Computing Curriculum
 
KS3

The Key Stage 3 curriculum at ACE combines content from The National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) and content from the Ofqual Functional Skills Criteria for ICT. The Computing topics covered at ACE aim to inspire young people to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.  

Aims:

• Use two or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual, to solve a variety of computational problems.
• Understand simple Boolean logic and some of its uses in circuits and programming.
• Understand the hardware and software components that make up computer systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems.
• Undertake creative projects that involve selecting, using, and combining multiple applications.
• Understand a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly, and securely.

The Functional Skills in Information and Communication Technology focuses on 3 skill areas:

• Using ICT systems
• Finding and selecting information
• Developing, presenting, and communicating information

Combining ICT and Computing will ensure pupils at ACE acquire knowledge of IT devices and using the Internet whilst developing problem solving skills and communication in a world led by technology.

Assessment

Progress through the Curriculum involves 3 summative assessments throughout the year. Teachers will identify appropriate points in the National Curriculum to assess pupil knowledge and understanding to progress confidently to the next stage.

KS4

Key Stage 4 pupils at ACE will complete a Digital Functional Skills Qualification at Level 1. With the digital sector becoming a major source of employment in the UK, this course supports digital tasks and activities relevant to today’s workplace and everyday life which should require learners to make connections between the five skills areas.

1. Using Devices and Handling Information
2. Creating and Editing
3. Communicating
4. Transacting
5. Being Responsible

Aims:

• Enable learners to increase their confidence and fluency in their use of digital knowledge and skills, and develop a positive attitude towards the use of digital skills
• Enable learners to demonstrate their knowledge and skills by applying these to complete tasks and activities.
• Introduce learners to areas of life and work which may be new or unfamiliar, and tasks and activities that they may encounter in future.
• Enable learners to develop an appreciation of the importance of digital skills in the workplace and in life generally.
• Provide a basis for further study, work and life.

Awarding Body: Pearson

Assessment

• Learners will need to meet the requirements outlined in the tables below before the qualification can be awarded.
• The Pearson Edexcel Digital Functional Skills Qualifications at Level 1 consists of one externally assessed assessment, available onscreen, on-demand.
• Each assessment comprises two sections – a test section and a task section.
  
  

Assessment Structure	Duration (minutes)	Number of marks
Section A: Question paper	15	10
Section B: Tasks	90	44
Total	105	54