Computing

Curriculum Key Stage 3 

At Weston Secondary School our Key Stage 3 Computing curriculum is designed to empower all pupils with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in a digital world. It reflects the aims and statutory requirements of the National Curriculum for Computing, ensuring that students develop a strong foundation in computer science, information technology, and digital literacy. A high quality computing education enables our students to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world around them. 

At the heart of our intent is the belief that our students should not only understand how digital systems work but also be able to design, create, and evaluate digital solutions. The curriculum aims to ensure that all students understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science and have repeated practical experience of trying to solve real world problems. 

In addition to technical knowledge, we are committed to developing learners who are responsible, competent, confident, and creative users of digital technology. Students learn to evaluate digital content critically, make informed choices about the tools they use, and understand the ethical and safe use of technology. This ensures they enter further study and the wider world equipped not only with digital skills but also with digital integrity. 

Our Key Stage 3 Curriculum supports further study at GCSE. Here at Weston Secondary, we currently offer both OCR Cambridge National iMedia and Computer Science. 

Curriculum Key Stage 4 

The intent of our Creative iMedia curriculum is to equip students with a deep and practical understanding of the creative media industry by developing their ability to research, plan, design and produce media products that meet real client requirements. Through the use of industry standard digital tools and software, learners build strong technical competence alongside digital literacy, resilience and problem solving skills, enabling them to work independently and confidently on authentic media briefs. The course aims to develop transferable skills in communication, creativity and project management, preparing students for progression into further education, media related pathways and a wide range of modern digital careers, while ensuring they gain the knowledge and practical experience needed to succeed in an increasingly media rich world.  

The intent of our Computer Science curriculum is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to understand, navigate, and contribute to an increasingly digital world. The course is designed to develop strong computational thinking, enabling students to analyse problems logically and create effective solutions through hands on experience in programming, algorithms, and system design. It fosters deep understanding of core concepts such as data representation, computer systems, networking, and the ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology, while promoting creativity, critical thinking, and resilience. By engaging with both theoretical principles and practical programming challenges, students build the confidence and capability to progress into further study or careers in computing and related fields, becoming independent, digitally literate problem solvers prepared for the demands of the modern technological landscape.  

Overall, our Information Technology intent is to cultivate resilient problem solvers, creative thinkers, and digitally literate young people who can participate fully and safely in a rapidly evolving technological society.