VISION
At Magna Academy, our vision for Computing is to deliver an ambitious and inclusive curriculum that equips all students with essential digital literacy, computational thinking, and practical problem-solving skills from the start of Key Stage 3. Rooted in the national curriculum, students will explore core principles such as algorithms, programming, data representation, computer systems and the ethical dimensions of digital technologies, while applying this knowledge through real-world, meaningful contexts. Our curriculum is designed to be both challenging and relevant, integrating applied learning opportunities that develop ‘power skills’ such as collaboration, communication, resilience, and creativity. Students engage with purposeful tasks linked to modern careers and emerging technologies, ensuring they understand the practical impact and potential of computing in today’s digital world. This foundation supports our ‘No Limits’ curriculum by preparing learners not only for academic progression into Key Stage 4, but also for the demands of an evolving workforce and society.
INTENT
Our intent for Computing is to deliver a coherent and forward-thinking curriculum from Years 7 to 9 that builds students’ confidence, creativity, and responsibility as both users and creators of technology. Our programme develops core knowledge and skills in computer science, digital literacy, and information technology. Each unit is designed to apply knowledge in real-world contexts, fostering analytical thinking, computational problem-solving, and digital resilience.
As students progress through Key Stage 3, they also engage with topics such as cybersecurity, data management, and digital communication, developing a deeper understanding of how digital systems operate and impact society. By the end of Year 9, learners will be equipped with the technical fluency and curiosity to succeed in specialised study and to navigate an evolving technological landscape with confidence and purpose.
IMPLEMENTATION
YEARS 7, 8 & 9: WHAT IS COVERED?
| Year | Rotation 1 | Rotation 2 |
| 7 | Students will develop their understanding of information technology and digital literacy skills. They will use the skills learnt across the module to create a blog post about a topic of personal interest to them. Learners will develop software formatting skills and explore concerns surrounding the use of other people’s work, including licensing and legal issues. | Students will develop their knowledge of Google Sheets to be able to confidently model data with a sheet. Students will progress from using basic formulas to writing their own functions using SUM, COUNTA, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX, and COUNTIF. |
| 8 | Following on from the Year 7 module, students will develop their use of programming through sequencing, the use of selection, and iteration and apply these skills to a given problem. They will learn the importance of using decomposition to break down problems into sub routines to improve efficiency. | Students will learn some of the building blocks HTML by using tags and cascading style sheets. They will develop their skills of effectively using images, text and hyperlinks in web design. They will also learn about how search engines work and how to use them efficiently. |
| 9 | As part of developing our students and building on safety elements learnt in Year 8, students learn about the different techniques used by cybercriminals to steal data, disrupt systems, infiltrate networks and how students can keep themselves and their personal data safe. | In preparation for Key Stage 4 and beyond, students learn how to use data to investigate problems. Students are exposed to a wide- range of global and local data sets. They learn how visualising data can help with the process of identifying patterns and trends to solve problems. |
YEAR 10: BTEC DIGITAL INFORMATION: WHAT IS COVERED?
| Unit 1 | Unit 2 | Unit 3 | Unit 4 | Unit 5 | Unit 6 |
| Development and planning of IT solutions, project management, and application skills. | Continued professional development logs, project planning, and execution. | Project development, creative solutions, and skills application. | Ethical considerations in data processing and security. | Exploration of post-secondary choices and career planning. | Advanced exploration of roles such as Data Analyst or Data Scientist, and IT Consultant. |
YEAR 11: BTEC DIGITAL INFORMATION: WHAT IS COVERED?
| Unit 1 | Unit 2 | Unit 3 | Unit 4 | Unit 5 | Unit 6 |
| Understanding User Interface and Project Planning: Types of User Interfaces (Text-based, Speech/Natural Language, GUI, Sensors, Menu/Forms), Factors Affecting User Interface Choice (Performance, Ease of Use, User Requirements), Hardware and Software Influences (Operating Systems, Screen Types, User Input Methods, Emerging Technologies). | Continued exploration of User Interface and Project Planning: Audience Needs (Accessibility, Skill Levels, Demographics), Design Principles (Colours, Font Style, Language, Layout), and Designing Efficient User Interfaces (Keyboard Shortcuts, Feedback, Object Grouping). | Using Project Planning Techniques: Planning Tools (Task Lists, Gantt Charts, Mood Boards), Methodologies (Waterfall, Agile, Scrum), Project Proposal and Plan Creation (Purpose, Timescales, Milestones). | Designing and Developing User Interfaces: Creating an Initial Design (Meeting User Requirements and design Specification) and developing a User Interface (Implementation). | Reviewing and Improving User Interfaces: Review Process (Assessing Strengths and Weaknesses, Audience Suitability, Ease of Use, Accessibility), Suggesting Improvements. | Characteristics of Data and Information: Concepts (Data, Information), Representation, Validation, Data Collection, Information Quality, Sectors Utilising Data Modelling, and Threats to Data Storage. |
Curriculum Overviews: ♦ KS3 Computing ♦ BTEC Digital Information Technology
Computing Age Related Expectations
IMPACT
Students will have the confidence, creativity, and technical skills to thrive in a digital world. Through a curriculum designed to be ambitious, inclusive, and connected to real life, they will learn how to solve problems, think logically, and use technology responsibly. They will explore how computers work, write their own programs, and understand the role of technology in society; including issues like cybersecurity and digital ethics. They will build important skills like communication, teamwork, and resilience, helping them to succeed not just in Computing, but in any path they choose. Most importantly, students will see how computing connects to their future, giving them the tools to shape it with confidence and purpose.