--- title: "Computing" url: "https://madeleyschool.org/our-curriculum/computing" school: "Madeley School" --- Monday 9th November is a Week 2/B # Computing | **Head of Computing: Miss S L Hartley** | |---| --- ![](https://madeleyschool.org/images/Curriculum/Computing/CQM_Framework_Award_2024_2025_1_13eec9cba8.png) **Curriculum Intent** The Computing curriculum has been designed to equip our students with the skills to use Computers in the real world. Our aim is for our students to: - Become logical, computational thinkers - Become confident and creative users of computer technology - Analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs - Develop their digital literacy and media skills - Develop the knowledge and computational skills required to access careers in Computer Science ![](https://madeleyschool.org/images/images/24.jpg) This is done by delivering an exciting programme of study at Key Stages 3 & 4. Our curriculum contextualises learning through the use of real-life situations and problem solving scenarios which includes: - Programming using BBC Microbits and Python - Data representation using Binary and Hexadecimal - Understanding of the components of a computer - Computer modelling and data analysis using spreadsheets - E-safety and digital literacy - Enterprise creating their own business - Creating digital media products using Photopea --- ### Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) **What will students study?** **[KS3 Learning Journey click here to view](https://madeleyschool.org/files/documents/Computing/Computing_Learning_journey_KS325-26.pdf)** At Madeley School, students in Key Stage 3 develop essential digital skills over a three-year curriculum. They learn to use technology for communication, data handling, modelling, programming, and enterprise, while becoming more independent and confident in applying these tools to real-world situations. We also teach students the responsible and effective use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), helping them understand its role in society and how to use it ethically. Curriculum Highlights - Practical tasks and assessments across all topics - Preparation for GCSE Computing or Creative iMedia - Exploration of how computers work and their societal impact Facilities and Access - Two dedicated computing suites - Access to software including Python, Micro:bit, Adobe Suite, and Microsoft Office - Personal network login and cloud storage via OneDrive Students can also use their school iPads to access their work anytime, from anywhere. Homework and classwork are available through Showbie, and school email can be accessed via the school website or via the outlook app on their iPad—supporting learning both in and out of the classroom. **How are students assessed?** Students are assessed through class tasks, homework and regular topic check assessments. --- ### Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) **[KS4 Computer Science](https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j277-from-2020/specification-at-a-glance/)** and **[Creative iMedia information page ](https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-nationals/creative-imedia-level-1-2-j834/qualification-at-a-glance/)** **Computer Science** [**Computer Science Learning journey click here to view**](https://madeleyschool.org/files/documents/curriculum/KS4_CS_Learning_Journey_Computing.pdf) **What course do students follow?** OCR GCSE Computer Science Specification code: J277 **What will students study?** The subject content for the GCSE will be as follows: **Component 01** 1.1 Systems Architecture 1.1.1 Architecture of the CPU 1.1.2 CPU Performance 1.1.3 Embedded systems 1.2 Memory and storage 1.2.1 Primary storage (Memory) 1.2.2 Secondary storage 1.2.3 Units 1.2.4 Data storage 1.2.5 Compression 1.3 Computers networks, connections and protocols 1.3.1 Networks and topologies 1.3.2 Wired and wireless networks, protocols and layers 1.4 Network security 1.4.1 Threats to computer systems and networks 1.4.2 Identifying and preventing vulnerabilities 1.5 Systems software 1.5.1 Operating systems 1.5.2 Utility software 1.6 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology 1.6.1 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impact **Component 02** 2.1 Algorithms 2.1.1 Computational thinking 2.1.2 Designing, creating and refining algorithms 2.1.3 Searching and sorting algorithms 2.2 Programming fundamentals 2.2.1 Programming fundamentals 2.2.2 Data types 2.2.3 Additional programming techniques 2.3 Producing robust programs 2.3.1 Defensive design 2.3.2 Testing 2.4 Boolean logic 2.4.1 Boolean logic 2.5 Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments 2.5.1 Languages 2.5.2 The Integrated Development Environment (IDE) **Details of Examination** The students will sit two exams at the end of year 11 each will contribute 50% towards the GCSE. **Component 01: Computer systems** Introduces students to the central processing unit (CPU), computer memory and storage, data representation, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, system security and system software. It also looks at ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns associated with computer science. **Component 02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming** Students apply knowledge and understanding gained in component 01. They develop skills and understanding in computational thinking: algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic and translators. **Practical programming** Students are to be given the opportunity to undertake a programming task(s) during their course of study which allows them to develop their skills to design, write, test and refine programs using a high-level programming language. Students will be assessed on these skills during the written examinations, in particular component 02 (section B). **Where can I find more information?** More information about the course can be found using the link below. **Assessment Resources** Specimen paper questions can be found using the link below. [https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j277-from-2020/assessment/ ](https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j277-from-2020/assessment/%20) **Careers information** Careers information can be found using the link below. [https://successatschool.org/advicedetails/877/what-is-computer-science-computing-jobs](https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/computer-science-and-it/gcse/computer-science-8525/assessment-resources) [https://targetcareers.co.uk/career-sectors/it-and-technology](https://successatschool.org/careerzonesummary/28/IT-The-Internet) --- ### Creative iMedia 2022 onwards [**Creative iMedia Learning Journey - click here to view**](https://madeleyschool.org/files/documents/Computing/Learning_Journey_iMedia_24-26_-_Optional_unit_included_.pdf) **What course do students follow?** Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia Level 1/2 Course code: J834 **What will students study?** **R093: Creative iMedia in the media industry** In this unit you will learn about the media industry, digital media products, how they are planned, and the media codes which are used to convey meaning, create impact and engage audiences. Topics include: · The media industry · Factors influencing product design · Pre-production planning · Distribution considerations **R094: Visual identity and digital graphics** In this unit you will learn to how to develop visual identities for clients and use the concepts of graphic design to create original digital graphics to engage target audiences. Topics include: · Develop visual identity · Plan digital graphics for products · Create visual identity and digital graphic **R0\*\*: Optional Unit** This unit will be picked on a year by year basis based on the skills and interests of the group. More information about these units can be found via the link below. **Details of Coursework** Units R094 (Visual Identity), and R0\*\* (Optional unit) are practical controlled assessments for which you will produce portfolios of evidence. R094 is worth at 25% and the optional unit is worth 35% of the final grade. **Details of Examination** There is just one exam in this qualification for Unit R093 (Visual identity and digital graphics), the exam is 1 hour 30 minutes and is worth 40% of the overall mark. You will sit this examination at the end of Year 11. **Where can I find more information?** More information about the course can be found using the link below. **Careers information** Careers information can be found using the link below. [https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-categories/creative-and-media](https://targetcareers.co.uk/career-sectors/media) ### Our Curriculum - [Curriculum Intent](https://madeleyschool.org/our-curriculum/curriculum-intent) - [Art and Design](https://madeleyschool.org/our-curriculum/art-and-design) - [Btec Business](https://madeleyschool.org/our-curriculum/btec-business) - [Computing](https://madeleyschool.org/our-curriculum/computing) - [English & Literacy](https://madeleyschool.org/our-curriculum/english-literacy) - [Extra Curricular](https://madeleyschool.org/our-curriculum/extra-curricular) - [Geography](https://madeleyschool.org/our-curriculum/geography) - [Health & Social Care](https://madeleyschool.org/our-curriculum/health-social-care) - [History](https://madeleyschool.org/our-curriculum/history) - [Mathematics & Numeracy](https://madeleyschool.org/our-curriculum/maths-and-numeracy) - [Music](https://madeleyschool.org/our-curriculum/music) - [Performance and Expressive Arts](https://madeleyschool.org/our-curriculum/performance-and-expressive-arts) - [Personal Development](https://madeleyschool.org/our-curriculum/personal-development) - [Physical Education](https://madeleyschool.org/our-curriculum/physical-education) - [Reading](https://madeleyschool.org/our-curriculum/reading) - [Religious & World Views](https://madeleyschool.org/our-curriculum/religious-education) - [Science](https://madeleyschool.org/our-curriculum/science) - [Spanish](https://madeleyschool.org/our-curriculum/spanish) - [Special Educational Needs](https://madeleyschool.org/our-curriculum/special-educational-needs) - [Technology](https://madeleyschool.org/our-curriculum/technology) - [![SENDIA](https://files.schudio.com/madeley-school/images/partners/SENDIA_email_banner.png)](https://files.schudio.com/madeley-school/images/partners/SENDIA_email_banner.png) [Embedded content](https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2401.063910627133!2d-2.341350923224075!3d53.00123520048938!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x487a60c9d30bbe55%3A0xd7fa755bda883379!2sMadeley%20School!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sen!4v1698144950976!5m2!1sen!2sen) ![Madeley School](https://files.schudio.com/madeley-school/images/logo/logo_(41).png) **Madeley School** Newcastle Road Madeley Crewe CW3 9JJ Tel: 01782 987800 Email: [![Shaw Education Trust](https://files.schudio.com/shaw-education-trust-2/images/logo/set-misc/footer-logo-v1.png)](https://shaw-education.org.uk) **Shaw Education Trust** Kidsgrove Secondary School Gloucester Road Kidsgrove ST7 4DL VAT: GB 358822467 Tel: 01782 948259 Email: Company Number: 09067175 ### Useful Links: - [ParentPay](https://www.parentpay.com/) - [Parent Area](https://parentzone.org.uk/) - School Calendar ### Newsletter ### Social Media - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086910723985) - [X](https://twitter.com/madeleyschool) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeley-school/) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/madeleyschool/) © Copyright 2023–2026 Madeley School School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://madeleyschool.org/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)