KS3

KS3 ICT & Computing Curriculum Information

Years 7, 8, and 9

At Key Stage 3, students explore programming, digital creativity, physical computing, data, and how technology impacts society. The curriculum builds practical skills, strong theory, and confidence to become creators of technology.

Raspberry Pi micro:bit project banner

Year 7

  • Clear Messaging in Digital Media – creating clear and effective digital products.
  • Networks: From Semaphores to the Internet – how communication and the internet work.
  • Programming Essentials – block-based and first steps in text-based coding.
  • Data Handling – how data is represented, stored, and used.

Year 8

  • Representations: From Clay to Silicon – binary, images, text, and sound.
  • Mobile App Development – designing and coding simple mobile apps.
  • Python Programming (Foundations) – variables, inputs/outputs, loops.
  • Cybersecurity & Online Safety – protecting data and understanding risks.

Year 9

  • Python Programming (Intermediate) – functions, lists, problem-solving.
  • Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi / micro:bit – sensors, circuits, devices.
  • Data Science – exploring, analysing, and visualising real-world datasets.
  • Creative Innovation Project – a final product (game, app, or device).

By the end of KS3, students will:

  • Understand how computers and networks operate.
  • Write and debug code in Python with confidence.
  • Apply computational thinking to solve problems.
  • Gain hands-on experience with hardware and software tools.
  • Use technology safely, responsibly, and creatively.
Raspberry Pi kit example

KS3 Scheme of Work Overview

Year 7

Unit Topics Key Skills Assessment
Clear Messaging in Digital Media Layout, colour theory, accessibility, poster design Graphic design basics, audience awareness Digital poster project
Networks: From Semaphores to the Internet Communication methods, packets, internet infrastructure Understanding device communication and the web Short test & concept map
Programming Essentials Scratch + intro to Python Sequencing, selection, iteration, debugging Programming challenge
Data Handling Binary numbers, spreadsheets, simple analysis Data representation and logical reasoning Spreadsheet data project

Year 8

Unit Topics Key Skills Assessment
Representations: From Clay to Silicon Binary, ASCII/Unicode, images, sound Understanding data representation Binary/ASCII quiz
Mobile App Development App design, prototyping, block/text coding UI/UX design, user testing, problem solving Mobile app prototype
Python Programming (Foundations) Variables, input/output, loops, debugging Writing and testing Python code Python mini-project
Cybersecurity & Online Safety Passwords, phishing, malware, social engineering Risk identification, safe online behaviour Security scenarios & response

Year 9

Unit Topics Key Skills Assessment
Python Programming (Intermediate) Functions, lists/arrays, decomposition, testing Structured programming, abstraction Python project
Physical Computing Raspberry Pi & micro:bit: LEDs, sensors, robotics Circuits, GPIO, hardware–software interaction Physical build project
Data Science Collecting, cleaning, visualising data Analysis with Python or spreadsheets Data report with graphs
Creative Innovation Project Student choice: game, app, or device Planning, teamwork, creativity, presentation Final project showcase
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