Key Stage 3 Computing can be viewed as a tasting menu, where we aim to give the students a flavour of what can be achieved in the department. At GCSE there is the option to do Computer Science or ICT. Computer Science is about how the Computer works and ICT is about the applications like Spreadsheets and Databases that can be utilised on a computer. At IB, there is further Computer Science, and Digital Society where the impacts of technology are discussed. This is obviously a long way from year 7 and could change from year to year.
This year so far, has been about laying the foundations of Computing knowledge. We have been working on an introduction to computing unit, then a unit on programming and control, and then a unit on Spreadsheets. We are currently beginning a unit on Game Design.
The introduction to computing unit including how computers use numbers, (binary, denary and hexadecimal, followed by "what is a computer" looking at what is inside.
The Programming and Control looked at how to create algorithms and included a basic introduction to programming.
Spreadsheets acted as an introduction to Spreadsheets, and Microbits was an introduction to Physical Computing.
Woven through the teaching this year has been a continual reference to Computational Thought, actively teaching how to solve problems.
We will finish up with a Game Design Unit where creativity and logic will meet, before we have a well-deserved break for the summer.
One question that is always asked is, "How can I help my child improve?". There is a webpage here that lists lots of options for your child to get better at Computing. Remember, it's not about being good at it all, they should be looking to try lots of different things and find something that interests them.
However, if CS is definitely in the future, learning Python would be an excellent place to start.