Courses
We offer a broad and balanced curriculum, for:
Click the appropriate button below to find the details for each subject offered in each key stage.
Further details of our curriculum are available on the curriculum page.
Overview
Introduction
At Westfield School, our computing curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world. We provide a dynamic learning experience that nurtures creativity, problem-solving, and resilience, ensuring students become confident and capable digital citizens.
Our teaching approach integrates real-world applications, helping students understand how computing impacts everyday life, industry, and future career paths. Whether exploring coding, digital design, or cybersecurity, students engage in hands-on projects that encourage curiosity and innovation. Our goal is to foster independent thinkers who are prepared to tackle the technological challenges of the future.
Course leader
Mr J Higgins
Curriculum
Course content
Throughout their computing studies, students will gain a broad understanding of computer science, digital literacy, and creative technology. Key areas of learning include:
- Programming: students will develop proficiency in coding using languages such as Python and Scratch. They will learn to design, debug, and optimize programs, enhancing their problem-solving abilities.
- Digital literacy: internet safety, online ethics, and responsible digital communication are key components, ensuring students can navigate the online world securely.
- Computer systems and networks: students will explore how computer hardware, software, and networks function, providing them with a strong technical foundation.
- Creative technology: engaging in multimedia creation, graphic design, and digital storytelling, students will bring their ideas to life using modern tools.
- Entrepreneurship and real-world applications: by working on projects that simulate industry challenges, students will gain insights into the digital economy and business innovation.
Topics
Year 7
- Office skills: presentation software, spreadsheets, databases.
- Introduction to computers: input/output devices, history and future of computing, hardware, binary.
- E-safety and Scratch: self image and identity, online relationships, social media, sexting, cyberbullying,
- Introduction to block based programming: sequencing, selection, iteration.
Year 8
- How computers really work: input, output Systems, CPU, fetch-decode-execute cycle, clock speed, cores, hardware, software, networks, binary.
- Computing in the wider world: history of computing, cloud, data security, green IT, ethics, law.
- Small basic: inputting, outputting, variables, selection, multiple selection, random number function.
Year 9
- Computer science: binary, logic gates, sound, images, flowcharts, Python programming.
- iMedia: Photoshop skills.
- Business: what is a business, business ownership, setting business objectives, entrepreneurs, market research, marketing mix, profit and loss, understanding competitors, dragons den-style project.
Skills and requirements
Skills developed
By studying computing, students will build essential skills that are highly valued in both education and the workplace. These include:
- logical thinking and problem-solving
- computational and analytical skills
- creativity in digital design and multimedia production
- digital literacy and online safety awareness
- collaboration and teamwork through project-based learning
This curriculum ensures that students are well-prepared for future studies or careers in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
