At Bolder Academy, our computing curriculum is designed to develop our students into kind, strong, brave young adults where a Bolder future awaits.
The aims of the Computing Curriculum
The aims of the Computing curriculum are to:
- Create global citizens who are well equipped to utilise technology safely and efficiently.
- Equip students with computational thinking and creativity to be able to understand and change the world.
- Develop a knowledge of computer science and digital literacy skills.
How we deliver Computing
Bolder Academy follows the national curriculum and they receive one hour a week of computing.
Students are taught:
- The fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science.
- Algorithms and programming - including how to analyse problems in computational terms.
- Digital Citizenship.
- Software packages – learning how to apply information technology analytically to solve problems.
There are four teaching cycles per year in Computing. Students develop their digital skills on software such as Microsoft Packages. Consideration is also given to computing pioneers and their contributions to society.
Alongside timetabled lessons, students have ample opportunity to develop their software skills by taking part in one project a year using a specific software. They engage with national competitions as well as receiving editing, coding and talks from industry experts.
Students are also given opportunities to develop their understanding which could be through lunch time clubs, extra tasks/challenges and Being Bold options. Targeted students may also participate in interventions focused on the appropriate use of social media. This is to further secure their understanding and increase awareness of potential threats online, how to avoid them and who to report to.
Our Intended Impact in Computing
We will know if we have been successful when our students live and breathe our three core values within the Academy and beyond. When they demonstrate:
- Kindness: Showing compassion, respect and responsibility when using technology for both personal and professional purposes.
- Strength: By combining subject specific knowledge from several applications to achieve challenging goals.
- Bravery: Continuously developing life skills such as planning, implementing, analysing and evaluating solutions to issues with which technology can assist.
Equally we want to prepare students effectively for the current and next stage in their learning, whether this be GCSE or A Level examination, University study or the world of work.