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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:

Subject Topic Key Stage Year Level Linked Subject
Computing Computer Systems-inside the computer KS3 1 All
Computing Data - analysing data KS3 1 All Maths
Computing Algorithms - planning animations KS3 1 All Creative Media
Computing Coding - creating animations KS3 1 All Art
Computing Safety/Impact - staying safe online KS3 1 All RSHE
Computing Creative Project/Revision - creating a digital kiosk KS3 1 All
Computing Computer Systems - Hardware and software KS3 2 All
Computing Data - types of data KS3 2 All Maths
Computing Algorithms - planning games KS3 2 All
Computing Coding - creating games KS3 2 All
Computing Safety/Impact - legal/illegal KS3 2 All RSHE, Citizenship
Computing Creative Project/Revision - desk top publishing KS3 2 All
Computing Computer Systems - Networks KS3 3 All
Computing Data - how data is stored KS3 3 All
Computing Algorithms - planning programs KS3 3 All Maths
Computing Coding - solving problems KS3 3 All Maths
Computing Safety/Impact - impact of technology KS3 3 All RSHE, Citizenship
Computing Creative Project/Revision - web design KS3 3 All
Computing Computer Systems - systems architecture KS45 1 Entry Level
Computing Data - memory and storage KS45 1 Entry Level
Computing Algorithms - computer networks, connections and protocols KS45 1 Entry Level
Computing Coding - Algorithms KS45 1 Entry Level Maths
Computing Safety/Impact - impact of technology KS45 1 Entry Level RSHE, Citizenship
Computing Creative Project/Revision - revision and end of year exam KS45 1 Entry Level Future Skills
Computing Computer Systems - Network Security KS45 2 Entry Level
Computing Data - systems software KS45 2 Entry Level
Computing Algorithms - Boolean logic KS45 2 Entry Level Maths
Computing Coding - searching and sorting Algorithms KS45 2 Entry Level
Computing Safety/Impact - legal issues around technology KS45 2 Entry Level RSHE, Citizenship
Computing Creative Project/Revision - revision and end of year exam KS45 2 Entry Level Future Skills
Computing Computer Systems - Being Organised KS45 1 BTEC 1
Computing Data Intro to programming KS45 1 BTEC 1
Computing Algorithms - creating a computer program KS45 1 BTEC 1
Computing Coding - Intro to animation KS45 1 BTEC 1 Art
Computing Safety/impact -creating a digital animated graphic KS45 1 BTEC 1 Art
Computing creative project/revision - EBook creation KS45 1 BTEC 1 English
Computing Computer Systems -Developing a personal progression plan KS45 2 BTEC 1
Computing Algorithms - Developing digital information using IT KS45 2 BTEC 1
Computing Safety/Impact - Deleloping digital Information using IT KS45 2 BTEC 1
Computing Creative Project/Revision - web design KS45 2 BTEC 1 Future Skills
Computing Computer Systems - systems architecture KS45 1 GCSE
Computing Data - memory and storage KS45 1 GCSE
Computing Algorithms - computer networks, connections and protocols KS45 1 GCSE
Computing Coding - Algorithms KS45 1 GCSE Maths
Computing Safety/Impact - impact of technology KS45 1 GCSE RSHE, Citizenship
Computing Creative Project/Revision - revision and end of year exam KS45 1 GCSE
Computing Computer Systems - Network Security KS45 2 GCSE
Computing Data - systems software KS45 2 GCSE
Computing Algorithms - Boolean logic KS45 2 GCSE Maths
Computing Coding - searching and sorting Algorithms KS45 2 GCSE
Computing Safety/Impact - legal issues around technology KS45 2 GCSE RSHE, Citizenship
Computing Creative Project/Revision - revision and end of year exam KS45 2 GCSE Future Skills