Intent

The Computing Department at Whitworth Community High School delivers a broad, ambitious and inclusive curriculum that prepares students for life in a rapidly evolving digital world. Our aim is to develop learners who are confident, creative and responsible users of technology, equipped with the knowledge and skills to solve problems, stay safe online, and innovate using computing.

In line with the National Curriculum for Computing, we ensure all students:

• Understand and apply the fundamental principles of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms, and data representation.
• Analyse problems and design purposeful, creative solutions using a range of digital technologies.
• Become digitally literate, safe, and discerning users of information and communication technology.
   

We also aim to:

• Build student resilience and computational thinking capacity.
• Reduce gender imbalance and promote inclusivity in Computing.
• Encourage collaboration and leadership through digital projects.
• Promote creativity, innovation and enjoyment in programming.
   

Implementation

Curriculum Structure

• KS3 (Years 7–9): All students receive 1 hour of Computing per week.
• KS4 (Years 10–11): All students participate in Computing as part of their PSHE enrichment curriculum. Students can also opt to study GCSE Computer Science (OCR J277) for 2 additional hours per week.
   

Key Stage 3 Overview

Key Stage 4: Enrichment Pathway (All Students)

All KS4 students participate in the nationally recognised iDEA Award programme—widely known as the digital Duke of Edinburgh. The programme develops key skills through a series of digital badges in four core areas:

• Digital Literacy: Cybersecurity, data handling, IT applications
  Creativity & Problem-Solving: Design thinking, innovation, game and web design
• Employability: Communication, teamwork, business awareness
• Digital Citizenship: Online safety, ethics, privacy, digital footprint
   

Badges are tracked digitally, forming a personal portfolio of skills and achievements that enhance students’ future employability and digital confidence.

GCSE Computer Science (OCR J277)

Students who opt for GCSE Computer Science study a structured curriculum including:

• Computer Science Theory: Systems architecture, memory, storage, networks, cybersecurity, ethics, and the law.
• Programming and Algorithms: Python programming including selection, iteration, subroutines, file handling, and robust design.

Impact

• Students leave with strong digital literacy, problem-solving skills, and a secure understanding of computational thinking.
• All KS4 students achieve a recognised portfolio of digital badges via the iDEA programme, helping them stand out in future applications.
• Increasing numbers of students, including girls, are opting for GCSE Computer Science, with strong engagement across all key stages.
• Pupil voice shows students feel confident using technology creatively, critically and responsibly.
• Many students go on to pursue Computing or related fields at A-level, university, or through apprenticeships.
• Our enriched curriculum supports wider personal development through activities like:
  • Makey Makey projects (e.g. banana pianos)
  • Drone programming
  • Game development and physical computing challenges

Computing Overview 2025-2026

KS4 Topic Overviews: 

Unit 1 Computer Systems

Unit 2 Computational Thinking