ICT

Subject Intent

Computing equips students with the skills, creativity, and confidence to engage actively with technology, making learning interactive, meaningful, and accessible for all.

At At the Park School, we recognise the critical importance of equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to engage responsibly and safely with technology in an increasingly digital world. We place a strong emphasis on online safety, striving to empower students to make informed, ethical, and positive decisions when using digital tools and resources. This subject aims to develop students’ practical digital competencies, foster critical thinking about the role of technology, and encourage creative problem-solving. Through structured, hands-on experiences and real-world applications, students are prepared for both further study and future careers.

  • Develop Digital Literacy: Help students gain the essential digital skills needed to navigate, use, and contribute to technology confidently.
  • Foster Critical Thinking: Encourage students to reflect on how technology affects their lives, making safe, ethical, and responsible decisions online.
  • Promote Practical Application: Provide opportunities to work with real-world tools and technologies, such as programming, robotics, spreadsheets, and project management, so students can apply their learning in everyday situations.
  • Encourage Creativity and Problem-Solving: Support students in using technology to create, design, and develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

Prepare for Future Careers: Build transferable skills such as teamwork, digital communication, and project management, helping students succeed in further education and employment.

Curriculum Overview

Year 7

Autumn

Spring

Summer

Computing Systems and Networks:

IT Around Us

 

Programming A: foundations

of software design.

Robotics with LEGO SPIKE Essential

Programming B: foundations

of software design. 

Data and Information:

Introduction to Spreadsheets
 

Creating Media: Desktop Publishing
 

Year 8

Autumn

Spring

Summer

Computing Systems and

Networks: The Internet

 

Creating Media: Audio Production

Data and Information: Branching

Databases

 

Robotics with LEGO SPIKE Essential

Programming A:

Repetition in Shapes

 

Programming B:

Repetition in Games
 

Year 9

Autumn

Spring

Summer

Computing Systems and Networks:

Systems and Searching

 

Robotics with LEGO SPIKE Essential

Using Media: Gaining

Support for a Cause

Modelling Data

Using Spreadsheets

Creating Media: Introduction

to Vector Graphics

 

Programming:

Selection in Quizzes
 

Year 10

Autumn

Spring

Summer

Online Safety & Digital Citizenship (Foundations)

Online Ethics, Law & Advocacy (Applied Thinking)

IT and the World of Work

 

Spreadsheets

Project Management:

Planning & Organisation

 

Project Management:

Execution & Evaluation
 

Year 11

Autumn

Spring

Summer

Qualification Based

Qualification Based

Qualification Based
 

How We Assess in Computing

 

At At the Park School, Computing is assessed through a combination of practical activities, observations, and project work. Pupils are given meaningful, hands-on tasks that allow them to demonstrate their skills, understanding, and creativity in real-world contexts.

Assessment methods include:

  • Teacher observation during lessons

  • Discussions with pupils about their work

  • Review of digital and paper-based work completed in class

  • Tracking progress against personalised learning goals

Our approach is flexible and supportive, ensuring all learners—regardless of need—can show progress in ways that suit their individual strengths and communication styles.

Enrichment Opportunities

 

To enhance the Computing curriculum, we offer a range of enrichment activities that inspire creativity and deepen understanding. These include:

  • Robotics projects using LEGO SPIKE, encouraging problem-solving and teamwork

  • Digital media creation such as podcasts, blogs, and vector graphics

  • Project-based learning experiences, including presentations, posters, and group campaigns

  • Themed days focused on digital safety, online ethics, and careers in technology

These opportunities allow pupils to apply their learning in engaging and meaningful ways while building confidence, independence, and collaboration skills.

How You Can Support Your Child with Their Learning

 

You do not need to be a technology expert to support your child’s learning. Here are some simple, practical ways to help at home:

  • Talk about technology – Discuss how you use devices at home or work, including mobile phones, emails, and the internet.

  • Support safe online use – Explore websites together and talk about privacy, personal information, and online safety.

  • Encourage independence – Help your child practise logging in to platforms such as Google Classroom or MyMaths and completing any set homework.

  • Use digital tools together – Practise using Word, PowerPoint, and Excel to create simple documents, slideshows, or data charts.

  • Explore real-world topics – Support online research, such as looking up business information pages or current digital news.

  • Celebrate progress – Ask your child to show you their work and explain how it functions.

  • Build communication skills – Encourage tasks such as sending a simple email, searching online, or creating a digital to-do list.