KS3 COMPUTING:
Intent:
The Harbour Vale School KS3 Computing Curriculum includes formal teaching throughout a wide range of subject areas. Students will learn a wide range of problem-solving skills, programming skills, collaboration, creativity and interest for pursuing a future career in the subject. All skills are taught in a sequential manner to support independence in assessments. The projects and topics are developed to ensure that each year students embed and build upon previous knowledge and skills. The KS3 Computing Curriculum allows students to put into practice what they learn to further embed knowledge. Learners will use a range of industry led software and hardware to enable them to flourish in a world dominated by digital technology and opportunities. Our intent is underpinned by a culture of high aspirations and each student believing that by working hard they can achieve their very best. In every topic, links to careers and the world of work are made. The curriculum is regularly monitored and adapted to suit the needs of all our learners.
Implementation:
Harbour Vale School staff work collaboratively to ensure that all students can access the KS3 Computing curriculum, using their expertise to differentiate lessons accordingly. All skills are sequenced from year 7 to 9 to ensure students are progressing each year and they can continuously retrieve information from each project. High quality questioning and resources are used during practical lessons and theory lessons.
Assessments and quality feedback are used at the end of each topic to inform students of their progress and achievements, this will allow students to progress to the next level with skills and knowledge. Students will learn the fundamentals of design, development and testing. This will provide learners with skills in E-Safety, Social media, Computer Systems, Programming, project management and Spreadsheets.
Impact:
Harbour Vale school staff and students recognise that we are living in an era dominated by digital technology, and this is why computing is such a needed subject within schools. Our school encourages discussions between staff and pupils to help the children best understand their progress and their next steps. We measure the impact of our curriculum through such methods as Pupil discussions and interviewing the pupils about their learning (pupil voice), Pupil assessment and feedback on content creation, Moderation staff meetings with opportunities for dialogue between teachers, Pupil self-reflection, A reflection on standards achieved against the planned outcomes (progression/what to observe in learning), Learning walks and reflective staff feedback and Formative and summative approaches. Here at Harbour Vale School, we wish that all of our students gain an understanding of Computing and feel confident in using technology safely and securely as part of their daily lives.
KS4 COMPUTING:
Intent:
The Harbour Vale School KS4 Computing curriculum has been designed to ensure all learners are able to achieve the highest standards and outcomes following the specification from Pearson. Essential Digital Skills is learner focused and has been developed to ensure students learn computational thinking skills, conceptual learning and understanding. Students will be able to think creatively, logically and critically while understanding the components that make up digital systems and valuable thinking and programming skills that are required in the modern workplace. Our assessment structure allows learners to build on what they learn while continuously developing industry required skills. Upon completion of the course, students will possess the key elements required to enter jobs in the Computing sector such as problem solving, analytical skills and a wide computing background.
Implementation:
Pearson’s Essential Digital skills course can be assessed at 2 levels, these are Entry level and Level 1; These levels consist of three externally set and internally marked assessments. They are available as on-demand assessments. The content areas cover Using Devices and Handling Information, Creating and Editing, Communicating, Transacting and Being Safe and Responsible Online. Summative assessment criteria are used to ensure all students can achieve and exceed desired outcomes during the course. Practical lessons alongside theory lessons are used for each topic alongside the end of unit tests. An effective assessment process allows learners and staff to identify areas for improvements.
Impact
Students recognise we are living in an era dominated by digital technology, and this is why Computing is such a needed subject within schools. Our school encourages discussions between staff and pupils to help the children best understand their progress and their next steps. We measure the impact of our curriculum through such methods as Pupil discussions and interviewing the pupils about their learning (pupil voice), Pupil assessment and feedback on content creation, Moderation staff meetings with opportunities for dialogue between teachers, Pupil self-reflection, A reflection on standards achieved against the planned outcomes (progression/what to observe in learning), Learning walks and reflective staff feedback and Formative and summative approaches. Here at Harbour Vale School, we wish that all our students gain an understanding of Computing and feel confident in using technology safely and securely as part of their daily lives, making clear links to how this links to their post 16 provision and future careers.