Contact
Head of Department: Mr C Cooke
c.cooke@kingsway.stockport.sch.uk
Computer Science Curriculum Intent
At TKS, we believe the study of Computer Science and Information Technology is important because we live in a constantly evolving digital world where pupils need to be equipped with the relevant skills to be successful.
The foundations of Computer Science and Information Technology are built on a fundamental understanding of technology, skills and knowledge that will enable them to become confident digital citizens.
The core knowledge that learners are expected to acquire in the Computer Science and Information Technology curriculum is made up from a combination of: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy.
Learners are then expected to apply this knowledge by completing a variety of tasks that are interleaved throughout years 7, 8 and 9, in an age appropriate and inclusive way through a variety of activities that engage and encourage creativity. This prepares pupils for the two options at KS4 as well as life skills that all students will need.
Our Computer Science and Information Technology curriculum is aspirational because in these fast-paced subjects, we keep a close eye on national and international trends and news, so that our students are not disadvantaged. A global shortage of expertise in this field means that it is more important than ever that we produce high school graduates who are not only digitally literate, but are inspired to become part of the future of technology – we aim to prepare Kingsway students to become programmers, project managers, data analysts and graphic designers that work locally and in places as far away as Silicon valley. Alongside this, we encourage young women to become part of future developments and lessen the highly publicised gender imbalance in computer science-based roles. In short, we aim to inspire all our pupils to become the next generation of innovative thinkers and technology developers.
We nurture learners' curiosity by providing them with opportunities to complete projects where they can be creative, utilising this to increase their understanding of digital media. Just as in the world of work, they are given specific parameters by fictional clients for whom they must develop sophisticated digital media products that meet exacting standards. In this way, we push our students to think of the application of technology beyond Greater Manchester and into a wide variety of settings.
In addition to this, pupils are given opportunities for rich discussion around topics such as Artificial Intelligence, data privacy concerns, protection of intellectual property, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in using Technology and software,as well as, cybersecurity concerns such as unauthorised access and hacking.
As part of the Computer Science and Information Technology curriculum, learners are provided with a range of high quality academic texts with the aim of encouraging pupils to read more widely around the subject, develop their knowledge of keywords and gain a better understanding of how they can apply what they have learnt in the classroom to real world problems.
The Computer Science and Information Technology curriculum supports our young people to deepen their understanding of the world around them via research, wider reading and application of classroom learning into real world situations.
We also support pupils to be compassionate and keep each other safe by equipping them with the tools to be safe online and use social media effectively and respectfully. Pupils are encouraged to think ethically and to analyse situations. Threading its way through this abundance of exciting technology-led learning is the ever-present importance of online safety, from privacy and reputation to time management.
Our Computer Science and Information Technology curriculum is inclusive and celebrates differences because it is important that pupils have barriers to learning removed and that pupils can see that all people should be valued, respected and can make a difference. Computer Science lends itself to recognising diversity due to the contributions made by significant figures historically. We motivate pupils by learning about our place in history, whilst inspiring them to see our crucial role in the future.
Beyond our classroom we provide meaningful enrichment opportunities such as BEBRAS, Young Coders and CyberFirst that aim to motivate our pupils, encourage creativity and foster a passion in them that will support them in reaching their potential.
Fundamentally, the study of Computer Science and Information Technology at the Kingsway School will enable our young people to positively contribute to society because they will have a deeper understanding of diversity, history, compassion and digital citizenship.
