At Thornhill Academy, we want pupils to THINK BIG. We teach Computing, ICT, and Enterprise at Key Stage 3 to equip our pupils with computational thinking and creativity, to understand the digital world and to build entrepreneurial spirit and skills, to prepare them for modern life.

Through a series of projects, based on real and fictitious business scenarios, pupils are taught the principles of information technology and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Pupils are equipped to use ICT, to create programs, to apply their knowledge to business situations, to become digitally literate, and to be able to use information and communication technology to express themselves and develop their ideas, at a level suitable for their future workplaces, and as safe and active participants in a digital world.

The department currently delivers ICT and Computing to all pupils in Key Stage 3 which follows the National Curriculum.

Year 7

• Unit 1 – Impact of Technology
• Unit 2 – Using Media
• Unit 3 – How do computers work (Part 1)
• Unit 4 – How do computers work (Part 2)
• Unit 5 – Networks
• Unit 6 – Modelling Data

Year 8

• Unit 1 – Computing Systems
• Unit 2 – Mobile App Development
• Unit 3 – Developing for the Web
• Unit 4 – Media – Digital Graphics
• Unit 5 – Data Representation
• Unit 6 – Introduction to Text Based Programming

Year 9

• Unit 1 – Cyber Security
• Unit 2 – Data Science
• Unit 3 – Text Based Python Programming
• Unit 4 – Representations
• Unit 5 – Physical Computing
• Unit 6 – Future Technologies

Year 10 – Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award - Digital Information Technology

• Component 1 – Exploring User Interface Design Principles Project Planning Techniques
• Component 2 – Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data

Year 11 - Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award - Digital Information Technology

• Opportunity to retake Component 1 or 2.
• Component 3 – Effective Digital Working Practices (Exam)