Key Stage 3 ICT
A three-year programme developing digital literacy, computer science and creative technology skills — from digital media and block-based programming to physical computing, web development and Python — with specialist robotics units running through Years 8 and 9.
Our curriculum is built on the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s computing curriculum, published through Oak National Academy, and extended with specialist robotics units. Students move from block-based programming and digital media in Year 7 to physical computing, web development and Python by Year 9. Robotics runs through Years 8 and 9, giving students hands-on experience of programming devices that move, sense and respond.
Year 7
| Term | unit knowledge & skills
(the order and pace of units may change to suit the needs of our current students.) |
|---|---|
| Autumn term |
Clear Messaging in Digital Media Students work across several applications to plan, create and review a poster and a slide deck, designing for a specific audience and purpose. Source: Raspberry Pi Foundation / Oak |
| Autumn term |
Computer Networks & Data Transmission Students learn what a network is, how devices communicate using protocols and IP addresses, the difference between the internet and the World Wide Web, and how the Internet of Things affects privacy. Source: Raspberry Pi Foundation / Oak |
| Spring term (to just before Easter) |
Programming in a Block-Based Language Using Scratch, students build confidence with the fundamental programming constructs — sequence, selection, iteration and variables — then combine them to solve problems. Source: Raspberry Pi Foundation / Oak |
| From just before Easter |
Data Modelling Students model data in spreadsheets, moving from basic formulas to built-in functions, charts, sorting, searching and conditional formatting. Source: Raspberry Pi Foundation / Oak |
| Summer term |
Using Media to Gain Support for a Cause Students research a real-world cause, judge the credibility of sources, use images within copyright rules and create a blog post to gain support. Source: Raspberry Pi Foundation / Oak |
Year 8
| Term | unit knowledge & skills
(the order and pace of units may change to suit the needs of our current students.) |
|---|---|
| Autumn term to February half term |
Robotics: LEGO-Based Programming An introduction to programming and design through LEGO-based robotics, finishing with a robotics project. Source: FIC specialist unit |
| Spring term (after February half term) |
Developing Vector Graphics Students design illustrations, logos and icons using vector graphics software, learning how shapes, paths and objects combine, and compare vector and bitmap images. Source: Raspberry Pi Foundation / Oak |
| Summer term |
Developing for the Web Students use HTML and CSS to build a multi-page website with working navigation, and learn how search engines find and rank web pages. Source: Raspberry Pi Foundation / Oak |
Year 9
| Term | unit knowledge & skills
(the order and pace of units may change to suit the needs of our current students.) |
|---|---|
| Autumn term to February half term |
Robotics: Arduino Students program Arduino microcontrollers, applying their programming skills to physical devices through a robotics project. Source: FIC specialist unit |
| After February half term (1 of 3) |
Introduction to Python Programming Students move to text-based programming in Python, writing programs that use input and output, calculations, selection and loops. Source: Raspberry Pi Foundation / Oak |
| After February half term (2 of 3) |
Using Data Science Students use local and global datasets to investigate real problems, collecting, cleaning and visualising data to spot trends and make recommendations. Source: Raspberry Pi Foundation / Oak |
| After February half term (3 of 3) |
Introduction to Cybersecurity Students explore how cybercriminals steal data and disrupt systems, including social engineering, hacking and malware, and how people and networks can be protected. Source: Raspberry Pi Foundation / Oak |