In Year 9 Computing, pupils will develop a broad range of digital skills across four key areas: they will explore cybersecurity threats and data protection in data security, deepen their understanding of data modelling, enhance their programming abilities through python in computational thinking, and design and query structured data in databases. Alongside these technical skills, pupils will also examine the importance of digital wellbeing, learning how to manage their online lives responsibly, and gain an insight into the impacts digital technology has on wider society.
Explores digital threats and how data can be protected through technical measures and legal frameworks.
Develops the ability to use spreadsheets for performing calculations, analysing data, and presenting findings using functions.
Developing computational thinking through Python programming, focusing on iteration, selection, decomposition, and algorithm design.
Understanding how databases are structured, validated, and queried to store and retrieve information efficiently and accurately.
Explores the ethical, legal, cultural, environmental, and privacy impacts of digital technology on society.
Understanding types of malware (viruses, ransomware, trojans, spyware), social engineering (phishing, blagging, shouldering), data protection methods, and relevant laws (DPA, CMA, FOIA).
Understanding spreadsheet structure and functions, including VLOOKUP, IF statements, COUNT functions, and chart types (bar, pie, line, scatter).
Understanding algorithms, data sequences (lists, strings), iteration (for/while loops), selection (if-elif-else), decomposition, and pseudocode.
Concepts of tables, records, fields, data types, validation techniques (e.g. presence check, range check), forms, queries, and the role of a primary key in database design.
Understanding the impact of digital technology on society, including ethical dilemmas (e.g. AI bias, surveillance), legal frameworks (Data Protection Act, Computer Misuse Act, Copyright Act), and privacy concerns.
Explores how to make informed use of digitial technology with a focus on physical health, mental wellbeing, online behaviour and critical
Understanding the effects of prolonged screen time, posture and ergonomics, the impact of social media on mental health, recognising fake news, and managing digital footprints and privacy.
Identifying and categorising threats, comparing protection methods, analysing cyber-attack impacts, applying knowledge to real-world scenarios, and using digital tools for learning and assessment.
Creating and applying formulas, using conditional logic, analysing data sets, formatting spreadsheets, and visualising data through appropriate charts.
Writing and debugging Python code, using loops and conditionals, breaking problems into smaller parts, designing algorithms, and applying programming concepts independently.
Creating and structuring databases, applying data validation, designing user-friendly forms, and using queries to search for specific data.
Analysing real-world scenarios, evaluating the consequences of digital actions, applying legal knowledge to case studies, and articulating informed opinions on ethical and societal issues.
Evaluating online content for reliability, managing screen time, applying safe ergonomic practices, reflecting on digital habits, and making informed decisions about online interactions.
Links to roles in cybersecurity, IT support, digital forensics, data protection, and ethical hacking.
Explores ethical implications of cybercrime, promotes fairness and justice, and aligns with British values such as the rule of law.
Links to careers in software development, data science, cybersecurity, game design, and robotics.
Relevant to roles in law, digital ethics, cybersecurity, policymaking, journalism, and technology development.
Promotes empathy, respect for others online, ethical content sharing, and reflection on the role of technology in personal and societal wellbeing. Any
Enhances logical thinking, problem-solving, and resilience through debugging and iterative development.
Promotes responsible data handling, promoting accuracy, integrity, and usability in digital systems.
Promotes reflection on fairness, justice, and the ethical use of technology, supporting values such as respect, empathy, and integrity.