Term / Half-term

Main topics / units

Key knowledge & skills

Autumn 1

Python Next Steps

·         Evaluates the effectiveness of algorithms and models for solving similar problems.

·         Develops solutions to complex problems independently.

·         Identifies where information can be filtered out when generalising problem solutions (abstraction).

·         Uses logical reasoning to predict outputs by considering inputs, and applies pattern recognition by selecting similarities and differences to solve problems.

Spring 1

Understanding Computers

·         Reviews online safety practices, focusing on student data protection, online threats, and cyberbullying.

·         Examines the inner workings and hardware of a computer, with emphasis on the CPU and how it processes data.

·         Explores different storage mediums, including RAM, ROM, optical, magnetic, and solid-state storage.

·         Investigates emerging technologies and potential future developments in various markets.

Spring 2

Binary and logic gates

·         Models the relationship between binary and electrical circuits, including Boolean logic using logic tables.

·         Examines how processor instruction sets relate to the low-level instructions executed by a computer.

·         Illustrates how bit patterns represent numbers, images, and sound.

Summer 1

Networks

·         Debates the ethical and moral implications of cryptography from personal, national, and global perspectives.

·         Builds models to demonstrate how cryptography is used for encrypting and decrypting data, and experiments with common network security methods, including public key encryption.

·         Examines the importance of network security and simple security techniques, such as using strong passwords.

·         Demonstrates data transmission between digital computers over networks, including concepts like IP addresses and packet switching, constructs static web pages using HTML, and manipulates simple encryption techniques.

Summer 2

Flow Charts and Algorithms

·         Reviews sequencing in programs and how selection is used in programming.

·         Reviews iteration and how looping and repeating sequences make programming more efficient.

·         Understands the concept of breaking down tasks to simplify them and improve prioritization by removing unnecessary data.

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