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KS3 ICT Curriculum Intent

At key stage 3, we strive to provide high-quality computing education to equip pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world. 

At Meopham, we aim to ensure that all pupils:  

• can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation  
• can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems  
• can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems  
• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

Within KS3, students are taught three distinct strands within Computing, each of which is complementary to the others: Computer Science (CS), Information Technology (IT) and Digital Literacy (DL). The ICT department aims to develop character by ensuring that all pupils are:

●    initially able to complete the fundamental skills within the various pieces of software and stretching and are challenging students to ensure that they can obtain the more advanced skills within the software being used. ​Students develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately;

●    able to write their own programs and applications, therefore developing their ability to regularly test their products and demonstrate their resilience by continuously problem solving until they have created a solution. 

Due to the nature of technology, changing so rapidly, students and adults understandably are spending more time on their phones, computers and other devices. The ICT department are passionate about the benefits of technology but we are also fully aware of the potential dangers which lie beneath it. Therefore we ensure that we regularly reference these dangers and ensure that students develop a much greater awareness and understanding of these and know how to become more secure and safe whilst being online. Students learn about their rights and responsibilities in addition to the various legislation, which includes The Protection from Harassment Act and The Computer Misuse Act. Students are also taught about what they should do if they find themselves or know of others who are having any online issues. 

In KS3, students are taught in mixed groups and will therefore have a variety of abilities within each lesson. Consequently, all KS3 lessons will be differentiated to the students needs and this will be clearly identified on the board and it will also be evident as pupils will be using their RAG books to highlight their pathways for that particular lesson. All lessons will focus on pupils developing one or more of the 4 R’s. (Resourcefulness, Resilience, Reciprocity and Reflectiveness). 

KS4: BTEC Digital Information Technology Curriculum Intent

The ICT & Computing department at Meopham aims to equip students with the skills to participate in a rapidly-changing world through challenging and engaging topics. Students will develop an understanding and application in the fundamental principles of digital information system by having the opportunity to investigate different types of user interface, design user interface using project methodologies, analyse and develop data model. 

At Meopham, we believe that ICT & Computing skills are a major factor in enabling children to be confident, creative and independent learners and it is our intention that students have every opportunity available to allow them to achieve this.

In lessons, we ensure that students work as part of a well-paced learning environment and are able to set high expectations for their personal success. All students are challenged and are able to choose their learning pathway and therefore lessons are tailored to their needs. All lessons contain stretch and challenge tasks which are designed to push students to achieve their full potential. Topics taught are related to the real world and allow students to apply their understanding through practical application.