Computing in the National Curriculum: a Guide for Secondary Teachers

This document, produced by Computing at School, is to support the teaching and learning of computing in secondary school. The introduction explains the context of the document with computing being included in the 2014 national curriculum in England and highlights the three main strands of computing: computer science, information technology and digital literacy. [b]Getting started[/b] provides an overview what is expected at Key Stage Three, split into strands of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. [b]Subject knowledge [/b] gives a much more detailed explanation of what is meant by each of the learning objectives and defining terms used in the objectives in both key Stage Three and Key Stage Four. Throughout the guide computing objectives are highlighted by the use of blue text with computing terms in orange text. [b]Planning [/b]asks the question: “How can we turn the requirements of the programme of study into engaging lessons?” The section asks questions such as should computing be a discrete subject or embedded in a cross curricular fashion? What can be covered beyond the National Curriculum? The section discusses progression, schemes of work, assessment and timings. The next section, [b]Resourcing [/b]provides suggestions and guidance for resourcing the curriculum discussing programming languages, hardware and software. [b]Teaching [/b] considers a range of topics including pedagogy, teaching programming, gifted and talented students, inclusion and informal learning. [b]Assessment [/b] provides help and advice on formative assessment, self assessment, peer assessment and summative assessment. The document concludes with a [b]Glossary[/b], a guide to where to find [b]Resources [/b] and details of where further [b]Support [/b] can be found.