Term / Half-term

Main topics / units

Key knowledge & skills

Autumn 1

Understanding computer safely and responsibly

·         Obtains content from the World Wide Web using a web browser and knows what to do when concerned about online content or being contacted.

·         Navigates the web, carries out simple web searches to collect digital content, and explains the difference between a web browser and a search engine.

·         Understands why computers are connected in a network, can effectively use search engines, and recognises the importance of communicating safely and respectfully online while keeping personal information private.

·         Summarises the difference between the internet and internet services such as the World Wide Web, and demonstrates awareness of, and the ability to use, a range of internet services,

Autumn 2

Hardware and software

·         Classifies a range of software, including operating systems, utility software, and application software, and explains the difference between hardware and software and their roles within a computer system.

·         Gives examples of how data is stored on a computer and explains the function of the main internal components of basic computer architecture.

·         Outlines the concepts behind the input–process–output cycle and recognises that a range of digital devices can be considered computers, including an understanding of computer types, the input–process–output model, hardware, memory and secondary storage, and software.

·         Recognises and can use a range of input and output devices and understands that all software executed on digital devices is programmed.

Spring 1

Spreadsheets and Cryptography

·         Understands what cryptography is and how it affects the modern technological world, including the use of encryption and ciphers in digital activities.

·         Develops skills in using spreadsheets and understands basic formulas commonly used in business, such as SUM, AVERAGE, highest value, lowest value, and MODE.

·         Demonstrates practical understanding of spreadsheet usage and how spreadsheets can be used to plan and organise events.

·         Evaluates the role the Enigma machine played during World War II and explains why cryptology was critical for protecting data.

Spring 2

 Introduction to Computational Theory

·         Constructs solutions (algorithms) that use repetition and two-way selection, and solves problems through decomposition.

·         Demonstrates simple algorithms using loops and selection, and detects and corrects errors in algorithms through debugging.

·         Understands that computers require precise instructions and demonstrates care and accuracy to avoid errors.

·         Defines what an algorithm is and reproduces or follows algorithms step by step.

Summer term

Scratch Programming

·         Uses logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of programs and builds programs that implement algorithms to achieve given goals.

·         Demonstrates the use of arithmetic operators, if statements, loops, and variables through declaration and assignment within programs.

·         Understands that users can develop their own programs and demonstrates this by creating a simple program in a non-text-based programming environment, including detecting and correcting simple semantic errors through debugging.

·         Observes that programs execute by following precise instructions, and can execute, check, and modify programs accordingly.

Type of assessment

Approx. frequency / when

What it is used for (e.g. reports, targets)

Classwork / quizzes

Short retrieval quizzes most lessons

To check recall of key facts and address misconceptions quickly

Homework tasks

Once per fortnight

To practice applying ideas and build good study habits

End-of-topic assessments

Approximately once per half-term

To judge understanding of each unit and inform progress data

End-of-year assessment

Summer term

To give an overall picture of progress across the year