Computer programs have all but infiltrated every aspect of our lives. Everything from mobile phones, televisions, traffic lights, theme parks, agriculture to sport, depends on computers and their programmes. Soon cars will drive themselves, our fridges will be able to order their own replacement groceries, and computers will have the same processing power as our brains. The future is coming quickly and the digital age needs the next computer scientist.

From the beginning of Year 7, we prepare our students to live in a changing digital world, teaching a range of skills and tools which they will use every day and into their future. At GCSE and A Level, we offer a selection of courses to suit all students who wish to continue their studies in Computer Science or Information Communication Technology (ICT).

Key Stage 3

Content

From 2026, the TPSH Computing Department will follow a spiral curriculum at KS3.

This will allow students to come back to topics each year and build on their prior knowledge.

The topics for each half term are described below.

1. Tools
2. Safety & Security
3. Hardware
4. The Internet & The Future
5. Algorithms
6. Programming

Year 7

Tools

In Year 7 students will develop their understanding of their Chromebooks and G Suite software.

Safety & Security

Students will here learn about online safety and keeping themselves safe when online.

Hardware

Students will understand Data Representation; how computers store different types of data in binary

The Internet & The Future

Students will learn the difference between the internet and the world wide web, demystifying how computers communicate with each other.

Algorithms 

Students will learn the fundamentals of algorithm writing, exploring pseudocode and starting to look at Python and BBC Micro:bits

Programming

Students will explore the BBC Micro:bits and put their learning about algorithms into practise.

Year 8 

Tools

Here students will build on their learning about G Suite, and learn about Canva. Here they will create magazines and videos using the platform, adding another tool to their belt!

Safety & Security

Students will take the principles of online safety and begin to apply them to groups of people and organizations, rather than just themselves. Students will use the Wannacry attack of 2018 as a case study to ‘hook’ their learning on.

Hardware

Students know how data is represented in a computer, in theory but how does that work in the real world? Students will learn about different types of hardware and how they work together

The Internet & The Future

Students learn about the Internet of Things. With an understanding of the internet itself, students will here explore the world of connected devices and smart things.

Algorithms

Students here develop their understanding of algorithms, looking at searching and sorting algorithms. They prepare to apply these algorithms to larger programs.

Programming

Students in Year 8 will learn about videogame development with Makecode Arcade, building on their learning in algorithms and programming.

Year 9

Tools

In Year 9, students will learn about web development tools, such as Wix, Google Sites, and Canva Webpages. This topic will leave students fully equipped to create all manner of digital artefacts!

Safety & Security

Students understand how to protect themselves with online safety and organisations with cyber security, but what about society, the environment, people’s digital privacy? This topic explores the impact of computing on the world around us and the people who live there!

Hardware

Students understand the core components of computer hardware, but does this apply to other devices? In this topic students will explore the world of robotics and drones, identifying key similarities and differences with personal computers.

The Internet & The Future

Students understand what the internet is and how it is applied to the Internet of Things, but what comes next? In this topic we explore Large Language Models, Virtual Reality, Cryptocurrency, and more!

Algorithms & Programming

In the final term of Year 9, students have the opportunity to apply everything they have learned in KS3 as they compete in the Three Thing Game Challenge. 

Each form group will be given a different, random set of three words, and will be tasked with designing, creating, marketing, and evaluating a videogame based on those three words.

This final topic gives students an opportunity to revisit their favourite parts of the course, and strengthen their holistic understanding of computing as an industry, not just as a subject.

	Half term 1	Half term 2	Half term 3	Half term 4	Half term 5	Half term 6
	Tools	Safety & Security	Hardware	Internet	Algorithms	Programming
7	G Suite	Online Safety	Data Representation	What is the internet?	Algorithms 101	Microbits
	Learning to use G Suite, Chromebooks, and completing digital work feeds into…	Learning to be safe online and treat others respectfully feeds into…	Learning how computers understand data feeds into…	Learning what the internet is and its structure feeds into…	Learning how to write an algorithm to solve a problem feeds into…	Learning to program microbit computers with blocks and python feeds into…
8	Digital Editing	Cyber Security: WannaCry	Computing Hardware	Internet of Things	Algorithms 102	Makecode Arcade
	Learning to create digital artefacts that are designed well and meet the brief feeds into…	Learning to keep data and computer systems safe by studying the WannaCry attack of 2018 feeds into…	Learning how computers store data and use it feeds into…	Learning what the internet of things is, its dangers, and opportunities feeds into…	Applying algorithmic thinking to solving common computational problems, like searching and sorting, feeds into…	Learning to program videogames and understand the videogame industry feeds into…
9	AI & Web Tools	Impact of Computing	Robotics and Drones	The Future & AI	The Three Thing Game Challenge
	Making websites with digital design skills and artificial intelligence tools to support human endeavour	Considering the wider impact of computing on people, society, and the planet	The application of computer hardware in robotics and drones.	Considering the future of the industry, what is coming next, and what the immediate dangers and opportunities might be.	Completing the Three Thing Game challenge allows students to develop a videogame in groups based on three random words.

Assessments

Students complete a unique type of assessments in KS3 computing, called Showcases. Students have the same criteria for each assessment in KS3, with marks being given for Design, Communication, and Content. The rubric is available to see here.

Year 7 showcase their understanding of a topic in slideshow presentation.
Year 8 showcase their understanding of a topic in a video.
Year 9 showcase their understanding of a topic on a webpage.

Homework

Homework is set each fortnight in KS3 Computing, and will appear on Google Classroom on Monday morning. It will then be due two weeks later.

Students will always know when homework will appear and when it is due. This also provides 10 school days to speak to their Computing teacher for help and support.

Homework in Computing will take one of three forms:

Vocabulary pre-learning

Students are given keywords for an upcoming topic and complete a series of activities for the words provided.

Spaced practice

Students will return to a previous topic and complete an activity on it. This will encourage students to look back on previous learning, strengthen their understanding, and begin creating links between topics. This homework will be formally marked with written feedback and a grade.

Digital learning

Students will use a digital learning tool to continue learning outside of the classroom

Year 7 will use Typing.com to improve their touch typing
Year 8 will use Flipgrid to create videos about current affairs
Year 9 will complete badges to work towards iDEA Award.

More information about the award can be found here.

Key Stage 4

Students at KS4 can opt to continue with Computing in either Computer Science or ICT for 5 hours per fortnight. We offer two options: AQA GCSE Computer Science or NCFE Technical Award in Interactive Media.

AQA GCSE Computer Science (8525)

The course is designed to challenge students to approach software and technology from a new perspective; with an appreciation and understanding of how common apps and programs have been created. In Year 10 we will start with the fundamentals of programming ensuring everyone has a basic understanding of the key techniques. We currently use Repl.it and learn Python.

As well as learning how to write code, students will additionally learn about:
• Algorithms
• Data Representation
• Computer Hardware
• Networking
• Cyber Security
• Databases
• Consequences of Computing

The course assessed with two exams:
1. Computational Thinking and Problem Solving (50%) – 1hr 30 minute exam
2. Written Assessment on Computer Theory (50%) – 1hr 30 minute exam

This course is ideal for students who enjoy the problem solving, coding and mathematical part of Computing.

Pearson BTEC Tech Award in Creative Media Production

The UK’s creative industry is a global powerhouse, leading the world in film, television, advertising, and digital content. To maintain this success, we need the next generation of talented creators, producers, and technicians who can bring fresh ideas to life. This course is your first step into that exciting world.

This BTEC is a practical, hands-on course designed for students who want to create. You’ll learn the entire production process from initial idea to final product, developing the technical skills and creative knowledge needed to work in sectors like filmmaking, social media marketing, and graphic design.

What You’ll Learn

This course is built around developing real-world skills. You will:

• Analyse existing media products to understand how they are constructed to engage audiences.
• Develop practical skills using industry-standard software and hardware, including cameras, audio equipment, and editing suites.
• Manage a creative project from start to finish, responding to a client brief to plan, produce, and edit your own original media product.
• Build a professional portfolio of your work that you can use for university, apprenticeship, or job applications.

Course Content and Assessment

The course is structured around three main components, which are assessed through a combination of coursework and one externally assessed task.

• Component 1: Exploring Media Products You will investigate a range of media products and explore how media producers create meaning and engage their target audience.
• Component 2: Developing Digital Media Production Skills This is where you get hands-on. You will learn and apply skills in different media sectors, such as audio/podcast production, filmmaking, and graphic design, building your technical confidence.
• Component 3: Create a Media Product in Response to a Brief Bringing it all together, you will be given a professional brief and will have to plan, produce, and review a final media product for a specific client and audience.

This course is ideal for students who are creative, enjoy practical work, and are passionate about media in all its forms. It provides a fantastic foundation for a future in one of the UK’s most dynamic industries.

Key Stage 5

Students at KS5 have Computer Science for 9 hours per fortnight.

AQA A Level Computer Science

This course brings together an exciting mix of practical and theoretical Computing which will appeal to students interested in problem solving and the science of how computers work.

In Year 12, we cover algorithms, data structures, theory of computation and data representation. Students will further develop their programming skills in languages such as Python, VB and C#, exploring the difference between procedural code and Object Orientated Programming (OOP).

In Year 13, students study theory components on how computer systems work, and how they make possible the things that we all do with them. Additionally, in Year 13 there is a substantial programming project, which can be done in any language or platform. Students work with a client and their stakeholders to make iPhone Apps, interactive websites and educational games, to name a few ideas.

This course is ideal for students who achieve a 6 or above in their Computer Science and Maths GCSEs, and who may be looking to study Computer Science at University.