“Computers are incredibly fast, accurate and stupid; humans are incredibly slow, inaccurate and brilliant; together they are powerful beyond imagination.” Albert Einstein

Digital technology shapes almost every aspect of modern life. At Kingsbridge Community College, we believe that a high-quality computing education equips students with the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to participate successfully in an increasingly digital world. Our curriculum develops computational thinking, creativity, problem-solving and digital literacy, enabling students not only to use technology effectively but also to understand how it works and how it can be used to solve real-world problems.

What is Computing?

Computing is an umbrella term encompassing three interconnected strands:

Computer Science – the scientific and practical study of computation, including how computers work, how data is represented, how software is developed and how computational thinking can be applied to solve problems.

Digital Media – the creative and practical process of designing, creating and evaluating digital products using a range of industry-standard software and technologies.

Digital Literacy – the ability to use digital technologies safely, responsibly, effectively and critically in a rapidly changing digital world.

Curriculum Design

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum has been carefully sequenced to ensure students first become confident users of technology, then develop an understanding of how digital systems function, before applying this knowledge to solve problems and create increasingly sophisticated digital products.

Knowledge and skills are deliberately revisited through the three strands of Digital Literacy, Computer Science and Digital Media. This allows students to build secure foundations before progressing towards more advanced concepts and applications.

Online safety, cyber security and responsible digital citizenship are embedded throughout all year groups and revisited regularly as technology and online environments continue to evolve.

Students are also introduced to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, data science and the Internet of Things, enabling them to understand the opportunities and challenges presented by modern computing technologies.

Computing at KS3

During Key Stage 3, all students study Computing through the three strands of Digital Literacy, Computer Science and Digital Media.

In Year 7, students establish the foundations of digital literacy by learning to use college systems effectively, communicate safely online and organise digital information. They are introduced to computational thinking through binary, logic and programming, whilst developing creativity through image editing, web design and digital content creation.

In Year 8, students deepen their understanding of computer systems through Python programming, computer hardware, memory, storage and website development. Digital media projects become increasingly sophisticated through the use of professional software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Audacity, whilst students begin to understand how images, sound and other forms of media are represented digitally.

In Year 9, students apply their knowledge to increasingly complex and authentic problems. Topics include cyber security, algorithms, data science, animation, video production, the Internet of Things and advanced programming concepts. By the end of Key Stage 3, students have experienced the breadth of the discipline and are well prepared to make informed choices about further study.

Assessment throughout Key Stage 3 combines practical project work, programming challenges, retrieval activities and formal assessments. This enables teachers to identify misconceptions, monitor progress and ensure that knowledge is retained and built upon over time.

Computing at KS4 (GCSE Computer Science)

At Key Stage 4, students have the opportunity to study OCR GCSE Computer Science, building upon the foundations developed during Key Stage 3. The course combines practical programming skills with an in-depth understanding of how computer systems operate.

Students develop their knowledge of computer hardware, software, networks and cyber security, whilst learning how data is represented using binary, hexadecimal and logical operations. Computational thinking remains at the heart of the curriculum, with students analysing problems, designing solutions and developing programs using Python.

The course encourages students to think logically, creatively and critically whilst developing highly transferable problem-solving skills. Practical programming activities allow students to apply their knowledge in realistic contexts and gain experience of software development practices used throughout industry.

Computing at KS5 (A Level Computer Science)

At Key Stage 5, students may continue their studies through OCR A Level Computer Science. This academically rigorous course develops a deeper understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of computing.

Students study computer architecture, processors, networking, databases, algorithms, data structures, software development and the ethical, legal and moral implications of technology. Programming remains a central component of the course, with students developing sophisticated solutions to increasingly complex computational problems.

A significant element of the qualification is the Programming Project (Non-Exam Assessment), where students design, develop, test and evaluate a substantial software solution to a real-world problem. This enables students to demonstrate creativity, independence and professional software engineering practices.

Progression and Careers

Computing qualifications open doors to a rapidly expanding range of careers and university pathways. Our curriculum develops technical expertise alongside critical thinking, creativity, communication and problem-solving skills that are valued across all sectors.

Students who study Computing at Kingsbridge have progressed into degree apprenticeships and university courses in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Games Development, Digital Media and a wide variety of other STEM disciplines.

Through both curricular and enrichment opportunities, students gain an appreciation of how computing continues to transform society, employment and everyday life, preparing them for future study, employment and active participation in a digital world.