Creative and technical · KS3 & KS4
Computing
This curriculum enables pupils to become confident and efficient users of technology. It establishes the important knowledge in computing that provides a foundation for the technical nature of the subject.
2026/27 at a glance
Each year is split into Autumn, Spring and Summer. Scroll sideways on small screens, or use the year-by-year detail below.
| Year | Autumn | Spring | Summer |
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| Year 7KS3 |
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| Year 8KS3 |
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| Year 9KS3 |
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| Year 10KS4 |
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| Year 11KS4 |
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Year by year
Year 7 Key Stage 3
Autumn
- Clear messaging in digital media Using a range of skills across several pieces of software.
- Computer networks and data transmission The impact networks have on our daily lives.
Spring
- Using media to gain support for a cause Information technology and digital literacy skills.
- Using fundamental programming constructs in a block-based language Sequence, iteration, selection and variables.
Summer
- Physical computing using the micro:bit Planning, building and evaluating a physical computing project.
- Data modelling Modelling data in a spreadsheet.
Year 8 Key Stage 3
Autumn
- Developing vector graphics Designing graphics with vector editing software.
- Computer systems and data science The layers of a computer system, from programs to physical components.
Spring
- Developing for the web The technologies that make up the internet and the web.
- Data representation: text and numbers Binary digits and how they represent text and numbers.
Summer
- Mobile app development From designer to developer: creating a mobile app.
- Introduction to Python programming Text-based programming with Python.
Year 9 Key Stage 3
Autumn
- Python programming with sequences of data Processing sequences of data such as lists and strings.
- 3D animation Creating 3D animations with industry-standard software.
Spring
- Using data science Using data to investigate problems and make changes.
- Data representation: images and sound The binary that lies beneath images and sound.
Summer
- Introduction to cybersecurity The techniques cybercriminals use, and how to defend against them.
- Machine learning using the micro:bit Programming skills through physical computing with the micro:bit.
Year 10 Key Stage 4
Autumn
- Programming: sequence How computers process instructions.
- Programming: selection Good programming practice and decisions in code.
- Computer systems General-purpose and embedded systems.
Spring
- Programming: iteration Using loops to repeat parts of a program.
- Programming: subroutines Structured programming with subroutines.
- Programming: strings and lists String handling, looping over strings and slicing.
Summer
- Representation of text, images and sound How letters, images and sounds are stored in binary.
- Searching and sorting algorithms Analysing and implementing searching and sorting algorithms.
- Data science: AI and machine learning An introduction to data science, AI and machine learning.
Year 11 Key Stage 4
Autumn
- Programming: dictionaries and data files Records, dictionaries and data files.
- Network fundamentals Network models and what network hardware does.
- Python programming project Applying programming skills to a practical project.
Spring
- The internet and web technologies How data travels across the internet.
- Databases and SQL Relational databases, key terms and SQL.
Summer
- Cyber threats and security Cybersecurity threats to the world and to individuals.
- HTML programming project How websites are built with HTML and CSS.