagery. Topics include: o Plan visual imaging portfolios o Create visual imaging portfolios o Review visual imaging portfolios

      Learning Outcomes

      Autumn Term

      Digital Graphics Knowledge and NEA

       

      Spring Term

      Digital Graphics NEA and Visual Imaging knowledge

      Summer Term

      Visual Imaging NEA

       

      Year 10 Documents (click to download)

      Year 11

      Exam Specification

      Creative iMedia
      Cambridge Nationals

      Learning Outcomes

      Creating a Digital Graphic
      Students will understand the purpose and properties of digital graphics, and know where and how they are used. They will be able to plan the creation of digital graphics, create new digital graphics using a range of editing techniques and review a completed graphic against a specific brief.

      Learning Outcomes

      Autumn Term

      Digital Graphics Skills and NEA

       

      Spring Term

      Digital Graphics NEA

      Summer Term