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Computing

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 cyber security, 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.