KS3 Computer Science Curriculum
At Key Stages 3 and 4, at Scarborough UTC we deliver a Computer Science curriculum that lays a strong foundation in digital literacy and computational thinking. In KS3, students are introduced to core concepts such as programming, algorithms, data handling, and online safety through engaging, practical projects. This builds confidence and prepares them for the OCR GCSE Computer Science course in KS4, where they deepen their understanding of computer systems, memory and storage, networks, and cyber security. With a focus on hands-on learning and problem-solving, students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for further study in KS5 and careers in the digital and technical sectors.
KS3 Curriculum Intention
Our year 9 curriculum supplies a solid substantive and disciplinary foundation year to KS4 and KS5 study. It lays the foundations for understanding and appreciating the digital world through the specific disciplines of computer science. Digital technology is driving extraordinary global changes that will continue to have a crucial impact on business, industry, and individuals; exploring these changes effectively and safely requires all our learners significant understanding of digital literacy, information technology and computer science.
All our learners will be taught the essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, process, and uses across all disciplines of computing.
We will encourage our learners to use computational thinking and creativity to understand the digital world in logical and physical contexts. They will be encouraged to understand how computing can be used to solve real world problems, whilst enabling them to think computationally (thinking abstractly, thinking ahead, thinking procedurally, thinking logically, and thinking concurrently), and analyse cause and impact.
KS3 Core Curriculum Knowledge Covered
In year 9 we cover all the fundamental “big ideas” in substantive computing knowledge, underpinned with the specific development of disciplinary knowledge. We do this to identify and plug any gaps in student prior knowledge and skills, to enable them to springboard into KS4 and beyond. The curriculum is broken down lesson by lesson and disciplinary knowledge and skills are iteratively covered through the year to ensure students are provided with the opportunity to master these concepts as well as develop a broad and balanced subject knowledge to bring into KS4
