Library

‘WATCH, LISTEN, READ, DIG DEEPER, DISCUSS’

KS3 Computing Recommended Reading List

Year 7 Computing Reading

Focus: Digital Skills, Online Safety, Programming Foundations and Data

• Coding for Beginners Using Python – Rosie Dickins (Introduction to algorithms, instructions and programming thinking)
• Cyber Hacker – Nick Hunter (Cyber security, hacking, online risks and staying safe)
• Can You Protect Yourself From a Cyber Attack? – Matt Anniss (Passwords, personal data and digital safety)
• The Maths Behind… Data and Technology – Wayland (How numbers, patterns and information are used by computers)
• Ada Lovelace – Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara (Biography introducing programming and computing history)
• BBC Bitesize Computing articles (Digital literacy, programming, networks and data)

Key themes:
Digital responsibility • Problem solving • Safe technology use • How computers work

Year 8 Computing Reading

Focus: Web Development, Computer Science, Data and Digital Design

• How Computers Really Work – Matthew Justice (Hardware, software and how computers process information)
• Computer Science for Curious Kids – Davina Bell (Algorithms, coding and computer systems)
• The Code Book (Young Readers Edition) – Simon Singh (Codes, encryption and the history of communication)
• Cracking Codes with Python – Al Sweigart (Programming, logic and cryptography)
• Graphic Design for Everyone – Cath Caldwell (Design principles, layout and visual communication)
• Hello World Magazine (Real-world computing, programming and technology articles)

Key themes:
Creativity • Computational thinking • Digital design • Data representation

Year 9 Computing Reading

Focus: Digital Media, Data, Technology Careers and Future Computing

• Hidden Figures (Young Readers Edition) – Margot Lee Shetterly (Computing history, STEM careers and diversity in technology)
• Women in Science – Rachel Ignotofsky (Innovators, engineers and technology pioneers)
• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind – William Kamkwamba (Engineering, problem solving and technology solving real-world problems)
• You Are Awesome – Matthew Syed (Resilience, creativity and developing skills)
• The Future is Faster Than You Think – Peter H. Diamandis & Steven Kotler (Emerging technologies and the future workplace – selected extracts)
• Creative Bloq / Adobe Education articles (Digital design, graphics and media creation)
• National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) resources (Cyber careers and modern security challenges)

Key themes:
Innovation • Digital creativity • Careers • Ethical technology • Future skills

Each term begins with a Reading for Purpose lesson using one article, case study or extract linked to the upcoming topic. Students identify key vocabulary, summarise the main ideas, make links to computing concepts and consider the impact of technology on society.

KS4 Creative iMedia Recommended Reading List

Cambridge National in Creative iMedia Level 1/Level 2 (J834) – Student Book
Authors: Kevin Wells, Sarah McAtominey & Judi Brown (Hodder Education)
Approx. £25–£35
• OCR-endorsed textbook covering R093, R094 and R097 content, including media industries, digital graphics and interactive media.

Cambridge National in Creative iMedia Digital Student Book (2 Years)
Authors: Rich Brooks & Jennie Eyres (Cambridge University Press)
Approx. £20–£40 (digital/print options vary)
• Supports knowledge, practical skills and assessment preparation across the qualification.

My Revision Notes: OCR Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia Level 1/Level 2 (J834)
Author: Kevin Wells (Hodder Education)
Approx. £10–£12
• Useful for exam preparation, key terminology and R093 revision.

OCR Cambridge National in Creative iMedia Revision Guide and Workbook
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Approx. £10–£15
• Supports revision, exam technique and checking understanding.

ClearRevise OCR Creative iMedia Levels 1/2 J834
Publisher: ClearRevise
Approx. £5–£10
• Concise revision support with exam-style questions.