ICT & Computing Overview

Our Vision

Computing at Aylesford School develops pupils who are confident, creative and responsible digital citizens. Our curriculum reflects the school’s core values of Courage, Confidence and Character and nurtures the ten character strengths we prioritise in every lesson, including resilience, confidence, curiosity, self-discipline, integrity, compassion, motivation, open-mindedness, respect and courage.

Inclusion, Accessibility and Character Development
Teaching is inclusive and adaptive, ensuring all pupils can demonstrate both subject mastery and character growth. Tasks are scaffolded so pupils build confidence, resilience, self-discipline and curiosity, supporting the whole-child development ethos of Aylesford School.

Curriculum Intent

Key Stage 3 – Computing
The Computing curriculum at KS3 is designed to build both digital competence and character. Pupils progress through a carefully sequenced programme that develops core computing knowledge, problem-solving skills and safe, ethical use of technology.

We intend to:
• Develop pupils’ confidence in using technology creatively and critically
• Foster courage to take risks with new ideas and persevere through challenge
• Promote character by encouraging resilience, self-discipline and reflective learning
• Embed respect for digital tools, for others online and for intellectual property
• Encourage open-minded, curious approaches to digital problems

The curriculum ensures that pupils not only know key concepts such as programming, data, networks and online safety, but also can do purposeful technology tasks responsibly and respectfully.

Key Stage 4 – OCR Creative iMedia GCSE
At KS4, Creative iMedia builds directly on the knowledge, skills and character strengths developed at KS3. The course enables pupils to become confident, creative digital producers, able to respond to realistic briefs with purpose and professionalism.

We intend to:
• Develop confidence in delivering high-quality digital media products
• Promote courage and resilience when tackling multi-stage projects
• Embed self-discipline in planning, organising and meeting deadlines
• Strengthen integrity, respect and empathy through ethical and legal understanding
• Nourish motivation and curiosity for progression into further study or employment

This vocational course further supports pupils to become digital practitioners ready for future opportunities in creative industries.

Curriculum Implementation

KS3 – Computing
At KS3, Computing is taught once per week with lessons structured to reinforce school character values. Pupils engage in rich, hands-on digital projects that build confidence and resilience, including:
• Programming and computational thinking
• Data and information handling
• Digital media creation
• Networks and systems
• Online safety and digital citizenship

Teachers explicitly model the character strengths: encouraging pupils to be courageous with creative ideas, reflect confidently on outcomes, show respect for audience and purpose, and demonstrate self-discipline in iterative improvements and evaluations. (aylesford.kent.sch.uk)

KS4 – OCR Creative iMedia GCSE
The Creative iMedia course is implemented through authentic, project-based learning. Pupils complete units that mirror real industry practice, including pre-production planning, media creation and evaluation phases.

Teachers support pupils to:
• Interpret and respond to client briefs with confidence and integrity
• Create detailed pre-production plans showing self-discipline
• Use industry-standard software with courage and curiosity
• Produce and evaluate media products respectfully and professionally

This approach develops both practical digital expertise and character strengths that employers and higher education value.

Progression: KS3 → KS4
KS3 Skill & Character Strength Progression into KS4 Creative iMedia

KS3 Skill & Character Strength	Progression into KS4 Creative iMedia
Designing digital media for an audience	Responding to client briefs with professional purpose (Confidence/Respect)
Basic planning and storyboarding	Detailed pre-production documentation (Self-Discipline/Motivation)
Use of digital tools	Professional use of software tools (Confidence/Courage)
Creative experimentation	High-quality media outcomes (Curiosity/Resilience)
Evaluating work	Structured evaluation linked to OCR criteria (Integrity/Courage)
Safe & ethical technology use	Legal and ethical application in projects (Respect/Integrity)
Independent learning	Managing extended coursework (Self-Discipline/Motivation)

Curriculum Impact

Pupils leave Aylesford School as confident digital learners with strong character strengths. They are ready to contribute positively to society and the workforce, demonstrating creativity, resilience, responsibility and respect in both digital and real-world contexts. (aylesford.kent.sch.uk)

Computing (KS3) & OCR Creative iMedia (KS4)
At Aylesford School, Computing and Creative iMedia help pupils become confident, creative and responsible digital citizens.

Key Stage 3 – Computing
At KS3, all pupils study Computing to develop a strong foundation in how technology works and how it can be used creatively and safely. Pupils learn about programming, digital media, data, networks and online safety through practical, engaging lessons.

The KS3 curriculum:
• Builds confidence in using digital tools
• Encourages courage to try new ideas and solve problems
• Develops character through resilience, respect and responsibility

KS3 prepares pupils for further study by developing creativity, independence and strong digital literacy skills.

Key Stage 4 – OCR Creative iMedia GCSE
At KS4, pupils can choose OCR Creative iMedia, a vocational qualification focused on creating digital media products. Pupils work on real-world style briefs, learning how to plan, design, create and evaluate digital content.

The KS4 curriculum:
• Builds on KS3 computing knowledge and skills
• Develops professional behaviours such as organisation and self-discipline
• Prepares pupils for further study, apprenticeships and employment in creative and digital industries

By the end of KS4, pupils are confident digital creators with transferable skills valued by colleges and employers.