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Computing - Year 9

Mathematics - Year 7

Click here to return to our Computing curriculum home page

Below you will find more specific information about the curriculum in Computing for Year 9 students, explaining to you what students will learn, when, why and how. There is also information about how parents/carers are able to support students in their learning, extra-curricular opportunities in this subject and how it links to other subjects and the wider world.

Subject Key Concepts

#1 Logical Thinking

#2 Programming Language

#3 Operations

#4 Systems

#5 Data

#6 Online Security

#7 Digital Artefacts

#8 Analysing Date

Please click here for Subject Key Concepts.

Please click here for PDF
Computing Learning Journey

 Curriculum Overview for the Year

Autumn Term

Spring Term

Summer Term

Autumn 1

Autumn 2

Spring 1

Spring 2

Summer 1

Summer 2

Key Themes

Key Themes

Key Themes

Key Themes

Key Themes

Key Themes

Spreadsheet Modelling:

-   Computer Models

-   Financial Model

-   “What if” scenarios

-   Conditional formatting

-   Validation

-   Macros and Charts

Introduction to AI and Machine Learning:

-   What is AI

-   Machine Learning

-   Ethics of Ai

-   Image recognition

-   Turing tests/chatbots

Control Systems with Flowol*

 

-   Flowcharts

-   Sequencing

-   Sensors

-   Subroutines

-   Actuators

-   Variables

 

Networks:

-   The internet

-   Connectivity

-   Topology

-   Client-server networks

-   Encryption

Introduction to Python:

-   Strings/Variables

-   Data types/Arithmetic

-   Selection

-   Writing algorithms

-   While loops

-   Searching

Programming in Scratch: Scratch ‘Scrolling’ Game

 

-   Scrolling backgrounds

-   Flying object & shooter

-   Enemy object & scoring

-   Programming levels

-   Design & Build

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment

Practical task

 

 

This will be carried out at the end of the unit

Assessment portfolio

 

This will be carried out at throughout the unit

Assessment portfolio

 

This will be carried out at throughout the unit

Multiple choice assessment

 

This will be carried out at the end of the unit

Assessment portfolio

 

This will be carried out at throughout the unit

Assessment portfolio

 

This will be carried out at throughout the unit

Skills acquired throughout Year 9

Spreadsheet features include SUM, MAX, IF and COUNTIF functions, cell naming for absolute referencing, conditional formatting, validation, charting and simple macros; Control Systems - Pupils will start by producing systems that use simple loops and basic outputs, and then move on to look at systems that have multiple inputs and outputs. They will refine their solutions using subroutines and variables. Networks - Pupils will learn that the World Wide Web is part of the Internet, and how web addresses are constructed and stored as IP addresses using DNS. Pupils will learn about data transmission and through an understanding of different network topologies and network hardware, they will plan the structure of a local area network. Client-server, peer-to-peer networks and the concept of cloud computing are all described. Ways of keeping data secure and simple encryption techniques are also covered. Programming: Python - understand the process of developing programs, the importance of writing correct syntax, being able to formulate algorithms for simple programs and debugging their programs.

Habits of Mind: Inquisitive, Imaginative, Collaborative, Persistent, Disciplined.

Useful documents:
Please click here for a PDF of curriculum overview.

While this information covers a broad range of areas, please do get in touch with the Subject Leader Mr Pieterse if you have any questions.

Please click on the questions below to find out more.

How are groups organised?

We organise the classes by mixed ability. The classes have one lesson per week during a twilight session.

What characteristics does a successful student have in this subject?

The most successful students in Computing will be passionate about programming and enjoy solving problems.

How will students learn at this level?

  • Teacher led explanations and discussions
  • Watching video clips
  • Practical tasks
  • Practising different skills
  • Using the internet to support your learning
  • Online tutorials/courses
  • Observing peers
  • Homework tasks

How will students’ learning be assessed at this level?

  • End of topic assessment
  • Practical programming assessments

When do key assessments take place?

  • Halfway through each term
  • At the end of each term

How can parents/carers support students’ learning?

  • Encourage you to practice the skills you’ve learnt
  • Encourage you to keep up with news events around the world related to the topics you are studying with a particular focus on Computer Science and programming.
  • Encourage you to take pride in your work.
  • Encourage you to research events or processes in further detail using the internet, documentaries or other sources.
  • Encourage you to watch TV programmes with a computer science focus e.g. cyber security issues.
  • Visit a variety of places (local or further afield) e.g. Raspberry Pi events, computer science museum.

What equipment do students need for this subject?

  • Essential school equipment
  • Headphones/earphones
  • The Basics of Python Programming text book

How does this subject link to other subjects?

 

What websites or resources may be helpful to support students’ learning?

 

What extra-curricular or enrichment opportunities are available for students in this subject at this level?

 

What sort of careers can this subject lead to?

 

What does student work look like in this subject at this level?

 

How does this subject support a broad and balanced curriculum, meeting the needs of all students, and developing traditional core skills?

 

How does this subject promote creativity, critical thinking, practice, perseverance and resilience, and making links?

 

How does this subject encourage enrichment and the development of cultural capital, deep learning, and inclusivity?