At Key Stage 3, the Computer Science curriculum at Thornleigh Salesian College is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the knowledge, understanding and practical skills required to succeed in an increasingly digital world. Closely aligned with the National Curriculum, our curriculum aims to develop students' computational thinking, problem-solving abilities, creativity and digital confidence, ensuring they are well prepared for further study and the responsible use of technology in everyday life.

Our curriculum is structured around three key areas: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. These areas are carefully developed throughout Key Stage 3 to ensure students build upon prior knowledge, develop increasingly complex skills and gain a deeper understanding of how technology works and its impact on society.

• Computer Science: Students develop an understanding of algorithms, programming, computer systems, networks, binary and data representation. Through practical programming activities, students learn to design, create, test and refine solutions to problems, developing logical thinking, resilience and independence.
• Information Technology: Students develop the practical skills required to use a range of digital applications effectively and creatively. This includes word processing, presentations, data handling and digital projects, enabling students to select and apply appropriate technologies to complete tasks and solve real-world problems.
• Digital Literacy: Students develop the knowledge and understanding needed to use technology safely, responsibly and ethically. This includes online safety, digital footprints, protecting personal information and critically evaluating online content. Students are encouraged to become informed and responsible digital citizens who understand the opportunities and challenges presented by modern technology.

Throughout Key Stage 3, the curriculum promotes independence, collaboration and creativity while reflecting the Salesian values of respect, responsibility and care for others. Students are encouraged to use technology positively, make informed decisions and recognise how their digital actions can affect themselves and the wider community..

At Key Stage 3, the Computer Science curriculum at Thornleigh Salesian College is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the knowledge, understanding and practical skills required to succeed in an increasingly digital world. Closely aligned with the National Curriculum, our curriculum aims to develop students' computational thinking, problem-solving abilities, creativity and digital confidence, ensuring they are well prepared for further study and the responsible use of technology in everyday life.

Our curriculum is structured around three key areas: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. These areas are carefully developed throughout Key Stage 3 to ensure students build upon prior knowledge, develop increasingly complex skills and gain a deeper understanding of how technology works and its impact on society.
●    Computer Science: Students develop an understanding of algorithms, programming, computer systems, networks, binary and data representation. Through practical programming activities, students learn to design, create, test and refine solutions to problems, developing logical thinking, resilience and independence.
●    Information Technology: Students develop the practical skills required to use a range of digital applications effectively and creatively. This includes word processing, presentations, data handling and digital projects, enabling students to select and apply appropriate technologies to complete tasks and solve real-world problems.
●    Digital Literacy: Students develop the knowledge and understanding needed to use technology safely, responsibly and ethically. This includes online safety, digital footprints, protecting personal information and critically evaluating online content. Students are encouraged to become informed and responsible digital citizens who understand the opportunities and challenges presented by modern technology.
Throughout Key Stage 3, the curriculum promotes independence, collaboration and creativity while reflecting the Salesian values of respect, responsibility and care for others. Students are encouraged to use technology positively, make informed decisions and recognise how their digital actions can affect themselves and the wider community.

Year 7 – Building the Foundations

• Introduction to Computing – Developing essential digital skills, including using school systems, managing files and understanding how to use technology safely and effectively.
• Computational Thinking and Block Based Programming (Micro:bits) – Exploring algorithms, decomposition and problem-solving through creating interactive projects using Micro:bits.
• Introduction to Python Programming – Learning the foundations of text based programming, including variables, inputs, outputs and selection.
• Computer Systems – Understanding computer hardware, software, input and output devices, and how computer systems operate.
• Data and Spreadsheets – Using spreadsheet software to organise, analyse and present data through formulas, functions and charts.

Year 8 – Developing Knowledge and Skills

• Networks and Cybersecurity – Understanding how networks and the internet operate, exploring cybersecurity threats and learning how to protect digital information.
• Data Representation – Exploring how computers represent and store information using binary, including numbers, text and images.
• Perfume Project: Data, Design and Digital Product Development – Applying digital skills to research, design and develop a creative product using data analysis and digital design tools.
• Developing Python Programming – Building upon existing programming knowledge through selection, iteration and more complex problem-solving activities.
• Game Design with MakeCode Arcade – Designing, programming and testing interactive games while developing computational thinking and programming skills.

Year 9 – Applying and Extending Knowledge

• Digital Wellbeing – Exploring online safety, social media, digital footprints and the impact of technology on individuals and society.
• Advanced Python Programming – Developing more complex programs using programming techniques, logical thinking, testing and debugging.
• Web Development with HTML and CSS – Learning to design and create websites using HTML for structure and CSS for styling.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning – Understanding how AI systems operate, exploring machine learning applications and considering the ethical impact of emerging technologies.
• Data Science – Investigating how data is collected, processed, analysed and visualised to identify patterns and support real world decision making.

The Key Stage 4 Computing curriculum at Thornleigh Salesian College provides students with two pathways: Edexcel GCSE Computer Science and OCR Cambridge Nationals Creative iMedia. Both courses build upon knowledge developed at Key Stage 3, supporting progression into further education and future careers.

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science

• Computational Thinking and Algorithms – Developing problem-solving skills through decomposition, abstraction, flowcharts, pseudocode and logical reasoning.
• Data Representation – Understanding how computers represent and store data, including binary, hexadecimal, text, images, sound and data compression.
• Computer Systems – Exploring computer hardware, CPU architecture, memory, storage devices and how computer systems process information.
• Systems Software – Understanding the role of operating systems, utility software and how software manages computer hardware and resources.
• Computer Networks – Exploring network types, topologies, hardware, protocols and how data is transferred across networks.
• Cybersecurity – Understanding common security threats, vulnerabilities and methods used to protect computer systems and data.
• Issues and Impacts of Computing – Investigating the ethical, legal, environmental and social impacts of technology on individuals and society.
• Python Programming – Developing practical programming skills using variables, data types, selection, iteration, subprograms and data structures to solve computational problems.
• Programming Techniques and Testing – Applying programming knowledge to design, develop, test and debug solutions to increasingly complex problems.

OCR Cambridge Nationals Creative iMedia

• Introduction to the Media Industry (R093) – Exploring the creative media industry, different media sectors, job roles and the types of digital products created.
• Media Products and Audiences (R093) – Understanding how media products are designed to meet the needs of specific audiences, purposes and client requirements.
• Pre-production Planning (R093) – Developing planning skills through mind maps, mood boards, visualisation diagrams, storyboards and other pre-production documents.
• Legal and Ethical Considerations (R093) – Understanding copyright, intellectual property, legislation and the importance of using digital media responsibly.
• Visual Identity and Digital Graphics (R094) – Exploring how logos, colours, typography and graphic design communicate messages and establish brand identities.
• Digital Graphics Production (R094) – Developing practical skills in planning, designing, creating and reviewing digital graphics using appropriate software.
• Digital Media Production (Optional Unit) – Applying specialist creative skills to plan, design and produce digital media products that meet specific client briefs and audience requirements.
• Reviewing and Evaluating Media Products – Evaluating completed digital products against client requirements, identifying strengths and suggesting improvements to develop professional-quality outcomes.

At Key Stage 5, the Computer Science curriculum at Thornleigh Salesian College builds upon the knowledge and skills developed at GCSE, providing students with a deeper understanding of computing concepts, programming and computational thinking. Through OCR A Level Computer Science, students develop the technical knowledge, analytical skills and independence required for further education and future careers in the technology sector.

Our curriculum focuses on developing students' understanding of computer systems, software development, algorithms, data structures, networking and the ethical implications of technology. Students are encouraged to think critically, solve complex problems and apply theoretical knowledge to practical programming challenges.

Through the programming project, students develop their independence, creativity and problem-solving abilities by designing, developing, testing and evaluating a substantial software solution to a real-world problem. This enables students to apply their knowledge while developing essential skills in project management, research and evaluation.

The Key Stage 5 Computer Science curriculum at Thornleigh Salesian College follows the OCR A Level Computer Science specification. The course builds upon knowledge developed at GCSE, allowing students to deepen their understanding of computer systems, programming and computational thinking while developing the independence and problem-solving skills required for higher education and future careers.

• Computer Systems – Understanding CPU architecture, processors, memory and storage.
• Systems Software – Exploring operating systems, utility software and resource management.
• Networks and Web Technologies – Understanding networks, protocols and how the internet operates.
• Data Representation and Databases – Exploring binary, data storage, compression, encryption and databases.
• Boolean Algebra and Logic – Applying logic gates and Boolean expressions to solve problems.
• Software Development – Understanding programming languages, translators and development methods.
• Legal and Ethical Issues – Exploring the social, moral and legal impacts of technology.
• Computational Thinking – Developing problem-solving skills through decomposition, abstraction and logical reasoning.
• Algorithms and Data Structures – Exploring searching, sorting, recursion, stacks, queues and other data structures.
• Advanced Programming – Developing complex programs using Python, including object-oriented programming, testing and debugging.
• Programming Project (NEA) – Independently designing, developing, testing and evaluating a software solution to a real-world problem.