Learning Journey

Key Stage 3 – Computing

KS3 Curriculum Intent

At Aylesford School, the Key Stage 3 Computing curriculum is designed to reflect our school values by developing pupils who are confident, respectful, resilient and aspirational digital learners. The curriculum provides all pupils with a strong, inclusive foundation in computing, ensuring they develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand, use and create digital technologies responsibly.

Rooted in the principles outlined in the attached curriculum documentation, the KS3 curriculum is knowledge and vocabulary rich, carefully sequenced and accessible to all learners. Pupils are taught the core concepts of computing, including programming, data and information, computer systems, networks, digital media and online safety, enabling them to understand how technology works and how it shapes the world around them.

The curriculum encourages pupils to think critically, work creatively and solve problems, while promoting safe, ethical and respectful use of technology. By embedding real-world contexts and creative opportunities, pupils develop curiosity and confidence, preparing them for further study and the increasing digital demands of modern life.

KS3 Curriculum Implementation

At Key Stage 3, Computing is taught through a coherent and progressive curriculum delivered in one lesson per week. Learning is structured around clear curriculum threads that run across Years 7 to 9, ensuring pupils revisit and deepen their understanding over time.

Teaching is explicit and evidence-informed, with a strong emphasis on:
• Clear explanations and modelling
• Consistent use of subject-specific vocabulary
• Guided and independent practice
• Regular retrieval and checks for understanding

Pupils engage in a wide range of practical activities, including programming using block-based and text-based languages, data modelling, digital media creation, physical computing and web development. Online safety, digital citizenship and ethical awareness are embedded throughout, reinforcing school values and expectations for responsible behaviour.

The curriculum is inclusive and accessible, with lessons designed to support pupils with SEND through scaffolding, chunked learning and adaptive teaching. Assessment is used formatively and summatively to inform teaching, address misconceptions and support progress.

KS3 is deliberately designed to prepare pupils for KS4 pathways, particularly OCR Creative iMedia, by developing creativity, project-based working, evaluation skills and confidence in using digital tools.

KS3 Curriculum Impact

By the end of Key Stage 3, pupils at Aylesford School:
• Have a secure understanding of key computing concepts
• Can apply digital skills creatively and purposefully
• Show resilience and independence when solving problems
• Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly

Pupils are able to articulate their learning using appropriate technical vocabulary and demonstrate confidence in creating and evaluating digital products. The strong foundations developed at KS3 ensure pupils are well prepared to progress to OCR Creative iMedia at KS4 or other digital pathways.

 

Key Stage 4 – OCR Creative iMedia GCSE

KS4 Curriculum Intent

At Key Stage 4, Aylesford School offers OCR Creative iMedia GCSE, building directly on the knowledge, skills and values developed during KS3 Computing. The intent is to provide pupils with a creative, practical and vocational pathway that prepares them for further study and employment within the digital and creative industries.
The Creative iMedia curriculum enables pupils to become independent, organised and creative digital producers. Pupils learn to plan, design, create and evaluate digital media products in response to realistic briefs, developing both technical competence and professional behaviours. The course places strong emphasis on creativity, communication, time management and problem-solving, reflecting the expectations of the modern workplace.

Aligned with Aylesford School values, the curriculum also promotes responsibility, resilience and aspiration, ensuring pupils understand the legal, ethical and social implications of digital media production and use.

KS4 Curriculum Implementation

OCR Creative iMedia is delivered through a project-based, coursework-focused approach, allowing pupils to experience authentic creative workflows. Pupils complete mandatory and optional units that may include pre-production skills, digital graphics, video, web or multimedia products, depending on specialisms offered.

Teaching builds explicitly on KS3 learning, including:
• Digital design principles
• Use of creative software tools
• Understanding audiences and purpose
• Evaluation and reflection

Pupils are taught how to:
• Interpret and respond to client briefs
• Produce detailed pre-production documentation
• Use industry-relevant software to create high-quality digital products
• Apply legal and ethical considerations, such as copyright and data protection
• Review and refine work using OCR assessment criteria

Assessment is continuous and criterion-referenced, with regular feedback enabling pupils to improve outcomes. Lessons are structured to support all learners, with scaffolding, exemplars and targeted intervention where required.

KS4 Curriculum Impact

By the end of Key Stage 4, Creative iMedia pupils:
• Produce confident, creative digital media products
• Demonstrate strong organisational and project management skills
• Understand professional standards and expectations within the creative industries
• Are able to evaluate their work critically and reflectively

Pupils leave Aylesford School well prepared for Level 3 qualifications, such as Creative Media, IT or Digital T-Levels, as well as apprenticeships and employment in areas including:
• Digital media and content creation
• Graphic design and marketing
• Web and multimedia production
• Creative and digital technology industries

The combination of strong KS3 foundations and a vocational KS4 pathway ensures pupils develop transferable skills that support lifelong learning, employability and success in a rapidly evolving digital world.