The Computing curriculum at Mounts Bay Academy is designed to cultivate students into digital natives with the automaticity and fluency necessary to navigate and create in the digital world. By integrating foundational IT literacy, responsible digital citizenship, and hands-on programming experiences, the curriculum ensures students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. From understanding internet safety and network fundamentals to engaging with coding through platforms like Swift Playgrounds and Python, students are equipped with the knowledge and practical skills to design and implement digital workflows. This comprehensive approach not only prepares students for advanced computing topics but also empowers them to confidently use and create digital tools, fostering a generation of proficient and responsible digital citizens.
This mission is implemented through a structured and progressive programme of study that builds on foundational skills and advances to more complex concepts, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and ethical aspects of computing.
In Year 7, the focus is on establishing a strong foundation in digital citizenship, IT literacy, and internet safety. Students learn how to act responsibly online, understand positive digital interactions, and create interactive presentations on internet safety. This early emphasis on responsible digital behaviour and fundamental IT skills sets the stage for more advanced topics.
Year 8 builds on the Year 7 foundation by introducing more complex concepts such as algorithms and flowcharts. Students learn to design and implement algorithms to control real-life scenarios, enhancing their logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. This hands-on approach ensures that students can visualise and apply theoretical knowledge, bridging the gap between basic IT literacy and more advanced computing topics.
In Year 9, students transition to text-based programming with Python, IDEs. They start with the basics of Python programming, covering essential concepts such as variables, data types, control structures, and functions. This progression from visual to text-based coding reinforces their understanding of programming principles and prepares them for GCSE Computing. Additionally, students learn about hardware and software, gaining a comprehensive understanding of computing devices and network infrastructure.
Throughout the curriculum, practical exercises and hands-on projects are integral to the learning process. For example, in the “Introduction to Coding” unit using Swift Playgrounds, students engage with key coding concepts in an interactive 3D environment, making learning engaging and effective. Similarly, the “From Blocks to Code” topic using Scratch helps students transition from visual to text-based coding, deepening their understanding of programming concepts.
The Computing curriculum at Mounts Bay Academy has a profound impact on students by equipping them with essential digital skills and fostering a deep understanding of both the technical and ethical aspects of the digital world. By starting with foundational topics such as internet safety, IT literacy, and responsible digital citizenship, the curriculum ensures that students develop a strong base from which to build more advanced skills. As students progress through the years, they engage with increasingly complex concepts like algorithms, programming, and network fundamentals, all through hands-on projects and practical exercises. This approach not only enhances their problem-solving and critical thinking abilities but also makes learning engaging and relevant, preparing them for real- world applications.
Moreover, the curriculum’s emphasis on creating digital natives who are fluent in using and creating digital tools has long-term benefits for students’ future academic and professional endeavours. By integrating computing with other subjects and focusing on collaborative and interactive learning, students gain a well-rounded education that highlights the interdisciplinary nature of digital skills. This comprehensive preparation ensures that students are not only proficient in technical skills but also understand the importance of ethical behaviour online, making them responsible and confident digital citizens. Ultimately, the curriculum empowers students to navigate and contribute to the digital world effectively, setting them up for success in an increasingly technology-driven society.
Year 7 Computing Curriculum
Autumn Term
Internet safety and clear messaging through digital artefacts.
Spring Term
Networks – from semaphore to the internet
Summer Term
Introduction to coding – Swift Playgrounds
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Year 8 Computing Curriculum
Autumn Term
Algorithms – How can we control the way things work?
Spring Term
From blocks to code – understand how to use code-based computing for programming
Summer Term
From blocks to code – understand how to use code-based computing for programming
Click on the button below to view the Year 8 Computing Curriculum:
Year 9 Computing Curriculum
Autumn Term
10 week rotation: Foundation Level Computing
Spring Term
10 week rotation: Foundation Level Computing
Summer Term
10 week rotation: Foundation Level Computing
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