Station Road, Wigston. LE18 2DT
0116 2881228
admin@wigstonacademy.org

COMPUTING

ICT, digital literacy skills and Computer Science are of prime importance in the rapidly advancing global society that we live in. The Computing curriculum has to evolve and adapt constantly, due to the ever changing nature and use of technology in society.

Recently, more emphasis has been placed on developing the programming skills of pupils and having an understanding of how computers actually work. The latest curriculum changes at Wigston address this issue.

Each pupil has one discrete lesson of Computing per week. Each pupil uses their own PC in lessons. There is also a 10 week block of digital media lessons for each KS3 pupil. This provides an experience that surpasses most other schools.

Students are allowed to use the IT rooms at lunch-time for school-work related activities as along as they ask a member of staff from Computing. There is an IT club after-school on Thursdays – most students play Minecraft. There is a programming club on Friday lunch-times.

Wigston has three main IT suites. There are many laptops available for departments to use on the campus-wide wireless network. Every classroom is fitted with a whiteboard and projector.

The Internet connection that is provided at school is a filtered level service for education.

Course Content

Year 7

AUTUMN TERM

Graphics
• Understand the different ways that computers create and manage graphic elements.  Vector & Bitmap graphics.  Photoshop skills.
Harry Plotter
• Developing basic Spreadsheet modelling skills and understanding of simple functions.
Endangered Animals
• Develop understanding of purpose and audience in a presentation based on a specific theme.  Enhanced presentation skills.

SPRING TERM

Introduction to Computing Science
• Basic understanding of computer hardware and software functions.
• Use simple programming (Scratch) to create a range of products.
E-Safety
• Using computers effectively and safely.  Learn to be critical of information.  Privacy and data security. Social media, emails and search engines. Data footprint. Password advice.
Endangered Animals
• Develop understanding of purpose and audience in a presentation based on a specific theme.  Enhanced presentation skills.

SUMMER TERM

MSW Logo
• A further course on programming which builds on concepts learned in the previous term.
• Write sequences of instructions
• Understand the basic commands used in MSW Logo.
• Use commands to create procedures for building simple programs.
Databases
• Understand what a database is and how they work.  Use spreadsheet filters and database tools to create and analyse a database.
Endangered Animals
• Develop understanding of purpose and audience in a presentation based on a specific theme.  Enhanced presentation skills.

Year 8

AUTUMN TERM

Small Basic
• Understand the Small Basic interface and develop programming skills to create a range of outcomes including simple mathematical shapes, text files and graphic elements.
Gangsta Zoo
• Develop understanding of more complex spreadsheet functions and processes.
• Conditional formatting, COUNTIF, AVERAGE.

SPRING TERM

Understanding Computers
• Hardware and software, CPU and components.  Understand simple Binary processes and how storage devices work.
• Convergence and changing technologies.
HTML – Website Design
• Simple HTML code including basic CSS.
• WYSIWYG web design to create a site based on a given theme.

SUMMER TERM

History of Computers
• Famous computing pioneers and famous computers investigation and presentation. Creating a history of computers quiz. Creating a magazine cover in Photoshop.
8.6 Computer Crime and Cyber Security

Year 9

AUTUMN TERM

Python
• Introduction to Python coding.
• Create simple scripts using appropriate conditions and commands. Turtle graphics, variables, if selection statements, for loops and lists.
Spy Academy
• Understand a range of cyphers and how these are used to encode and decode messages.
• Computational thinking skills and problem solving activities.
Room Design
• Use search engines for finding suitable information
• Create digital artefacts suited to topic
• Use vector graphics tools to develop visual design features for a particular audience.

SPRING TERM

Computer Science
• Understand how domains, connectivity and networks facilitate communication between computers.  Image and sound representation. Logic Gates. Sorting algorithms.
Grand Designs
• Extended project.  Use a range of skills and software to create a design for a structure, finance the project, install control systems and market the project in a range of appropriate formats.
Appshed

SUMMER TERM

Flowol Unit
Grand Designs
• Extended project.  Use a range of skills and software to create a design for a structure, finance the project, install control systems and market the project in a range of appropriate formats.
Appshed

© 2023 Wigston Academy

Part of Wigston Academies Trust - Registered Address: Station Road, Wigston, Leicestershire. LE18 2DU. Telephone: 0116 2881228

Wigston Academies Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales. Company Registration No: 07975551

This website uses cookies. Cookies remember you so we can give you a better service online. By using this website you are agreeing to our Cookies Policy