What matters most in Computing?

Computer Science empowers all students to solve problems using critical thinking and its application of technology. Computational thinking is used to solve such logical problems, essential skills for all students. These enable them to build on their own reasoning and crucially build on their own decision making.

We are building the toolkit of technological use that they can be used to improve their life choices with a positive footprint left in the world. We emphasise being polite, respectful and considerate to others while being online. Encouraging respect, empathy, clear communication and understanding.

The strands common across all parts of our curriculum that underpin all our lessons are:

  • Digital literacy
  • Computational thinking
  • Systems architecture
  • Hinterland

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prior Learning

The national curriculum at KS2 does state the following, but this cannot be guaranteed. This all depends on previous teaching, the primary school previously attended and the overall ability of the student.

Aims:

The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all pupils:

  • Can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
  • Can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
  • Can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
  • Are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology

Pupils should be taught to:

  • Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals
  • Use sequence, selection and iteration in programs
  • Use some logical reasoning to explain simple algorithms
  • Understand computer networks including the internet and the world wide web
  • Use search technologies effectively
  • Use and combine a variety of software on a range of digital devices to accomplish a given goal
  • Use technology safely, respectively and responsibly

Subsequent Study

At KS4 we offer Computer Science at GCSE.

Awarding and specification information for KS4

Study beyond GCSE 

Beyond Study

  • College
  • Apprenticeships
  • University
  • Employment

Associations

NCCE – Resources for both KS3 and KS4 (not so much)
NCCE CPD - opportunities for subject knowledge development

Last Updated: March 2026