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.