Computing

Departmental Vision

Our vision is to inspire curiosity, confidence and creativity with technology. We want every pupil to leave Bury Church of England High School able to understand, use and shape the digital world. We aim to develop pupils who think computationally and solve problems with resilience. We also want them to use emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence safely, ethically and with a critical eye. This prepares them for further study, the world of work, and life as responsible digital citizens.

Key Aspects of Our Vision:

Computational Thinking & Programming
We develop logical thinking and problem-solving through decomposition, abstraction and algorithm design. Pupils begin with block-based programming and progress to text-based Python, equipping them with the skills to solve real-world problems.
Understanding How Technology Works
Pupils learn what happens inside the devices they use every day. They will study how data such as numbers, text, images and sound is represented in binary form, how computer systems and networks operate, and how to keep systems secure from cyber threats.
Digital Skills
Pupils build the essential IT skills needed in every workplace, including presenting information, handling data and producing digital media. They apply these skills creatively to design a variety of digital products for different audiences.
Responsible Digital & AI Citizenship
We teach safe, respectful and responsible use of technology, including protecting online identity and privacy and knowing how to report concerns. We also look at how AI tools work and where they make mistakes or show bias. Pupils will learn to use AI to support their thinking rather than letting it do the thinking for them.
Innovation, Opportunity & Lifelong Learning
We want every pupil to see a future for themselves in technology. Pupils can take part in a range of enrichment activities including entering national competitions such as the Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge and events celebrating computing across the academic year. Above all, we encourage a growth mindset so that pupils can adapt with confidence as technology keeps changing.

At KS4, pupils can study GCSE Computer Science. This course builds directly on the programming, data representation and computer systems knowledge developed at Key Stage 3. All pupils at KS4 continue to develop their digital literacy, online safety and effective use of digital tools, preparing them for further study and future careers.

Curriculum Design

At Bury Church of England High School, our Computing curriculum is built on the three fundamental pillars of Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. These pillars form the foundation of the National Curriculum for Computing. Our curriculum is designed so that pupils know and remember more over time, with knowledge in each pillar supporting and strengthening the others.

Computer Science is the core of the curriculum. It covers data representation, Boolean logic, algorithms, programming and computer systems, and provides the foundation for understanding every other area of computing.
Information Technology is about how computers are used in society and in the workplace to create, collect and analyse information. Pupils will use a variety of online tools and create digital artefacts with attention to their audience, design and usability.
Digital Literacy is the knowledge and ability to use technology confidently, competently and safely. It also covers online safety and privacy, evaluating the trustworthiness of information, and the safe, ethical and critical use of artificial intelligence.

An Interconnected Approach:
The beauty of our curriculum lies in the way these three pillars complement and enhance each other. For instance, the knowledge pupils gain in Computer Science allows them to better understand the Information Technology tools they use to create digital content.

Simultaneously, a strong grasp of Digital Literacy helps pupils use both programming and IT tools effectively and responsibly. This integrated approach ensures that pupils are not just learning separate topics in isolation but instead developing a holistic understanding of computing that is both theoretical and practical.

Computing Curriculum Intent

Staff

Mr R Brown - Lead for Technical Innovation and Trust lead for Computing

Core knowledge

Below is a document displaying the knowledge that we believe all KS3 students should embed within their long term memory in order to be a successful in computing. Our KS3 assessments are based on this knowledge so you can use this document to support your revision.

KS3 Computing Core Knowledge

Below are documents displaying the knowledge that we believe all KS4 students should embed within their long term memory in order to be successful in these courses. This list should be used to prioritise your revision before moving onto deeper knowledge within the curriculum.

Computer science KS4 Core Knowledge