Curriculum Overview
The Computing curriculum at Trumpington Community College aims to equip all pupils for computational thinking to solve problems logically and creatively.
Computing has deep links with mathematics, science and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
Curriculum overview
Curriculum Plans
Key Stage 3
During KS3, students all receive 2 hours of Computing each fortnight. The curriculum is broadly based on the Teach Computing curriculum developed by the National Centre for Computing Education, extended to include modules on cryptography and robotics.
The Year 7 course aims to ensure that all students have a solid understanding of the basics of computing. Particular focus is placed on online research skills, which are practiced regularly through the year in homework assignments. The formal elements of programming are introduced using Scratch, a system most students have used at primary schools. These ideas are then applied to the Python programming language.
The Year 8 course focuses on developing problem-solving skills. It starts with an introduction to how to use computational thinking to solve problems, and then investigates how these approaches are used in different contexts.
The Year 9 course develops the key problem-solving, programming and research skills developed in Years 7 and 8 and applies them to more complex situations such as encryption and data analysis.
KS3 Roadmap
Key Stage 4
Students who select Computing as a GCSE option follow the AQA Computer Science curriculum, with Python 3 as the choice of high-level language.
The lessons are broadly based on the Teach Computing resources developed by the National Centre for Computing Education.
Useful websites and links
Teach Computing curriculum
AQA Computer Science GCSE (8525)
Progression to University and Careers
The vast majority of modern jobs require some level of digital skill, as well as the problem-solving skills that are developed within the KS3 and KS4 Computing curricula. In addition, the GCSE course provides a strong foundation for those who are interested in careers in software development, or in the many technical disciplines that are required to support modern computer systems and networks.