Computer Science
The Computer Science curriculum is designed to give students the opportunity to solve problems logically without fearing failure. By doing this, students will build resilience and tenacity, enabling them to succeed in the modern digital age. While the world of work is ever-changing, the need for traditional IT skills remains essential. Embedding these skills within the curriculum will ensure that students leave Lutterworth with key vocational abilities. Additionally, students will develop a 21st-century understanding of online safety and the positive and negative outcomes of Computer Science. By learning these skills, we will enable equality of access, reduce the digital divide ensuring no student is disadvantaged due to their background or access to technology. Given the significance of social media in everyday life, it is also essential that students understand both the positives and negatives of its use, including the impact influencers have through their social media platforms. Students should be equipped with the skills and opportunities to critically evaluate the impact of social media on society.
We work alongside our Church of England CHRIST values to enrich how our students experience Computer Science and IT, preparing them for a life outside of education. Students are able to demonstrate these values at various points across the three years in the following ways:
- Being Courageous in the way students tackle computational thinking and new programming languages without fear of “getting it wrong”
- Being Hardworking in the way they approach all work, taking time outside of the classroom to practice programming languages to improve their ability and skills
- Being Reflective in self-evaluation, such as whether their programming designs meet the success criteria.
- Being Inspirational to think of a career in computer science and the opportunities this would give to develop new applications/technology to improve society.
- Being Supportive when undertaking paired programming to allow each other to improve their programming skills in a supportive and encouraging environment.
- Being Tenacious when a computer program is not working; trying to find those syntax or logic errors.
Key Stage 3
During Key Stage 3, all students will be introduced to a range of Computing and IT which will build on the primary curriculum. As a school, we are aware that all students will have a different starting point, so at Lutterworth we ensure that no student is left behind. Students will have exposure to a balanced curriculum, that not only focuses on computer science and programming but will also provide valuable life skills for education and the workplace. Students will be able to develop their Scratch programming skills, gained from primary school, moving on from coding in blocks to writing code in Python. Students also have opportunities to create their own web pages using HTML. Students will understand the importance of basic IT skills, gaining transferable skills for use in other subject areas, such as making a graph in Excel or using Word to write a formal report. Students will also be made aware of the risks associated with the use of social media, the Internet, and AI in a modern society, exploring its uses as well as its positive and negative impacts.
Year 7-9 Computer Science Curriculum Map
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4, students have the option to study GCSE Computer Science, building on the foundations established in Key Stage 3. The course enables learners to deepen their knowledge and understanding of key computer science concepts. Students will develop their programming skills using Python and enhance their problem-solving abilities. They will be expected to work independently, practising and refining their programming skills. Throughout the course, students will analyse problems in computational terms and create innovative solutions by designing, writing, testing, and evaluating programs. As well as the practical element to the course, students will also explore ethical and legal issues, alongside core computer fundamentals such as binary and the CPU.
Year 10-11 GCSE Computer Science Curriculum Map
Key Stage 5
At Post 16, students can choose to study A Level Computer Science. The course enables learners to broaden the knowledge and skills developed at GCSE. Students will study three components, with the two exam‑based units building on GCSE content while allowing for greater depth and exploration of key computer science concepts. They will apply their mathematical skills to advanced binary and logic and will also evaluate the ethical impact of computers on society.
In addition, students will complete a Non‑Examination Assessment (NEA), worth 20% of their final grade. This practical project allows learners to apply their skills to a real‑world problem, such as creating a platform game or developing an app, using an appropriate programming language, typically Python. Through this, students will refine their analytical, design, and programming skills while working through the full development life cycle.