Computing & iMedia

CURRICULUM INTENT

The Computing department provides an engaging and futuristic curriculum designed to spark students’ interest in technology while developing practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and resilience. Computing underpins the digital world our students live in, and as technology continues to evolve, it is at the heart of the innovations and careers our students will pursue. The curriculum aims to equip students with the skills to solve technological problems that may not yet exist, whether that involves using everyday devices or exploring advanced applications like space technology.

At Key Stage 3, students study a range of Computing, IT, and Digital Literacy skills. We have moved to a new advanced online platform that combines interactive and traditional learning, providing a curriculum that is more strongly aligned with the National Curriculum. This platform ensures that students build knowledge progressively in each unit, with formal or practical assessments embedded throughout. Students are taught in mixed ability sets, and lessons are differentiated to support and challenge all learners. Teachers employ a wide range of strategies including interactive resources, group work, questioning, and real-life examples to make lessons engaging. To further enhance learning, students have access to the KS3 Computing Club, where they can undertake additional projects and activities to apply the skills developed in the classroom.

At Key Stage 4, students have the option to study GCSE Computer Science. Those studying GCSE Computer Science explore Computational Thinking, Data, Inside the Computer, Networks, Issues and Impact, and Python programming. Teaching at this stage uses a variety of strategies, ranging from traditional methods with NCCE-accredited resources to updated materials from a variety of online platforms. After-school support is available for both pathways, allowing students to consolidate understanding, review classwork, and develop practical skills. When possible, students also benefit from real-world experiences through local organization visits and practical workshops linked to their course of study.

The curriculum is designed to be inclusive, allowing all students to make maximum progress regardless of ability. Teachers differentiate work to both support and challenge students, and the department celebrates effort and attainment to reinforce positive learning outcomes. The Computing program also focuses on ensuring smooth transitions, preparing students for progression from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4, and from Key Stage 4 to further education or employment. Importantly, it equips students with the essential digital literacy skills required to thrive in the technological world around them.

The department is staffed by two specialist Computing teachers and consists of five fully equipped Computing suites. Each suite provides sufficient desktop computers for independent work, interactive Smartboards, air conditioning, and colour and black-and-white printers, creating an environment that supports both traditional and modern, technology-rich learning.

Please click on the expandable sections below for more details including the curriculum overview and specification.

Computing & iMedia Curriculum Overview

Curriculum overview

YEAR	SPRING 2	SUMMER 1	SUMMER 2
7	Game Making	Safety & Security 1	AI & Smart Systems
8	Animation	Safety & Security 2	AI & Smart Systems
9	Kiosk	Safety & Security 3	Programming
11	Programming Revision and Practice	Exam Revision and Practice	N/A

GCSE Specifications

GCSE Computer Science Specification

Subject Leader:	Ms Fenton-Hall
Contact:	jfenton@sunburymanor.surrey.sch.uk
Exam Specification:	Pearson Edexcel Level 2 GCSE (9 - 1) in Computer Science (1CP2)
QN Code:	601/8058/4
Summary of course content This course is assessed through 2 units of work over 2 years. Upon completion students will gain the GCSE in Computer Science. Unit 1: Principles of Computer Science This unit covers the body of knowledge about computer systems including understanding algorithms, data, hardware, software, computer systems, characteristics of programming languages and networks. It will explore the impact of Computer Science in a global context through the study of the ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns associated with digital technology. Unit 2: Application of Computational Thinking This unit covers algorithms and programming, learning about programming techniques, how to produce robust programs, Boolean logic, programming languages and Integrated Development Environments. Learners will become familiar with computing related mathematics.
Assessment Unit 1: Computer systems 1hr 30 min written paper (50% of the qualification) This question paper is made up of multiple-choice questions, short questions, medium questions and extended response questions. This paper will includes questions that target computer-related mathematics at Level 2 (GCSE). Unit 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming 2hr practical paper (50% of the qualification) This is a practical paper completed on a computer. The questions are practical in nature and require students to design, write, test and refine programs in order to solve problems. Student will complete this assessment onscreen using their Integrated Development Environment of choice using the Python programming language.
What type of activities take place in lessons? Independent, paired and group activities. Research via the internet and books. Teacher led activities.
What type of homework tasks will be set? Homework tasks will involve flipped learning and exam style revision.
How will it help me in the future? GCSE Computer Science will enable students to work in ANY industry in the future. It will also enable students to develop their understanding of current and emerging technologies and how they work. Students will look at algorithms in computer programs, develop computer programs to solve programs, evaluate the effectiveness of computer programs\solutions and the impact of computer technology upon society. The program language used is Python. This course provides a natural progression onto A Level Computer Science; Cambridge Technicals in Digital Media; Cambridge Technicals in IT or Level 2/ Level 3 Apprenticeship.
How will this course build on what I have studied in Year 9? At key stage 3 students gained skills in computer hardware, computer software, computer systems, number systems and coding in visual and textual languages. Additionally students gained Digital Literacy and ICT skills. This course consolidates all of these skills.
What skills will I develop? Students will develop critical thinking, analysis, problem solving and computational thinking skills, which can be transferred to a variety of subjects and situations in everyday life.

Cambridge National Certificate in iMedia Specification

Subject Leader:	Ms J Fenton-Hall
Contact:	jfenton@sunburymanor.surrey.sch.uk
Exam Specification:	OCR Cambridge National Certificate in iMedia – Level 2 J834
QN Code:	603/7090/7
Summary of course content This course is assessed through three units of work over two years. Upon completion students will gain the Cambridge Nationals Certificate in Creative iMedia qualification. Unit R093 – Creative iMedia in the Media Industry This unit will enable you to understand the sectors, products and job roles that form the media industry. You will learn the legal and ethical issues considered and the processes used to plan and create digital media products. You will learn how media codes are used within the creation of media products to convey meaning, create impact and engage audiences. You will learn to choose the most appropriate format and properties for different media products. Completing this unit will provide you with the basic skills for further study or a range of creative job roles within the media industry. This unit is externally assessed through an OCR set and marked 1 hour 30 minute exam. Unit R094 – Visual Identity and Digital Graphics In this unit you will learn how to develop visual identities for clients. You will also learn to apply the concepts of graphic design to create original digital graphics which incorporate your visual identity to engage a target audience. Completing this unit will introduce the foundations for further study or a wide range of job roles within the media industry. This unit is externally moderated by the OCR exam board. Unit R097 – Interactive Digital Media In this unit you will learn to design and create interactive digital media products for chosen platforms. You will learn to select, edit and repurpose multimedia content of different kinds and create the structure and interactive elements necessary for an effective user experience. Completing this unit will provide you with the basic skills for further study or a range of creative and technical job roles within the media industry. This unit is externally moderated by the OCR exam board.
Assessment Unit R093 – Creative iMedia in the Media Industry This is assessed through a 1 hour 30-minute written paper. Part A includes multiple choice and short answer questions. Part B includes short answer and extended response questions. All part B questions relate to a single scenario. This exam makes up 40% of the final qualification grade. Unit R094 – Visual Identity and Digital Graphics This set assignment contains two practical tasks. This assignment makes up 25% of the final qualification grade. Unit R097 – Interactive Digital Media This set assignment contains two practical tasks This assignment makes up 35% of the final qualification grade.
What type of activities take place in lessons? Independent activities. Research via the internet and books. Teacher led activities.
What type of homework tasks will be set? Homework tasks will involve research and revision activities.
How will it help me in the future? The Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia will equip learners with a range of creative media skills and provide opportunities to develop, in context, desirable, transferable skills such as research, planning, and review, working with others and communicating creative concepts effectively. Through the use of these skills, learners will ultimately be creating fit-for-purpose creative media products. The qualification’s hands-on approach has strong relevance to the way young people use the technology required in creative media. Learners can progress to Level 3 qualifications such as the Diploma in iMedia.
How will this course build on what I have studied in Year 9? In key stage 3 students have gained skills and knowledge in graphics and interactive products. Students have also learnt about target audience and ensuring that products are fit for purpose. Additionally, students gained Digital Literacy and ICT skills. This course builds on and consolidates all these skills.
What skills will I develop? Students will further develop their understanding of analysing existing media products, planning, creating and evaluating their own media products as well as developing the theoretical and practical aspects of digital graphics and interactive products.