Curriculum – Website 

Department  

Computing 

KS3 Intent  

Computing Curriculum Intent  

At Burton Borough School, our computing curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and digital literacy required to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Rooted in our core values of Ambition, Pride, and Caring, our computing curriculum fosters computational thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, ensuring that all students can confidently navigate and shape the digital world. 

Our computing curriculum is structured in alignment with: 

  • The National Curriculum for Computing, ensuring all students develop a strong foundation in computational concepts, programming, and digital literacy. 

  • The Ofsted Computing Research Review, incorporating evidence-based strategies that support mastery, fluency, and progression in computing knowledge and skills. 

  • Burton Borough School’s broader curriculum intent, ensuring an inclusive, student-centred approach that supports holistic development and real-world application of computing knowledge. 

KS3 Implementation  

In Year 7, students develop essential digital literacy and computational thinking skills. They learn about e-safety to navigate the digital world responsibly, explore coding through Scratch and Code.org, and gain an understanding of data representation. Through Micro:bit programming and blogging, they enhance their creativity, problem-solving, and communication skills, building a strong foundation for future computing studies. 

 

 

In Year 8, students expand their computing knowledge by exploring data handling through spreadsheets, understanding hardware and software systems, and developing programming skills using Python. They also engage in app design, applying creativity and problem-solving to real-world scenarios. Additionally, students consider the ethical implications of IT and AI, fostering responsible and informed digital citizens. 

 

In Year 9, students deepen their technical and creative computing skills, exploring advanced Python programming, web design, and cybersecurity. They develop digital media proficiency through image editing in Photoshop and audio editing tools. Additionally, an introduction to business concepts helps them understand the role of technology in the modern workplace, preparing them for further study and real-world applications 

 

 

KS3 Impact 

The KS3 Computing curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical application. The sequence of topics is carefully structured to enable learners to progressively develop skills in the design, development, implementation, and refinement of digital projects. These projects are contextualized to reflect real-world scenarios, preparing students for potential pathways in commercial iMedia and Computer Science industries. 

Through this approach, students gain an understanding of the complete project lifecycle, including planning, design, testing, and evaluation. They learn to identify and respond to the varying requirements and priorities of key stakeholders, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for future study and employment. 

Assessment is delivered through a balanced model that combines rubric-based evaluations of practical tasks with exam-style questions. This dual approach ensures that students are assessed on both their technical competence and their ability to apply theoretical concepts. Feedback from these assessments is used to inform teaching and support individual student progression, ensuring that learners develop a comprehensive understanding of project requirements and industry expectations. 

By the end of KS3, students will have acquired transferable skills in project management, digital literacy, and collaborative working, equipping them for success in KS4 and beyond. 

 

KS3 Homework 

Students use the enrichment offers to further deepen their knowledge of computing. 

KS3 Enrichment  

Afterschool clubs provide students opportunities to further deepen their practical knowledge and further practice their skills in a supportive environment, fostering collaboration between students. 

In addition to this we offer a Minecraft coding club, where students can again deepen knowledge in a fun and engaging way, using tools that they are very familiar with. Alongside this it fosters a positive social environment where students can make new friends and collaborate on projects without judgement by others. 

KS3 Careers 

Potential Career Paths in Computing 

  • Software Developer / Programmer – Designing and building applications and systems. 

  • Web Developer – Creating and maintaining websites and web applications. 

  • Game Developer – Designing and coding interactive games. 

  • Cybersecurity Analyst – Protecting systems and data from cyber threats. 

  • Data Analyst / Data Scientist – Interpreting and analysing data for insights. 

  • IT Support Technician – Providing technical assistance and troubleshooting. 

  • Network Engineer – Designing and managing computer networks. 

 

KS3 Curriculum Map  

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KS4 intent  

Our KS4 Computer Science curriculum is designed to inspire and challenge students by deepening their understanding of computational thinking, problem-solving, and digital technologies. We aim to equip learners with the knowledge and skills required to design, develop, and evaluate robust solutions to real-world problems using programming and logical reasoning. 

The curriculum builds on the foundations established at KS3, introducing advanced concepts such as algorithms, data representation, networks, cybersecurity, and the ethical implications of technology. Students will develop proficiency in programming languages, applying structured and modular approaches to create efficient and maintainable code. 

Through a combination of theoretical study and practical application, learners will gain insight into how computer systems operate and interact, preparing them for further study in Computer Science or related fields. Our intent is to foster resilience, creativity, and analytical thinking, enabling students to become confident digital citizens and innovators in an increasingly technology-driven world. 

By the end of KS4, students will: 

  • Understand core principles of computer science and their application. 

  • Demonstrate competence in programming and problem-solving. 

  • Appreciate the impact of technology on individuals, society, and the environment. 

  • Be prepared for progression to A-level Computer Science or vocational pathways in IT and digital industries. 

 

KS4 implementation 

  • Sequenced Learning: Lessons are carefully structured to build on prior knowledge and progress logically through key computing concepts, including programming, data representation, networks, and digital literacy. 

  • Cognitive Support: Each lesson is ‘chunked’ to match students’ cognitive and retention abilities, ensuring sufficient time for practice and consolidation. 

  • Modelling and Scaffolding: Teachers use modelling to demonstrate solutions and best practices, enabling students to develop independent problem-solving skills. 

  • Active Recall and Retrieval Practice: Frequent opportunities for students to recall and apply knowledge are embedded through low-stakes assessments such as quizzes, timed activities, and homework tasks. 

  • Assessment for Learning: End-of-unit assessments and formative checks provide feedback to inform teaching and support individual progress. 

  • Real-World Context: Digital tools and examples from industry are integrated to demonstrate the relevance of computing in everyday life and future careers. 

 

KS4 Impact  

By the end of KS4, students will: 

  • Have a secure understanding of core computing principles and their practical applications. 

  • Demonstrate competence in programming and problem-solving using structured approaches. 

  • Be able to apply computational thinking to real-world scenarios and projects. 

  • Show resilience and independence in tackling complex problems. 

  • Be prepared for progression to A-level Computer Science or vocational pathways in IT and digital industries. 

  • Understand the ethical, legal, and societal implications of technology, becoming responsible digital citizens. 

 

KS4 Homework 

Homework is assigned weekly through the SENECA learning platform, providing students with opportunities to consolidate knowledge and assess understanding in an interactive online environment. Student progress is closely monitored, and where necessary, units are reallocated to ensure all learners meet expected standards and achieve mastery of key concepts. 

KS4 Enrichment  

 

KS4 Careers 

Potential Career Paths in Computing 

  • Software Developer / Programmer – Designing and building applications and systems. 

  • Web Developer – Creating and maintaining websites and web applications. 

  • Game Developer – Designing and coding interactive games. 

  • Cybersecurity Analyst – Protecting systems and data from cyber threats. 

  • Data Analyst / Data Scientist – Interpreting and analysing data for insights. 

  • IT Support Technician – Providing technical assistance and troubleshooting. 

  • Network Engineer – Designing and managing computer networks.