In the Computing & ICT Curriculum the following Qualifications are available:

GCSE Computer Science

ICDL

Level 1 and 2 Creative IMedia

Functional Skill ICT Level 1 and 2

The Computer Science curriculum at James Brindley Academy has been crafted to suit any learner, no matter what prior knowledge they may have. This is achieved through our stage not age approach at KS3 and diversified learning for all individuals across all key stages and settings. Pupil progress and forecast grades are then reviewed through year. This allows our teachers to identify the most suitable qualification pathways for each pupil in KS4.

The KS2 and KS3 curriculum is designed to map the three strands of Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy into a coherent, sequenced scheme of learning that engages and motivates pupils.

The curriculum is developed to allow all young people to learn and apply knowledge and skills that will prepare them for KS4 courses and beyond. These skills build knowledge sequentially and logically so that pupils are equipped to access suitable pathways into Computing and Creative digital courses.

At KS4 all of our carefully selected courses provide a strong focus on keeping learning contextual and vocational, whilst developing skills. The courses accommodate the needs and interests of all students. We offer a traditional GCSE course and a coursework based vocational course.

Computer Science is a discipline that seeks to understand and explore the world around us, both natural and artificial, in computational terms. ICT deals with the purposeful application of computer systems to solve real-world problems, including issues such as the identification of business needs, the specification and installation of hardware and software, and the evaluation of usability. It is the productive, creative and explorative use of technology.

During Computing lessons, we aim to prepare our students for their future by giving them the opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills that will equip them for an ever-changing digital world. The development of programming skills is also built into physical Computing tasks using Micro:Bits for example coding LED lights to effectively apply the knowledge learnt in earlier Algorithm
and Programming units.

We are committed as a school to making links and connections with other subject areas, outside agencies and organisations to ensure a broad and balanced curriculum for all of our young people.

Pupil progress is constantly measured through a range of strategies. We ensure that we can identify gaps in knowledge. The different strategies used to ensure we identify these gaps are:

• Progress reviews
• Baseline and formative assessments
• Moderation meetings
• Book scrutiny exercises
• Lesson observations
• Learning walks
• Student feedback.

When gaps are identified staff support students by contacting parents, providing revision guides, offering 1 to 1 intervention, organising additional TA support where necessary.

To support pupils, we share experiences in which parents, TAs, and pupils. We let students know that not only is it acceptable to make mistakes, but also that such struggles are an essential part of learning and growing. Students are offered several resources for regular help, including TA check-ins, office hours, review sessions, online question and- answer forums, and the Learning Strategies Centre’s programs, and it is important to encourage students to talk about their concerns and struggles which enables us to differentiate work.

The field of computing offers a wide range of career opportunities and jobs across various domains. Here are some common areas within computing where individuals can pursue a career:

• • Software Engineer/Developer:
    • Responsibilities: Design, develop, test, and maintain software applications and systems.
    • Salary Range: Typically £30,000-£70,000 per year based on experience levels and expertise.
  • Front-end Developer:
    • Responsibilities: Focus on creating user interfaces and experiences for web and mobile applications.
    • Salary Range: Generally £25,000-£60,000 per year, varying with experience and skills.
• Information Security:
  • Cybersecurity Analyst:
    • Responsibilities: Protect computer systems and networks from security breaches and cyber threats.
    • Salary Range: Typically £35,000-£75,000 per year based on experience and specialization.
  • Ethical Hacker/Penetration Tester:
    • Responsibilities: Assess and identify vulnerabilities in systems to improve security.
    • Salary Range: Generally £30,000-£70,000 per year, varying with expertise and experience.
• Cloud Computing:
  • Cloud Engineer:
    • Responsibilities: Design, implement, and manage cloud infrastructure and services.
    • Salary Range: Typically £35,000-£80,000 per year based on experience and specific cloud skills.
  • DevOps Engineer:
    • Responsibilities: Focus on collaboration between development and operations, emphasizing automation and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD).
    • Salary Range: Generally £40,000-£90,000 per year, varying with expertise and experience levels.
• Mobile Development:
  • Mobile App Developer:
    • Responsibilities: Create applications for mobile devices, including iOS and Android platforms.
    • Salary Range: Typically £30,000-£70,000 per year based on experience and platform expertise.
• Web Development:
  • Full Stack Developer:
    • Responsibilities: Work on both the front-end and back-end of web applications.
    • Salary Range: Generally £30,000-£70,000 per year, varying with experience and full stack capabilities.

These salary ranges are approximate and can vary based on factors such as location, company size, specific skills, and additional certifications or specialisations.

Intent

At James Brindley Academy, our computing curriculum nurtures neurodiverse pupils by developing essential digital skills and knowledge to help them keep safe, build confidence, and use technology effectively. We think differently, offering an accessible yet ambitious curriculum that promotes digital literacy, problem-solving, and creativity. With high aspirations, pupils learn everything from everyday software use to designing complex programs. Our adaptive approach lays the foundation for all learners to thrive—fostering independence, resilience, and real-world readiness. Inclusion is at the heart of our curriculum, meeting diverse needs through a balance of technical and creative learning. From KS2 to KS4 our curriculum path is based on the following skill progression: þ AL – Algorithms – be able to read, understand, design, create and evaluate algorithms. þ CM – Creating Media – select and create a range of media including text, images, sound and video.þ CS – Computer Science – Understanding what a computer is, how all its parts work together.þ DD – Design and Development Understand the activities involved in planning, creating, and evaluating computing artifacts. þ DI – data and information. Understand how data is stored, organised, and used to represent the real world. þ DL – Digital literacy – Ability and skill to find, evaluate, you share and create content using information technologies and the Internet.þ ET – Effective use of tools. Competent, confident and creative use of all information technology and communication devices. þ IT – Information technology, communication and the impacts of it.þ NW – Networks – understanding how networks can be used to retrieve/share information, and the associated risks of networks. PG – Programming (coding) – create software to allow computers to solve problems. þ SS – Safety and Security – Understand risks when using technology and how to protect individuals and systems.

Implementation

Our computing curriculum leads to recognised qualifications—GCSE Computer Science, Creative iMedia, or Digital Information Technology—preparing learners for future careers. We use a structured, flexible, and pupil-centred approach that meets diverse needs, including attention and sensory differences: Personalised Pathways – Pupils progress through stage-appropriate programmes based on readiness, not age, revisiting key skills like coding and digital safety through a spiral curriculum. Multi-Sensory Teaching – Visual tools (e.g., Scratch) support early learning before moving to text coding (e.g., Python). Hands-on tech like physical hardware boosts engagement. Safe & Structured Environment – E-safety is embedded. Predictable routines and sensory breaks reduce anxiety and build focus. Accessible for All – Tools like screen readers, dyslexia-friendly fonts, and tables. Real-World & Cross-Curricular Links – Pupils apply skills through meaningful projects across subjects, making learning relevant and transferable.

Impact

Our computing curriculum is measured on both academic and developmental outcomes. Pupil Progress and Achievement – evidenced through formative assessments, project outcomes, and skill portfolios. Engagement and Independence – increasing confidence and self-direction in using digital tools, evidenced through participation, self-reflection, and reduced adult prompting. Digital Citizenship and Safety – using technology safely, responsibly, and ethically, including recognising online risks and knowing how to seek help. Skills for Life and Work essential digital competencies aligned to national standards and employability skills. Pupils at James Brindley have an opportunity to leave at KS4 with level 2 qualifications such as GCSE Computing Science, Vocational Creative iMedia and are prepared for the demands and opportunities of a digital world.

The KS1 computing curriculum is designed to provide young students (ages 5 to 7) with foundational knowledge and skills in the field of computing. The intent of the KS1 computing curriculum is to introduce fundamental concepts related to technology, digital
literacy, and computational thinking. The key aspects of the intent behind the KS1 curriculum is:

1. Introduction to Basic Concepts
2. Computational Thinking
3. Programming Foundations
4. Understanding Hardware and Software
5. Creative and Exploration
6. Collaboration and Communication
7. Awareness of Technological Impact.

The KS2 computing curriculum is designed for students aged 7 to 11 and builds upon the foundational concepts introduced in Key Stage 1. The intent of the KS2 computing curriculum is to further develop students’ knowledge and skills in computing, encompassing a range of areas such as programming, algorithms, data handling, and digital literacy. Here are key aspects of the intent behind the KS2 computing
curriculum:

1. Computational Thinking
2. Computer network and Communication
3. Data Handling and Database
4. Creative Computing
5. Understanding Hardware and Software

All students are taught to understand a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, including protecting their online identity and privacy; recognising inappropriate content, contact and conduct and knowing how to report concerns.

Computer Science
• To use computational thinking to solve problems and make things for a purpose
• About computer hardware, operating systems and how computers process data
• How to create algorithms to represent solutions to problems
• To create computer code in a range of languages

• That different techniques can be used to make computer code more efficient including loops, variables, IF statements and logic operators

Digital Literacy
• What the cloud is and how to utilise cloud services
• To be proficient in using a range of digital online/offline applications
• To understand how to use select appropriate digital tools to achieve a solution and present work for a range of audiences
• To create computer models
• How to find information effectively in the digital world and assess its reliability

Digital Creativity
• To express their creativity in a range of digital settings and applications
• To consider target audience when presenting work Curriculum Rationale 3
• How to work towards a set of client requirements
• The importance of working independently as well as when collaborating with team

Our KS4 curriculum equips students to understand aspects of information technology and computer science in sufficient depth to allow them to progress to higher levels of study or to a professional career. We offer both Computer Science and IT courses, which will enable students to follow their chosen career path and further
improve their wide range of skills that are used in the modern world.

The Level 1 and 2 IT courses students develop essential life skills through the curriculum, with an emphasis on students’ digital literacy. We offer a broad and balanced range of activities allowing all students to develop an area of passion. Students take more responsibility for their own learning by reflecting on and responding to assessment and feedback. This builds on habits developed in prior key stages. High expectations are set by teaching staff demonstrating belief in everyone’s ability to achieve. Our students are provided with various enrichment opportunities, including trips and the coding club. We want our students to develop a wide range of digital skills that will equip them with choices for when they leave our school in order for them to strive, succeed and surpass in their future lives.