Upcoming changes to the department starting with KS3: For more information about staying safe online can be found on the links below:

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1 Upcoming changes to the department starting with KS3: We aim to design and deliver compelling learning experiences to enthuse and equip our young people with the crucial computing skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 21st century and to inspire them with the incredible possibilities opened up by technology. We have developed Schemes of Work for Scratch, Micro:Bits, Kodu Game Lab and Python to get students to think creatively and in a methodical way which will enhance their skills is computer science and prepare them for the new national curriculum shift to computing. Key Stage 3 Students in year 7 to 9 have 1 lesson of ICT every week. The curriculum focuses on the fundamental building blocks of ICT skills required to help them progress through to KS4 and choose to opt for Creative Media, Business Studies or Computing in year 10 as an option. Every student undertakes a condensed project each half term focusing on developing their skills in; Game designing, Desktop Publishing, Web Design, Multimedia, Programming, Graphics, Internet Safety and systems analysis and business projects. All of these units are assessed at their midpoint and completion based on either a written or practical test. Year 7 Online Safety Students will learn about the importance of staying safe online. They will also learn about computer viruses and learn how to stay and how to remain safe while using social networks, blogs and vlogs. For more information about staying safe online can be found on the links below:

2 Graphic Design Students will learn the skills required to design and create magazine pages, using a wide range of image editing tools including Serif Draw Plus and MS Desktop Publishing. Web Design Students will learn the skills required to build a website. They will be given set requirements, which include creating and editing graphics, and creating a website which is suitable for a specific audience and purpose. Game design - Scratch Students learn to think creatively and work collaboratively to design games, and animations. This visual concept of programming using building blocks is a fun and exciting way to introduce students to programming. For more information and scratch tutorials and game clubs take a look at the link below: Programming Micro:Bits The Micro:Bit is a handheld, fully programmable computer. Students will learn how to program and upload the program to the device to enable them to do a variety of small projects. Students will be programming the handheld device so they can control games, pause and skip songs on a playlist and learn how to use the low energy Bluetooth connection to interact with other devices and the Internet. For more information about the BBC Mirco:Bit take a look at the link below: Year 8 Online Safety Students will build on the importance of staying safe online. They will also learn about digital footprints, online bullying, how to report abuse and how to remain safe online.

3 For more information about staying safe online can be found on the links below: Graphic Design Students will learn the skills required to design and create magazine pages, using a wide range of image editing tools. They will use vector and bitmap tools to develop graphic products for a project based around a talent agency company. Gaming Kodu Game Lab Students will learn skills to help them be creative, be able to problem solving, create a story, as well as programming. Kodu provides students with the ability to design their own environments, create simple objectives (which could include racing, shooting, or adventuring). Kodu games are created on the PC and Xbox via a simple visual programming language. For more information and to download a free version of Kodu take a look at the link below:

4 Computer Programming Python Students will understand how to use Python to learn how to write a quiz program. Students will understand how computer programs are created and understand how computers recognise data. They will learn how a computer breaks this information down into algorithms and creates a sequence of instructions in order to make a computer game. For more information about Python and to learn the basics take a look at the link below: Web Design Students will learn the skills required to build a website. They will be given a set of client requirements, which include creating and editing graphics, and creating a website which is suitable for a specific audience and purpose and learning about HTML coding which is used to create a website. Year 9 Online Safety Students will build on the importance of staying safe online. They will learn how to remain safe using social networks and smartphones. They will look at the dangers of grooming, catfishing, and sexting and how to remain vigilant and safe in the online environment. For more information about staying safe online can be found on the links below:

5 In year 9 students will be following elements from two exam board OCR Nationals and Edexcel. The focus will be to build on knowledge from year 7 & 8 to give students exposure to the computing, business and creative curriculums. During Year 9 students will follow parts of the National Curriculum for computing. They will build on the core skills of computing following the principles of information, computation and digital systems work. In order to conclude the Key stage students will continue to use IT by developing their skills and understanding through engaging themed projects. Computer Programming Python Students will build on their knowledge from year 8 and will attempt challenging but rewarding projects that will give them a flavor of what the GCSE computer science will be like so that they can make an informed decision if they choose computer science as an option. For more information about Python and to learn the basics take a look at the link below: Students will follow parts of the National Curriculum for creative digital media which involves technical and cognitive proficiency to access, use, develop, create and communicate information appropriately, using ICT tools. Students will demonstrate this capability by applying technology purposefully to solve problems, analyse and exchange information, develop ideas, create models and control devices. Web Design Serif Draw Plus Students will create a website and follow a scenario given in previous years to KS4 students so that they can begin to examine and experience how a KS4 project will be planned and attempted. Students will follow parts of the National Curriculum for business studies and will gain an understanding of business concepts, business terminology, business objectives and this is achieved by students applying knowledge and understanding to different business contexts. These will include businesses ranging from small enterprises to large multinationals and businesses operating in local, national and global contexts.

6 Investigating the Business Environment Students will take on a project that will allow them to research local businesses (within school) to understand the local business market and to see whether there is a gap in the market that a new business could fill. This project will help motivate and challenge students, and prepare them to make informed decision about KS4 options and career pathways. Extra-curricular activities around the school: Fresh Field s Business Academy - Working with a law firm a 12 month program where students learn about HR, Marketing and IT. City and the Community learning about how Manchester City is ran as a business, this is to raise aspirations into higher educations. Hackathon Learning about Salford and the community and enterprise projects. Tenner Club Multiply the 10, building teamwork, enterprising, building presentation skills, and problem solving to build a mini business.