Computing fundamentals

KS3 computing curriculum

Curriculum aims:

• can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
• can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
• can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology

Students should be taught to:

• design, use and evaluate computational abstractions that model the state and behaviourof real-world problems and physical systems
• use logical reasoning to compare the utility of alternative algorithms for the same problem
• use two or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual, to solve a variety of computational problems
• understand the hardware and software components that make up computer systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems
• understand how instructions are stored and executed within a computer system
• undertake creative projects that involve selecting, using, and combining multiple applications, preferably across a range of devices, to achieve challenging goals, including collecting and analysing data and meeting the needs of known users 
• create, re-use, revise and re-purpose digital artefacts for a given audience, with attention to trustworthiness, design and usability

Read the full KS3 computing curriculum

Technologies

• I can describe different fundamental information processes and how they communicate and can identify their use in solving different problems. (TCH 3-13a)
• I am developing my understanding of information and can use an information model to describe particular aspects of a real world system. (TCH 3-13b)
• I can describe in detail the processes used in real world solutions, compare these processes against alternative solutions and justify which is the most appropriate. (TCH 4-13a)
• I can informally compare algorithms for correctness and efficiency. (TCH 4-13b)
• I can describe the structure and operation of computing systems which have multiple software and hardware levels that interact with each other. (TCH 3-14b)
• I can explain the overall operation and architecture of a digitally created solution (TCH 4-14b)

Read the full Curriculum for Excellence: technologies.

Science and technology - technology and design - statutory requirements, KS3

• demonstrate practical skills in the safe use of a range of tools, machines and equipment;
• research and manage information effectively to investigate design issues, using mathematics and ICT where appropriate;
• show deeper understanding by thinking critically and flexibly, solving problems and making informed decisions, using Mathematics and ICT where appropriate;
• communicate effectively in oral, visual (including graphic), written, mathematical and ICT formats showing clear awareness of audience and purpose.

Read the full technology and design statutory requirements

Digital skills curriculum KS3

Become a digital maker at KS3

• Design a digital solution for a problem using an appropriate method;
• Build a solution based on their design using appropriate tools and techniques;
• Review or test the solution against their original plan;
• Evaluate their solution;

Becoming a digital worker at KS3

• Use applications to create products with thought given to both the audience and the purpose through the use of digital design;
• Troubleshoot basic problems with their digital technology.

Read the full digital skills curriculum

Primary using ICT - desirable features - computational thinking and coding

Level 5

Pupils should:

• create more sophisticated coding projects using a broad range of commands and more than one platform; and
• solve a more complex problem using commands in a programming environment.

Programmable devices (such as Parrot Drone, MicroBit or Sphero)

• as a class look at and talk about examples of coding projects, including using multiple ‘if...then’ and ‘if...then...else’ commands, variables, sensors, events, operators and comparators;
• recognise how they can decompose these projects;
• in small groups, plan their own coding project, demonstrating a clear sense of purpose and audience, showing understanding of abstraction by deciding what details they need to include and what they can leave out, working out what different parts of the program must do and using logical reasoning to discuss and compare the commands that are required for their algorithm and predicting the outcome;
• use a range of commands to create a project, including variables, operators and control statements such as ‘if... then...’ alongside the use of ’if...then...else’ and comparators;
• test and debug at regular intervals and collaborate with others to solve problems as they arise;

Finally

• share their work (possibly using digital tools), respond to feedback, and comment on the work of others evaluating process and outcome; and
• organise files and publish work online (if available) so that others can view it.

Read all Primary using ICT desirable features

Science and technology

Progression step 4 - computation is the foundation for our digital world:

• I can decompose given problems and select appropriate constructs to express solutions in a variety of environments.
• I can plan and implement test strategies to identify errors in programs.

Read the full science and technology curriculum

Digital competence framework

Progression step 4 - data and computational thinking - problem-solving and modelling:

• I can create a simple model or self-contained algorithm.
• I can identify the different parts of an algorithm to determine their purpose.
• I can detect and correct errors in algorithms.

Read the digital competence framework

CS Discoveries

Unit 1

Concepts included:

• problem solving
• inputs and outputs
• storing and processing information

Read the full Code.org CS Discoveries curriculum

Grades 6-8

• 2-CS-03 - Systematically identify and fix problems with computing devices and their components.
• 2-AP-10 - Use flowcharts and/or pseudocode to address complex problems as algorithms.
• 2-AP-17 - Systematically test and refine programs using a range of test cases.

Read the CSTA Standards in full.