Computing & Creative iMedia
Curriculum intent
To give all students the opportunity to develop computational thinking, information technology and digital media skills, in order to facilitate further and higher levels of study in these areas leading to qualifications which equip them for a professional career.
Year 7 Computing Curriculum Intent
In Year 7, the computing curriculum provides students with a strong foundation in digital literacy, technology, and programming. Topics such as digital responsibility, mobile app development, Scratch programming, blogging, and an introduction to digital graphics using Photoshop will help students develop computational thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. These experiences ensure students are prepared for future participation in a digital society, in line with the National Curriculum’s focus on digital literacy.
Building on Prior Learning:
Year 7 will introduce students to key skills that will support further learning. Their exploration of digital responsibility, app development, and Scratch programming sets the stage for more advanced topics in later years. Blogging and digital media design offer practical experiences that enhance communication and creativity, while Photoshop introduces the concept of using digital tools for creation and innovation.
Foundation Skills and Knowledge Gained:
Digital Responsibility: Understanding safe and ethical use of technology.
Mobile App Development: Designing and building simple mobile apps using computational thinking.
Scratch Programming: Learning algorithms, logic, and basic programming concepts.
Scratch Programming part 2: Building on knowledge, functions and subroutines
Writing a Blog: Developing digital communication and creative writing skills.
KODU programming: Introduction to KODU programming
What will students study in Year 7:
How is your child assessed?
Assessment will involve a mix of hands-on class activities, regular feedback, project-based evaluations, and exams to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the curriculum.
Students are assessed through classwork, formative and summative assessments, and two exams each year.
Pushing for Progress
To push for progress, focus on encouraging curiosity, providing opportunities for hands-on practice, and fostering a growth mindset. Support your child in developing their skills both inside and outside the classroom and be actively involved in their learning journey. By reinforcing key concepts, exploring new topics, and engaging with technology, your child can build confidence and competence in computing.
How might you help at home?
Create a Positive and Focused Learning Environment: Ensure they have a quiet, distraction-free space to work, which promotes concentration and productivity.
Review and Reinforce Learning: Engage with your child’s work on Microsoft Teams, reviewing lessons and materials to reinforce their understanding and encourage ongoing learning.
Stay Involved in Homework and Deadlines: Use ClassCharts to track assignments, upcoming deadlines, and progress, helping your child stay organised.
Homework
KS3 students will be assigned homework every two weeks, which will include a mix of online tasks, quizzes, and skill-based or research projects designed to reinforce and deepen their understanding of the topics covered in class.
Year 8
Year 8 Computing Curriculum Intent
In Year 8, the computing curriculum builds on the skills developed in Year 7, deepening students’ understanding of computer systems, networks, and programming. Students will explore topics such as Python programming, spreadsheets, vector images, and computer crime, enhancing their problem-solving, digital literacy, and creativity. These experiences align with the National Curriculum's goal of preparing students to be digitally competent and responsible participants in the digital world.
Building on Prior Learning:
Year 7 foundations in digital responsibility, mobile apps, Scratch programming, blogging, and digital media will support Year 8 learning. Concepts like algorithm design and logical thinking from Scratch will help students transition into Python programming. Their experience with digital content creation will also enrich their work with vector images and spreadsheets.
Core Skills and Knowledge Gained:
Computer Systems: Understanding hardware, software, and how systems work together.
Networks: Exploring data transmission, internet functions, and network security.
Python Programming: Writing basic programs and solving problems using Python.
Spreadsheets: Organising and analysing data using spreadsheets.
Vector Images: Creating and manipulating vector-based graphics.
Multimedia project: Understanding ethical issues related to computer crime and security.
How is your child assessed?
Assessment will involve a mix of hands-on class activities, regular feedback, project-based evaluations, and exams to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the curriculum.
Students are assessed through classwork, formative and summative assessments, and two exams each year.
Pushing for Progress
To push for progress, focus on encouraging curiosity, providing opportunities for hands-on practice, and fostering a growth mindset. Support your child in developing their skills both inside and outside the classroom and be actively involved in their learning journey. By reinforcing key concepts, exploring new topics, and engaging with technology, your child can build confidence and competence in computing.
How might you help at home?
Create a Positive and Focused Learning Environment: Ensure they have a quiet, distraction-free space to work, which promotes concentration and productivity.
Review and Reinforce Learning: Engage with your child’s work on Microsoft Teams, reviewing lessons and materials to reinforce their understanding and encourage ongoing learning.
Stay Involved in Homework and Deadlines: Use ClassCharts to track assignments, upcoming deadlines, and progress, helping your child stay organised.
Homework
KS3 students will be assigned homework every two weeks, which will include a mix of online tasks, quizzes, and skill-based or research projects designed to reinforce and deepen their understanding of the topics covered in class.
Year 9
Year 9 Computing Curriculum Intent
In Year 9, the computing curriculum expands on prior learning, focusing on more advanced topics such as Python programming, animations, data science, cybersecurity, audio-visual representation, and a final project. Students will further develop their programming skills, explore data analysis, and understand the importance of cybersecurity in the digital world. These topics equip students with the critical skills needed to solve complex problems, protect digital systems, and work with data and media. The curriculum ensures students are well-prepared for future academic and professional pathways in computing and technology.
Building on Prior Learning:
Year 9 builds on the foundational knowledge from previous years, particularly Python programming learned in Year 8. Students’ experience with programming logic and computational thinking will be extended with more complex coding tasks. The knowledge gained from working with digital media and content creation in earlier years will support students in exploring animations and audio-visual representation. Additionally, their understanding of ethical issues from Year 7 and 8 will be deepened with a focus on cybersecurity and data protection.
Core Skills and Knowledge Gained:
Python Programming: Expanding programming knowledge to solve more complex problems using Python.
Animations: Creating interactive and dynamic animations to understand visual storytelling and computational design.
Data Science: Analysing and interpreting data, developing skills in data collection, processing, and visualisation.
Cybersecurity: Understanding the principles of protecting digital systems, recognizing common threats, and learning safe practices.
Representation (Audio-Visual): Exploring how digital systems represent sound and visuals, including creating and manipulating multimedia content.
IT Project: Applying knowledge and skills to complete a project, from planning and design to implementation and evaluation.
How is your child assessed?
Assessment will involve a mix of hands-on class activities, regular feedback, project-based evaluations, and exams to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the curriculum.
Students are assessed through classwork, formative and summative assessments, and two exams each year.
Pushing for Progress
To push for progress, focus on encouraging curiosity, providing opportunities for hands-on practice, and fostering a growth mindset. Support your child in developing their skills both inside and outside the classroom and be actively involved in their learning journey. By reinforcing key concepts, exploring new topics, and engaging with technology, your child can build confidence and competence in computing.
How might you help at home?
Create a Positive and Focused Learning Environment: Ensure they have a quiet, distraction-free space to work, which promotes concentration and productivity.
Review and Reinforce Learning: Engage with your child’s work on Microsoft Teams, reviewing lessons and materials to reinforce their understanding and encourage ongoing learning.
Stay Involved in Homework and Deadlines: Use ClassCharts to track assignments, upcoming deadlines, and progress, helping your child stay organised.
Homework
KS3 students will be assigned homework every two weeks, which will include a mix of online tasks, quizzes, and skill-based or research projects designed to reinforce and deepen their understanding of the topics covered in class.
Learning journey at KS3
You can download a copy of this curriculum overview using the link below:
CCSA Computing Learning Journey Key Stage 3
KS4 Curriculum & Exam Information
Course title: Creative iMedia
Exam board: OCR Cambridge Nationals
Exam board website link: OCR Level 1/Level 2 Cambridge National in Creative iMedia specification
Specification: QN603/7090/7
Course overview: The OCR Creative iMedia is a hands-on vocational course designed for students who are interested in exploring the digital media and creative industries. This course is ideal for students who want to develop practical skills and to gain a solid foundation in the planning, designing and creation of media products. This course covers areas essential to the digital and creative industries.
Why is studying Creative iMedia is important and how is the course assessed?
The OCR Creative iMedia course is assessed through both coursework and one examination. This allows students to show off your creative side and use your technical skills, alongside testing the theory they have learned throughout the course. This qualification will help develop other transferable skills including creative thinking, digital presentation, planning and problem solving.
Future careers: The knowledge and skills you develop throughout this course will enable students to further study in the media industry or other vocational courses e.g. Level 3 Information technology and Digital Media / A' Level in Media Studies.
