Computing

Computing at Lighthouse School

Why is it important to our students’ futures?

Computing skills is fundamental to the modern world. Whether used for social interactions, shopping, learning about the world, developing interests, or for employment purposes, Lighthouse students are and will be dependent on their computing skills to have a successful future. It is essential for our students to be able to access new technologies safely and to understand how to interrogate information found online. This will help students to be safe when using technology, e.g. from grooming, radicalisation, hacking etc. This is especially important to autistic students who may be more vulnerable to this. Computer Science helps students understand how they can use technology effectively and it develops the problem-solving skills that can be used in all areas of the curriculum and life. Computer Science, particularly programming, helps students to develop resilience and to see mistakes as steps along the journey instead of unsurmountable obstacles.

What visitors/enrichment activities take place in the subject?

• Visits from industry experts – including those who work in the IT Security Sector
• Students participate in national coding challenges
• Students have participated in Computing lessons in neighbouring mainstream schools
• Students have programmed Arduinos to be used in competitions

What does Computing look like in Lighthouse School?

• We have a spiral curriculum that supports our learners in retaining learning and building on concepts.
• We deliver Entry Level (1-3) and GCSE Computer Science (9-1). We also deliver AS Level Computing to an individual student.
• The curriculum covers both practical, theoretical, and practical within theoretical content. We use physical demonstrations to support abstract topics (e.g. variables and gates).
• Internet Safety is taught at the start of each year to support students’ safety online.
• Our KS3 curriculum focuses on engaging students with the academic aspects of Computing.
• Computing is closely linked to student interests and to the wider world- using current news and events to make Computing relevant.
• The Computing curriculum includes developing ‘work-ready’ and Preparation for Adulthood skills to support students’ next steps.
• Computing links closely with other subjects – e.g. in KS3 the teaching of Algebra in Maths will coincide with the teaching of Programming in Computing to deepen an understanding of variables and function machines.

What have students gone on to achieve in the subject?

• Last year, five students achieved a GCSE grade in Computer Science.
• A recent graduate has gone onto further education and is studying Computer Science and Game Programming.
• A bespoke learning package has been put in place for one student who is working towards their AS Level in Computer Science.

Computer Curriculum: