Computing & iMedia

Key Contact:  Peter Williams pjw@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk

The Computing curriculum at the Gryphon School is designed to foster an interest and appreciation for computing as a subject, encouraging students to delve into the fascinating world of computers and technology. Students will develop a robust understanding of how computers work, while also honing their core IT skills to become digitally literate, which will serve them well throughout their academic and professional lives. Students will learn how to use a professional desktop computer with a full keyboard and mouse effectively, while also developing good working practices such as maintaining an organized digital workspace. Students will explore a variety of multimedia software applications, such as image, presentation, web design, video and animation software, gaining proficiency in essential tools and creative platforms. A key component of the curriculum is developing programming skills, where students will have repeated practical experience in writing computer programs using a variety of programming languages to solve challenges. Our curriculum also emphasizes the importance of online safety, educating students on the risks associated with computer use and how to use IT tools responsibly. Furthermore, we aim to instil an awareness of the environmental and ethical impact of technology and encourage students to consider sustainable practices. We believe we have designed a curriculum, which will successfully prepare students for success in their GCSEs, A Levels, and beyond, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Year 7

Half Term 1 – Introduction to Computing. This unit acts as an introduction to Computing at the Gryphon School. Students will learn how to use a desktop computer and how to access the school’s on-line resources. Students are also taught basic IT skills such as how to use a mouse and keyboard effectively.

Half Term 2 – Algorithms and Programming. In this unit you will learn about the four cornerstones of computational thinking and how to create computer programs of your own. You will demonstrate this understanding by creating a Scratch computer game of your own design.

Half Term 3 – High Level Programming – This unit is an introduction to Python programming and the use of high-level programming languages. You will learn the basics of high-level programming and how to use artificial intelligence to mimic a real human by making a basic “chatbot” program.

Half term 4 – Computer Systems – This unit introduces the concepts of computer hardware and software. You will learn how computers are built and gain a basic understanding of each of the main computer components, including: Input and output devices, binary numbers and Boolean logic theory.

Half Term 5 – Website Design – You will create your own website from scratch on a topic of your choice using the HTML programming language. You will also learn how to use programmes such as Photoshop to create digital graphics and consider how colour schemes effect the usability of your website.

Half term 6 – E-Safety – This unit combines the everyday skill of the Microsoft Office software suite with learning the vital e-safety skills which will keep you safe as you start using electronic communication devices more and more in your everyday life.

Year 8

Half Term 1 – Scratch Programming. This unit builds upon the Scratch unit started in Year 7 and begins to introduce some of the more complex concepts of computer programming. As part of the unit, you will improve your helicopter game to include variables, in the form of a score, as well as some basic artificial intelligence in the form of a treasure sprite, which appears to think for itself.

Half Term 2 – Python Programming. This unit of work builds upon the Python Programming unit studied in Year 7 and teaches you how to use more complex programming constructs such as iteration and selection. Within the unit you will build a number of simple computer programs such as a random number guessing game and utilise code libraries such as Turtle to create some Python art using While and For loops.

Half Term 3 – Databases. In this unit of work, you will undertake research into what a database is and their key features. You will consider both paper-based and computer-based databases as part of this research task. You will then begin to create a basic, computer database, made up of data collected from your peers.

Half term 4 – Website Design. This unit builds upon the Website Design unit studied in year 7 and teaches you how to create a fully functioning multi page website with hyperlinks. Students create an informative fan website about a topic of their choice such as a favourite hobby, sport, movie, computer game, etc.  The website will contain multiple pages full of a variety of different content including text, images, hyperlinks, tables, videos.

Half Term 5 – Computer Systems. This unit builds upon the Computer Systems unit studied in Year 7. The unit will recap over some of the basic computer components and hardware devices. You will then develop some understanding of how computer systems function and how binary number systems and computer networking functions work.

Half term 6 – Image Manipulation. In this unit you will learn how to use Photoshop effectively and gain the skills needed to create and enhance a variety of images for a wide range of applications in art, illustration, publishing and other media products.

Year 9

Half Term 1 – Computer Systems. Following on from studying computer systems in year 8, students will learn how computers work, examine Boolean expressions and the use of binary and hex numbers and their use within a computer system. Students also examine hardware, software, inputs, outputs and control systems.

Half Term 2 – Python Programming – This unit of work builds upon the Python Programming unit studied in Year 8 and teaches you how to use more complex programming constructs such as functions and arrays (lists). Within the unit you will build a number of computer programs such as a program to calculate pocket money and a program to check if a user’s username and password are correct.

Half Term 3 – Festival Project. In this unit students design and create a fully functional Interactive Multimedia PowerPoint Presentation to showcase a local music festival. Students create a logo for the event using Adobe Illustrator and find other assets, which are used to create a video advertisement for the event. Different types of media are included in the interactive PowerPoint, which features a working menu system using hyperlinks.

Half Term 4 – Artificial Intelligence. This unit gives students a first insight into the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Pupils begin by considering where AI is used from simple problems such as solving a maze to those more advanced, such as self-driving cars. Students will then look at how machine learning and deep learning are used in image recognition and the Ethics of AI is considered.

Half term 5 – Photoshop. This unit builds on the Photoshop skills students learned in year 8, where students how to use the software to create and edit images. Students first practice creating images of their own using the paint brush before going on to manipulate images from secondary sources using tools such as the clone stamp and colour replacement tool. Finally, students learn how to combine images using layers.

Half term 6 – Animation. In this unit, pupils will learn how animations are created and use a variety of drawing and animation techniques including tweening and motion paths to plan, create and export a multi-layered animation. The unit includes theory on frame rates and the effect on file size. Pupils are encouraged to analyse existing animations before planning and creating their own to deliver effective messages to a specific audience.

Assessment

Students will complete 3 assessment tasks each year in KS3. These tasks will mostly be in the form of exam-style questions, except for the festival project in year 9, where students will be assessed through the practical work they have produced in lessons. The Assessment headings are as follows:

Year 7

• Assessment 1: Scratch Programming.
• Assessment 2: Python Programming.
• Assessment 3: Computer Systems.

Year 8:

• Assessment 1: Scratch Programming.
• Assessment 2: Python Programming.
• Assessment 3: Computer Systems.

Year 9:

• Assessment 1: Python Programming
• Assessment 2: Festival Project
• Assessment 3: Artificial Intelligence

Homework

Students will be set 1 piece of homework per half term for Computing in KS3. This homework will include quizzes, independent research tasks, and revision tasks for assessments such as learning key vocabulary. All homework will be set via Teams.

Useful information, links and resources

KS3 Computer Science – BBC Bitesize
Project path | Intro to Python for kids | Raspberry Pi
Projects | Computer coding for kids and teens | Raspberry Pi
Learn (hourofcode.com)
Scratch – Imagine, Program, Share (mit.edu)
Welcome to Python.org
Python Tutorial (w3schools.com)

Key Stage 4 Subject overview

Subject:  GCSE Computer Science
Key Contact:  Peter Williams pjw@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk

Syllabus Information:  Students are completing OCR GCSE Computer Science (J277)

Course Content

Year 10

Half Term 1: Systems architecture
Half Term 2: Data representation
Half Term 3: Networks, connections and protocols
Half Term 4: Network security and systems software
Half Term 5: Impacts of digital technology
Half Term 6: Algorithms

Year 11

Half Term 1: Introduction to Programming
Half Term 2: Advanced Programming
Half Term 3: Producing robust programs
Half Term 4: Boolean logic
Half Term 5: Programming languages and IDEs

Assessment

Students will complete 12 assessment tasks in Year 10 and in Year 11. These tasks will be in the form of exam-style questions. The Assessment headings are as follows:

Year 10

• Assessment 1: Systems Architecture
• Assessment 2: Storage Devices
• Assessment 3: Data Representation – Units and Numbers
• Assessment 4: Data Representation – Images and Sound
• Assessment 5: Network Topologies
• Assessment 6: Protocols and Layers
• Assessment 7: Network Security
• Assessment 8: Systems Software
• Assessment 9: PPE – Computer Systems
• Assessment 10: Legal and Environmental Issues
• Assessment 11: Searching and Sorting
• Assessment 12: Flowcharts and Computational Thinking

Year 11

• Assessment 1: Programming Fundamentals
• Assessment 2: Advanced Programming
• Assessment 3: PPE 1 – Computer Systems
• Assessment 4: Data Types and SQL
• Assessment 5: Defensive Design
• Assessment 6: Producing Robust Programs
• Assessment 7: Boolean Logic
• Assessment 8: Languages
• Assessment 9: Integrated Development Environments
• Assessment 10: PPE 2 – Algorithms and Programming

Homework

Students will be set one homework per week on the topic they are studying at the time. These tasks include independent learning, revision, consolidation of knowledge and exam style questions.

Useful information, links and resources

GCSE Computer Science – OCR – BBC Bitesize
GCSE topics — Isaac Computer Science
OCR GCSE (J277) Videos – Craig ‘n’ Dave knowledge video index (craigndave.org)
GCSE – Computer Science (9-1) – J277 (from 2020) – OCR
Python Tutorial (w3schools.com)
Welcome to Python.org

Subject:  Cambridge Nationals iMedia
Key Contact:  Peter Williams pjw@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk

Syllabus Information:  Students are completing OCR Cambridge Nationals in iMedia

Course Content

Year 10

Half Term 1: Unit R093 – Creative iMedia in the media industry
Half Term 2: Unit R097 – Plan an Interactive Product
Half Term 3: Unit R097 – Source and create the media assets
Half Term 4: Unit R097 – Creating the interactive Product
Half Term 5: Unit R097 – Review the effectiveness of your Product
Half Term 6: Unit R094: Design a visual identity and a final graphic product

Year 11

Half Term 1: Unit R093 – Creative iMedia in the media industry
Half Term 2: Unit R094 – Create the visual identity
Half Term 3: Unit R094 – Create the assets for the digital graphic product
Half Term 4: Unit R094 – Create the digital graphic product
Half Term 5: Unit R093 – Creative iMedia in the media industry

Assessment

Students will complete 2 pieces of coursework throughout year 10 and 11. In year 10 students will complete Unit R097 – Designing and Creating an Interactive Product and in year 11 students will complete Unit R094 – Designing and Creating Digital Graphics. Students will also complete two PPE exams in year 11.

Homework

Students are not permitted to work on coursework outside of lessons, however on some occasions students may be set homework on any theory topic they are studying at the time in preparation for their written exam. These tasks include independent learning, revision, consolidation of knowledge and exam style questions.

Useful information, links and resources

Cambridge Nationals – Creative iMedia Level 1/Level 2 – J834 – OCR
What is KnowItAll Ninja? (youtube.com)
GCSE Media Studies – BBC Bitesize

Department Video

Computing Learning JourneyDownload