In addition to the National Curriculum aims, our ambitious curriculum for Computing/IT at DSTC is designed to:

• Be able to develop computer skills that will help them in their future career.
• Consider the benefits and risks that technology brings, and know its importance in the world.
• Understand the ethical, legal and environmental issues of computerised devices.

Complementary Subjects:

• Mathematics
• English Language
• Design/Technology
• Business
• Physics
• Criminology
• Psychology

KS3

 

When students arrive at DSTC, they should have knowledge of tools and applications that utilise the Internet, including email and the World Wide Web, and be able to use them safely and effectively.  They should be able to create and manage projects where they collect, analyse and share data and create and modify digital content such as images, video and sound in multimedia projects.

The Key Stage 3 curriculum focusses on building on these skills and awareness of computing whilst considering their own use of technology, the benefits and risks that it brings, and knowing its importance in the world. Through Key Stage 3, the computing curriculum aims to deepen understanding of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. Children become more skilled and critical users of technology, choosing tools that help them achieve their goals while developing safe, and acceptable, online behaviours.

	Autumn 1	Autumn 2	Spring 1	Spring 2	Summer 1	Summer 2
Year 7	G Suite & Online safety	SCRATCH (Visual Programming)	ALGORITHMS: Flowcharts & Pseudocodes (FLOWOL P1)	Spreadsheets	Binary Digits (BITS)	MICRO:BIT (Visual Programming)
Year 8	Computer Systems	Sound Effects	ALGORITHMS: Flowcharts & Pseudocodes (FLOWOL P2)	Advanced Spreadsheet	Future Technologies	MUSIC FESTIVAL
Year 9	Computer Networks	Computational Thinking	ALGORITHMS: Flowcharts & Pseudocodes (FLOWOL P3)	Small Basic Text based programming	Cryptography	Python Text based programming

Further Reading/Resources:

• Once Upon an Algorithm, Martin Erwig, Explains complex logic through fairy tales.
• Alan Turing: The Enigma, Andrew Hodges, The definitive biography of the father of AI.
• Little Brother, Cory Doctorow,A fictional thriller exploring digital privacy and surveillance.
• Hello Ruby,Linda Liukas, A whimsical introduction to the "journey" of a computer.
• Hidden Figures,Margot Lee Shetterly, The story of the women who used math to change NASA history.

Teach Computing (NCCE): The gold standard for the UK curriculum. It offers structured units on everything from Python programming to cybersecurity and data science.

BBC Bitesize - Key Stage 3 Computer Science: Excellent for student-friendly explanations of core concepts like binary, hardware, and algorithms.

Code.org: A world-renowned platform for independent learning, using "Hour of Code" activities and block-based programming to build logic skills.

Idea.org.uk (iDEA Awards): An industry-recognized "digital badge" system where students can earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards in areas like web design, safety, and animation.

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KS4

 

At Key Stage 4, we offer an OCR GCSE (9-1) Computer Science course. As part of the course, students will learn to program. Programming is a very important skill as it is crucial when it comes to learning how to innovate, create eco-friendly solutions for global problems and it can speed up the input and output processes in a machine, making it more efficient and intelligent.

The course is split into 2 components. Each component has specific topics to be studied.

Component 1: 1. Systems architecture 2. Memory and storage 3. Computer Networks, connections and protocols 4. Network security 5. Systems Software 6. Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology

Component 2: 1. Algorithms 2. Programming fundamentals 3. Producing robust programs 4. Boolean logic 5. Programming language and Integrated Development Environments.

Each component contributes 50% towards the final GCSE grade.

	Autumn 1	Autumn 2	Spring 1	Spring 2	Summer 1	Summer 2
Year 10	Unit 1: Systems Architecture Memory, storage and Binary Digits	Unit 1: Computer Networks  Network Security	Unit 1: System Software Ethical, Legal, Cultural and environmental concerns	Unit 2: Algorithms Boolean Logics Programming Languages and IDE	Unit 2: Practical Programming Skills	Unit 1&2: Revision for End of of exam
Year 11	Unit 2 : Functions, Procedures and Subroutines Arrays, Tracing tables, String manipulation	PPE revision Functions, Procedures and Subroutines Arrays, Tracing tables, String manipulation	Revision Functions, Procedures and Subroutines Arrays, Tracing tables, String manipulation	Revision

Further Reading/Resources:

• CGP GCSE revision cards, CGP GCSE Knowledge organiser and retriever

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KS5

 

At Key stage 5, we offer OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma in IT. Students will be able to develop the core knowledge, skills and understanding required in the IT sector, and develop further skills by completing a range of units through a choice of specialist pathways:

IT Infrastructure Technician

Emerging Digital Technology Practitioner

Application Developer

Data Analyst

At the end of the course students will be able to :

• Gain an insight into employment in the IT sector
• Progress into IT-related apprenticeships
• Gain a Level 3 qualification to support further study in University
• Access careers information and meet with IT graduates who are already in employment

	Autumn 1	Autumn 2	Spring 1	Spring 2	Summer 1	Summer 2
Year 12	Unit 5: Virtual and Augmented Reality		Unit 13: Social Media and Digital Technology		Unit 17: Internet of Everything
Year 13	Unit 1: Fundamentals of IT Unit 2:Global Information		Units 1 and 2 : Exams	Units 1 and 2: Exam Retake

Further Reading/Resources:

• Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT Textbook by Hodder education