At Salmons Brook School, Computing is a core subject at Key Stage 3 because we recognise the essential role that digital literacy, creativity, and computational thinking play in our students’ lives—now and in the future. In a world shaped by artificial intelligence, automation, and multimedia communication, our Computing curriculum ensures that students are not only digitally safe but also digital-age ready. It empowers them to engage meaningfully and responsibly with the technologies that shape society, employment, and everyday life.
Intent
Our Computing curriculum is designed to:
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Equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to use and create with technology confidently, creatively, and safely.
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Teach core computer science concepts such as algorithms, programming, networks, and data representation, alongside practical applications.
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Foster a deep understanding of digital tools and media by enabling students to work with real-world applications such as Canva, Photoshop, Cap Cut, and Stop Motion software.
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Introduce students to the concepts and ethical implications of artificial intelligence and machine learning, ensuring they understand how these technologies function and affect their lives.
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Build a foundation of digital responsibility, ensuring all students become safe, respectful, and critically aware online citizens.
Implementation
At Salmons Brook, Computing is taught across Years 7 to 9 as a coherent and ambitious curriculum rooted in the National Curriculum strands of computer science, digital literacy, and information technology.
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Year 7 begins with responsible digital communication, secure online behaviour, and an introduction to networks. Students then progress to using Scratch for coding, spreadsheets for modelling data, and word processors for effective presentation.
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Year 8 expands into web development (HTML and CSS), mobile app creation, computer systems, Python programming, and vector graphic design. Students also explore search technologies, digital licensing, and use platforms such as Canva to produce digital content.
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Year 9 deepens digital literacy and creativity with units on 3D animation, sound and image editing, and data science. Students explore AI and cybersecurity, build physical computing projects with Micro bits, and gain hands-on experience with Photoshop, Stop Motion, and Cap Cut to produce high-quality digital artefacts.
All students are taught through a combination of practical project-based learning and conceptual understanding, with assessment via multiple-choice quizzes and rubrics. The curriculum actively integrates:
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Safeguarding and online safety education, including lessons on cyberbullying, digital footprints, and data privacy.
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Creative and collaborative project work aligned to Salmons Brook’s CREATE values—Community, Relationships, Enrichment, Aspirations, Trust, and Education—encouraging teamwork, independence, and innovation.
Impact
Through Computing, students at Salmons Brook:
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Become digitally fluent and capable of using both mainstream and industry-relevant tools for communication, content creation, coding, and problem-solving.
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Are digital-age ready, having gained experience in AI concepts, app development, media editing, and modern design software.
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Demonstrate a strong grasp of key programming principles and can confidently use languages such as Scratch and Python to develop their own programs.
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Understand how to navigate the online world safely, ethically, and effectively, preparing them for both personal and professional use of technology.
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Develop creative portfolios of work using platforms like Canva, Cap Cut, Photoshop, and Stop Motion, enabling them to express themselves visually and digitally.
The impact of our curriculum is visible in students’ growing independence, engagement, and confidence with digital technologies. Progress is measured through assessment tasks, digital projects, and the readiness of students to apply their computing knowledge beyond the classroom—in their studies, social interactions, and future careers.