Year 9 Computing

Unit Content

Unit 1

The world of computing

This wide-ranging unit engages students with questions about how computers have affected our lives. Students are taught a brief history of computing, beginning at the end of World War II. They learn about key innovations and the pioneers who brought them about. Students explore controversial issues such as the role of data science in censorship and the environment. They are taught to understand different types of attacks and malware, and are challenged to think about the positive and negative effects of technologies. ‘Have computers made the world a better or worse place?' is the key question that they learn to address.

Key knowledge developed:

  • Knowing the history of computing
  • Understanding some of the ways in which computers have changed our lives

Key skills developed:

  • How to identify and respond to ethical issues concerning the use of computers
  • How to describe social and environmental changes resulting from new technologies
  • How to identify different types of malware

Assessment: Learning is assessed through retrieval quizzes within lesson tasks and formative assessment techniques such as teacher questioning and written responses to exam-style questions.

Unit 2 

Efficient text-based programming

This unit returns to text-based programming, introducing students to more challenging coding constructs and concepts, many of which are directly relevant to the GCSE Computing curriculum. Students complete two lessons on sub-programs, two lessons on IF statements and WHILE loops, and two lessons on lists.

Key knowledge developed:

  • Understanding sub-programs
  • Understanding local and global variables

Key skills developed:

  • How to employ more complex IF statements, WHILE loops and lists
  • How to use arithmetic and logical comparison operators

Assessment: Learning is assessed through retrieval quizzes within lesson tasks and formative assessment techniques such as teacher questioning. The computer programs the students create are also used to inform relevant assessment judgements. 

Unit 3

Animations on Blender

In the final unit of Key Stage 3 Computing, students learn to create 3D animations and graphics using the Blender software. They are taught how graphics and animations are created in real-world design situations, how to create and manipulate shapes, how to edit objects, and, finally, how to render animations. This unit teaches students to develop and create digital artefacts.

Key knowledge developed:

  • Understanding how graphics and animations are made
  • Understanding the basic processes required to use Blender

Key skills developed:

  • How to create and manipulate shapes in Blender
  • How to edit objects and render animations in Blender
  • How to develop and create digital artefacts

Assessment: Learning in this unit is assessed with reference to the final animation that students create in the sixth lesson.