Computing Curriculum Department

Computing Curriculum

Age Range: 11-18

Subject Vision Statement: Our aim at School21 for Computing, is to use technology to engage and inspire students to use their learning in a variety of ways in and out of the classroom so that they can take on the technological world.

A high-quality computing curriculum equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.

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.

Big Ideas:

Problem Solving	Problem-solving in computing involves identifying, analysing, and resolving issues in computer systems or software development. It includes steps such as understanding the problem, breaking it down into smaller parts, designing algorithms, implementing solutions in code, testing and debugging, and optimising for better performance.
Algorithms	An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or set of rules designed to solve a specific problem or perform a particular task.
Programming	Programming is the process of designing, writing, testing, and maintaining code to create computer programs. These programs are sets of instructions that tell a computer how to perform specific tasks or solve particular problems.
Decomposition	Decomposition is the process of breaking down a complex problem or system into smaller, more manageable parts or components.
Abstraction	Abstraction refers to the process of hiding the implementation details of a system or problem and exposing only the necessary information or functionality to the user.
Logic	Logic refers to the techniques used to represent and manipulate information systematically for decision-making, computation, and reasoning.
Data	Data is how information collected, stored, and processed by computer systems. It can be numbers, text, images, or other forms. Data is represented in various formats, stored in memory or storage devices, and manipulated using algorithms.
Issues and Impact	The problems, challenges, or concerns that arise in the development, deployment, or maintenance of software systems, hardware devices, or computational techniques.
Modelling	Modeling is about creating simplified versions of real-world systems using computational methods. These models help us understand, predict, and simulate complex phenomena.
Networks	Networking technologies enable computers to communicate and share resources over the Internet or other networks.