Castle Manor Academy

Year 7 Computing

Welcome to Year 7 Computing!

The primary intent of our Key Stage 3 IT curriculum is to cultivate essential digital skills, computational thinking, and technological creativity. Through interactive and dynamic lessons, students acquire proficiency in utilising digital tools and platforms effectively.

Our Year 7 computing curriculum explores the digital world. Students delve into the essentials of computer safety, understanding the nuances of navigating both work and social digital landscapes.

They master Microsoft PowerPoint for professional presentations and venture into the world of digital graphic creation, learning the intricacies of Bitmaps & Vector Graphics.

Continuing their journey, students dive into programming fundamentals, building on their coding experiences from primary school with Scratch.

With Python, they craft intricate shapes and patterns, laying the groundwork for advanced computational skills. Our engaging curriculum equips students with the digital fluency needed to thrive in today’s tech-driven world.


PROUD Values

Professionalism is evident in our IT and computing classes, we teach students to critically analyse their work and demonstrate responsible use of digital resources.

Resilience shines through as students tackle complex programming challenges, we teach our students to be persistent through errors and setbacks to refine their coding skills.

Optimism is evident in all our IT classes, where we teach students to approach new technologies with a positive mindset and eagerly embrace opportunities to develop knowledge, skills and creativity.

Understanding is fostered across all levels, we teacher out students to comprehend intricate coding concepts and navigate digital platforms and a wide range of software.

The drive to excel propels students forward in IT classes, inspiring them to pursue excellence in projects, presentations, and problem-solving, preparing them for success in the digital landscape.


Throughout year 7, students demonstrate their creativity by using different software to craft a diverse array of digital products, spanning from Digital Images to Sound Sequences and Websites. Furthermore, students employ office-based software to articulate their work and ideas professionally, equipping them for future academic learning.

Teaching facilities

The subject of IT is taught in one of our three well-equipped computer suites. Complete with air conditioning for added comfort, students engage in hands-on activities and practical lessons using cutting-edge technology.

Curriculum Map

Y7  Topics 

Using Computers Safely Effectively and
Responsibly:

Students will complete a course that introduces them to the concepts of using computers safely in both a work and social
environment. Students will gain an understanding of how computers are both a tool and a hazard as well as how to avoid
errors in judgement – E-Safety. Students will also learn about the components that make up a computer system.
Office Skills: Microsoft PowerPoint
Knowledge and Skills
* Understand filing system and drives
* Understand the risks and opportunities
associated with computers
* Limit the risks associated with social media
* Understand the threats to computer
systems
* Understand different audiences and
purposes
* Present work for a given audience and
purpose
* Utilise standard programs to achieve high
quality outcomes
* Integrate various programs for more
efficiency Create small programs
* Break processes down into smaller chunks
* Create multimedia elements  
Digital Graphic Creation:   
Students will create digital graphics and understand the difference between Bitmaps & Vector Graphics. Students will update the learning Journal – PowerPoint (Bitmap &
Vector Graphics skills & knowledge in Year 7
links to coursework in Year 10 and 11).
Office Skills: MS PowerPoint
Continued Programming: Adobe Fireworks
Programming:  
Students will be introduced to programming concepts that set up the fundamentals of computing programming in any coding language. Students will have had some coding experience at Primary School using Scratch. The students are introduced to Python using the Python Turtle to create increasing complex shapes and patterns.
Office Skills: MS PowerPoint
Continued Programming: Python