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Curriculum Intent Statement

The main aim of the computing department is to “…equip(s) pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world” (NC, 2013). We aim to do this by teaching the underlying skills and knowledge required for pupils to be able to autonomously solve an array of different problems through a series of project based units in a variety of languages and applications. We aim to enable students to independently analyse problems, design, develop and implement solutions, and test and evaluate their successes.  In order to do this, students will need to have good analytical skills founded on experience of a number of programming constructs. The foundation of this is an understanding of the “fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation” (NC, 2013). In addition, we develop pupils’ theoretical understanding of how systems work, ensure they are digitally literate and are made fully aware of the potential dangers in use of the Internet and the responsibilities they have as a future e-citizen.

Key Concepts

Communication

Related Concepts

Resources

Statement of Inquiry

Staying safe online means being aware of the digital challenges we face.

Careers

  • Journalist
  • Mental Health Ambassador

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • What is a ‘phishing email’?
  • What is good online conduct, and what are examples of bad online conduct?

Conceptual Questions

  • Why is it important to keep passwords secure?
  • How can we tell if what we are reading online is true?

Debatable Questions

  • To what extent is social media having a negative impact on young people?

Key Concepts

Creativity

Related Concepts

Invention

Statement of Inquiry

Storytelling through digital animation is not effective without the use of creativity and invention.

Careers

  • Video games designer
  • Web software developer

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • What digital products can we make using coding?
  • What is a coding sequence?
  • What skills do I need to use to create my animation?

Conceptual Questions

  • Why do we need a specification when designing?
  • How can I successfully convey my message through my animation?

Debatable Questions

  • How successful was my animation?

Key Concepts

Aesthetics

Related Concepts

Collaboration

Statement of Inquiry

Collaborations between brands can create a new and interesting aesthetic.

Careers

  • Accessories designer
  • Graphic designer
  • Fashion designer

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • What is a brand collaboration?
  • What can we learn from researching existing products?
  • What makes a website successful?

Conceptual Questions

  • How can we undertake primary research?
  • How is a specification linked to our research?
  • How can brainstorming help us create a wider range of ideas?
  • How can we use CAD/CAM in our lessons?
  • How can I feedback and use feed forward guidance to improve my knowledge and conceptual understanding of the topic?
  • How can I achieve the MYP level that I am aiming for?

Debatable Questions

  • To what extent does the final design meet the specification points?

Key Concepts

Aesthetics

Related Concepts

Collaboration

Statement of Inquiry

Collaborations between brands can create a new and interesting aesthetic.

Careers

  • Accessories designer
  • Graphic designer
  • Fashion designer

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • What is a brand collaboration?
  • What can we learn from researching existing products?
  • What makes a website successful?

Conceptual Questions

  • How can we undertake primary research?
  • How is a specification linked to our research?
  • How can brainstorming help us create a wider range of ideas?
  • How can we use CAD/CAM in our lessons?
  • How can I feedback and use feed forward guidance to improve my knowledge and conceptual understanding of the topic?
  • How can I achieve the MYP level that I am aiming for?

Debatable Questions

  • To what extent does the final design meet the specification points?

Key Concepts

Communication

Related Concepts

Function

Statement of Inquiry

Through the function of a game can you communicate personal expression?

Careers

  • Graphic designer
  • Product designer
  • Games designer

Key Concepts

Communication

Related Concepts

Function

Statement of Inquiry

Through the function of a game can you communicate personal expression?

Careers

  • Graphic designer
  • Product designer
  • Games designer

Key Concepts

Global Interactions, Sustainability, Function

Related Concepts

Globalization and Sustainability

Statement of Inquiry

Can architectural design use multi-functional builds to improve sustainability and increase positive global interaction?

ATL

  • Thinking (critical thinking): Formulate factual, topical, conceptual and debatable questions ( T:C:11)
  • Communication Skills: Use a variety of media to communicate with a range of audiences ( C:CA:5)
  • Researching: Present information in a variety of formats and platforms ( R:I:6)

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • What is Brand Identity?

Conceptual Questions

  • Can cultures influence design trends?
  • What are the benefits of CAD and how can we use CAD to enhance our creative work?

Key Concepts

Global Interactions, Sustainability, Function

Related Concepts

Globalization and Sustainability

Statement of Inquiry

Can architectural design use multi-functional builds to improve sustainability and increase positive global interaction?

ATL

  • Thinking (critical thinking): Formulate factual, topical, conceptual and debatable questions ( T:C:11)
  • Communication Skills: Use a variety of media to communicate with a range of audiences ( C:CA:5)
  • Researching: Present information in a variety of formats and platforms ( R:I:6)

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • What makes towns and cities ‘healthy’?
  • How can tutorial’s improve the user experience?

Debatable Questions

  • How can tutorials improve the user experience?

Key Concepts

Systems, Invention

Related Concepts

Science and Technical Innovation (Products)

Statement of Inquiry

Systems contribute to the development of invention, science, and technical innovation.

ATL

  • Research (VI. Information literacy): understand and use technology systems (R:I:9)
  • Collect and analyse data to identify solutions and make informed decisions (R:I:2)
  • Research (VII. Media literacy) Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats (R:M:6)
  • Locate, organize, analyse, evaluate, synthesize and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media (including digital social media and online networks) (R:M:1)

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • What are real-world uses of coding?
  • What is the difference between an algorithm and a programme?
  • What is an arithmetic expression?
  • What is a Boolean variable?

Conceptual Questions

  • How can we use binary selection (if, else statements) to control the flow of program execution?
  • How important is the specification when considering the design of the product?
  • How does an iteration (‘while’ statements) control the flow of program execution?
  • How can I combine iteration and selection to create a maths revision game?
  • How can I apply my skills and knowledge to create my final product?
  • How successful was my final product?
  • How can I feedback and use feed forward guidance to improve my knowledge and conceptual understanding of the topic?

Debatable Questions

  • To what extent is the function of a product determined by primary research?

Key Concepts

Systems, Invention

Related Concepts

Science and Technical Innovation (Products)

Statement of Inquiry

Systems contribute to the development of invention, science, and technical innovation.

ATL

  • Research (VI. Information literacy): understand and use technology systems (R:I:9)
  • Collect and analyse data to identify solutions and make informed decisions (R:I:2)
  • Research (VII. Media literacy) Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats (R:M:6)
  • Locate, organize, analyse, evaluate, synthesize and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media (including digital social media and online networks) (R:M:1)

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • What are real-world uses of coding?
  • What is the difference between an algorithm and a programme?
  • What is an arithmetic expression?
  • What is a Boolean variable?

Conceptual Questions

  • How can we use binary selection (if, else statements) to control the flow of program execution?
  • How important is the specification when considering the design of the product?
  • How does an iteration (‘while’ statements) control the flow of program execution?
  • How can I combine iteration and selection to create a maths revision game?
  • How can I apply my skills and knowledge to create my final product?
  • How successful was my final product?
  • How can I feedback and use feed forward guidance to improve my knowledge and conceptual understanding of the topic?

Debatable Questions

  • To what extent is the function of a product determined by primary research?

Key Concepts

Aesthetics

Related Concepts

Collaboration

Statement of Inquiry

Collaborations between brands can create a new and interesting aesthetic.

Careers

  • Product Designer
  • Graphic Designer

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • What is a brand collaboration?
  • What can we learn from researching existing products?
  • What makes a website successful?

Conceptual Questions

  • How can we undertake primary research?
  • How is a specification linked to our research?
  • How can brainstorming help us create a wider range of ideas?
  • How can we use CAD/CAM in our lessons?
  • How can I feedback and use feed forward guidance to improve my knowledge and conceptual understanding of the topic?
  • How can I achieve the MYP level that I am aiming for?

Debatable Questions

  • To what extent does the final design meet the specification points?

Key Concepts

Collaboration

Related Concepts

Identities, relationships, cooperation, competition

Statement of Inquiry

Collaborations between brands can create a new and interesting aesthetic.

Careers

  • Product Designer
  • Graphic Designer

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • How can we undertake primary research?
  • How is a specification linked to our research?
  • How can brainstorming help us create a wider range of ideas?
  • How can we use CAD/CAM in our lessons?
  • How can I feedback and use feed forward guidance to improve my knowledge and conceptual understanding of the topic?
  • How can I achieve the MYP level that I am aiming for?

Conceptual Questions

  • To what extent does the final design meet the specification points?

Key Concepts

Logic and Function

Related Concepts

Science and Technical Innovation (Mathematical Puzzles)

Statement of Inquiry

To code a game which functions as intended, logic must be used by the creator.

ATL

  • Self Management (Affective) – Practise “bouncing back” after adversity, mistakes and failures (S:A:1D)
  • Demonstrate persistence and perseverance (S:A:1B)

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • What is Brand Identity?

Conceptual Questions

  • Can cultures influence design trends?
  • What are the benefits of CAD and how can we use CAD to enhance our creative work?

Key Concepts

Logic and Function

Related Concepts

Science and Technical Innovation (Mathematical Puzzles)

Statement of Inquiry

To code a game which functions as intended, logic must be used by the creator.

ATL

  • Self Management (Affective) – Practise “bouncing back” after adversity, mistakes and failures (S:A:1D)
  • Demonstrate persistence and perseverance (S:A:1B)

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • What is Brand Identity?

Conceptual Questions

  • Can cultures influence design trends?
  • What are the benefits of CAD and how can we use CAD to enhance our creative work?

Key Concepts

Perspective, Form

Related Concepts

Personal and cultural expression (practice and competency)

Statement of Inquiry

Changing forms within an animation can change the perspective of the viewer.

ATL

  • Self ManagemenT (Reflection): Consider content – What did I learn about today? – What don’t I yet understand? – What questions do I have now? (S:R:4)
  • Focus on the process of creating by imitating the work of others (S:R:9)

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • What are real-world uses of coding?
  • What is the difference between an algorithm and a programme?
  • What is an arithmetic expression?
  • What is a Boolean variable?

Conceptual Questions

  • How can we use binary selection (if, else statements) to control the flow of program execution?
  • How important is the specification when considering the design of the product?
  • How does an iteration (‘while’ statements) control the flow of program execution?
  • How can I combine iteration and selection to create a maths revision game?
  • How can I apply my skills and knowledge to create my final product?
  • How successful was my final product?
  • How can I feedback and use feed forward guidance to improve my knowledge and conceptual understanding of the topic?

Debatable Questions

  • To what extent is the function of a product determined by primary research?

Key Concepts

Perspective, Form

Related Concepts

Personal and cultural expression (practice and competency)

Statement of Inquiry

Changing forms within an animation can change the perspective of the viewer.

ATL

  • Self ManagemenT (Reflection): Consider content – What did I learn about today? – What don’t I yet understand? – What questions do I have now? (S:R:4)
  • Focus on the process of creating by imitating the work of others (S:R:9)

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • What are real-world uses of coding?
  • What is the difference between an algorithm and a programme?
  • What is an arithmetic expression?
  • What is a Boolean variable?

Conceptual Questions

  • How can we use binary selection (if, else statements) to control the flow of program execution?
  • How important is the specification when considering the design of the product?
  • How does an iteration (‘while’ statements) control the flow of program execution?
  • How can I combine iteration and selection to create a maths revision game?
  • How can I apply my skills and knowledge to create my final product?
  • How successful was my final product?
  • How can I feedback and use feed forward guidance to improve my knowledge and conceptual understanding of the topic?

Debatable Questions

  • To what extent is the function of a product determined by primary research?

Key Concepts

Connections, Adaptation

Related Concepts

Science and Technical Innovation (ingenuity and progress)

Statement of Inquiry

By making connections between binary digits and numbers/text, we can adapt digit media such as images and sounds.

ATL

  • Communication (Communication)- share ideas with multiple audiences using a variety of digital environments and media (C:CA:10)
  • Use and interpret a range of discipline-specific terms and symbols (C:CB:4)

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • What is a brand collaboration?
  • What can we learn from researching existing products?
  • What makes a website successful?

Conceptual Questions

  • How can we undertake primary research?
  • How is a specification linked to our research?
  • How can brainstorming help us create a wider range of ideas?
  • How can we use CAD/CAM in our lessons?
  • How can I feedback and use feed forward guidance to improve my knowledge and conceptual understanding of the topic?
  • How can I achieve the MYP level that I am aiming for?

Debatable Questions

  • To what extent does the final design meet the specification points?

Key Concepts

Connections, Adaptation

Related Concepts

Science and Technical Innovation (ingenuity and progress)

Statement of Inquiry

By making connections between binary digits and numbers/text, we can adapt digit media such as images and sounds.

ATL

  • Communication (Communication)- share ideas with multiple audiences using a variety of digital environments and media (C:CA:10)
  • Use and interpret a range of discipline-specific terms and symbols (C:CB:4)

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • What is a brand collaboration?
  • What can we learn from researching existing products?
  • What makes a website successful?

Conceptual Questions

  • How can we undertake primary research?
  • How is a specification linked to our research?
  • How can brainstorming help us create a wider range of ideas?
  • How can we use CAD/CAM in our lessons?
  • How can I feedback and use feed forward guidance to improve my knowledge and conceptual understanding of the topic?
  • How can I achieve the MYP level that I am aiming for?

Debatable Questions

  • To what extent does the final design meet the specification points?