Welcome to Computing
‘I think it's fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tool we've ever created. They're tools of communication, they're tools of creativity, and they can be shaped by their user.’
Bill Gates
At the Suthers School, our Key Stage 3 computing curriculum is designed with a relentless focus on our core principles of wisdom, knowledge, and fairness, ensuring that our students not only acquire essential digital skills but also ignite a passion for technology and innovation. We firmly believe that a meaningful education in computing equips students to navigate the digital age while fostering personal ambition and social responsibility.
Foundations of Digital Literacy: Our curriculum aims to provide students with a strong foundation in digital literacy, covering all basic Microsoft Office software (a fundamental skill in the modern world), coding fundamentals, and digital citizenship. We believe that a deep understanding of these core principles is essential for students to excel academically and apply their skills effectively in real-world contexts. We implement the 'I Do, We Do, You Do' methodology to guide students in acquiring subject-specific vocabulary and problem-solving skills in computing. Through hands-on projects, coding challenges, and collaborative activities, students develop the ability to think critically and creatively in the world of technology.
Oracy, Reading, and Writing in Computing: Emphasizing effective communication in the digital age, our curriculum places a strong emphasis on oracy, reading, and writing within the context of computing. The nature of Computing as a subject requires students to support one another’s learning in every lesson. Students learn to articulate themselves by aiding and supporting other students in the class that are struggling with a particular task. This opportunity to use their knowledge of computing and their voice to support other learners is a foundation of every lesson in Computing, thus developing their oracy and communication skills. Further to this, the incorporation of a Business Studies project once a year gives students the opportunity to view how computing is used in real life scenarios. We develop design ideas, branding and promotional materials as well as pitch presentations using the computers, giving students another chance to develop their digital literacy and knowledge of how computing fits into the real world.
Higher Order Thinking Skills: Our curriculum challenges students to think deeply and engage in higher-order thinking skills. They are encouraged to explore relatively complex computational problems, design innovative solutions, and develop academic fluency in computing concepts. This intellectual curiosity nurtures scholarly traits and equips them to tackle future challenges. We also believe in nurturing wisdom through the deliberate teaching of ethical considerations in computing. Our curriculum addresses topics such as online safety, cybersecurity, and the ethical implications of technology. Students develop well-informed opinions and ethical decision-making abilities, preparing them to be responsible digital citizens.
Through our Key Stage 3 computing curriculum, we empower students to be not only proficient in technology but also responsible and innovative digital leaders. By aligning with the core principles of wisdom, knowledge, and fairness, we aim to shape students who can use their computing skills to contribute to a just and equitable future for all, both locally and globally.