IT – Key Stage 3 Curriculum Plan

Students will learn the importance of staying safe online, including understanding personal information, privacy settings, and the risks of sharing data. They will explore cyberbullying, phishing, and how to create strong passwords. 

Online Safety-practices knowledge and behaviors that protect individuals from harm when using the internet 

Privacy-protection and control of your personal information while using the internet. 

Cyberbullying-any bullying that takes place using digital platforms  

Phishing-fake e-mails that pretend to be from legitimate sources in order to steal your personal information. 

Password Security-Methods of creating passwords that would be very difficult for other parties to guess. 

Personal Information-any information that can be used to identify you individually. 

1. Discuss the importance of not sharing personal details online. 

2. Have conversations with your children about their online activities. 

3. Encourage the use of strong, unique passwords for different accounts. 

ThinkUKnow website https://www.ceopeducation.co.uk/ 

Childnet resources, https://www.childnet.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1428009979&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIg6LEz6awkQMVqpRQBh1WRhz0EAAYAiAAEgL0a_D_BwE 

Focus on digital etiquette, understanding the impact of online actions, and recognizing misinformation. Students will learn about reporting unsafe content and how to maintain a positive digital footprint. 

Digital Footprint-trail of data you leave behind when using the interent and social media. Includes all your posts, likes and follows 

Misinformation-false or inaccurate information particularly found when online. 

Reporting-What you can do to report things you find online that are wrong. 

Online Reputation-how you look as a person based on your online content. 

1. Talk about respectful communication online  

2. Check privacy settings together on social media platforms. 

ThinkUKnow website https://www.ceopeducation.co.uk/ 

Childnet resources, https://www.childnet.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1428009979&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIg6LEz6awkQMVqpRQBh1WRhz0EAAYAiAAEgL0a_D_BwE 

BBC Bitesize Online Safety https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zfmhfdm 

Students will be introduced to spreadsheets, learning how to enter and organize data, apply basic formulas, and create charts. They will explore how spreadsheets can be used for calculations and data visualization. 

Formatting-modifying the appearance of text on a document  

Layout-where the features of a document are places 

Transitions-the effect applied to presentations when changing from one slide to another 

Hyperlinks-an action that can be set up when an item is clicked so it takes you to another page in a document or an external website. 

1. Encourage students to practice typing and formatting documents. 

2. Create simple presentations on topics of interest. 

Microsoft Office tutorials, BBC Bitesize ICT https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z8mtsbk, 

YouTube guides for Word and PowerPoint basics,  

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmkaw6oRnRv_qE6EFkCJE-Z73EPksgSd0,

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MCmnr2L50o

Students will develop foundational skills in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. They will learn how to create, format, and edit documents, apply styles, insert images, and use basic design principles for presentations. Emphasis will be on producing professional and well-structured work. 

Spreadsheet-a table of rows and columns of data that can be used to perform calculations 

Cell-intersection of a row and column represented by a unique cell reference eg C1 

Formula-instruction in a cell to perform a simple calculation 

Function-pre defined formula that performs a complex calculation in a spreadsheet. 

Chart-graphical representation of data in a spreadsheet. 

Provide opportunities to use Excel or Google Sheets for simple tasks like creating a shopping list or tracking expenses. 

Microsoft Office tutorials https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwbho0CgEAE,  

BBC Bitesize ICT https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z8mtsbk,

Students will be introduced to Scratch as a visual programming language. They will learn how to create simple projects using blocks, focusing on sequencing, loops, and basic events. The aim is to develop an understanding of how instructions control actions in a program.

Sprite-this is the name for the characters that appear on screen in scratch  

Stage-the place where all the action takes place on a scratch program 

Loop-programming technique where repeated actions can be coded more effiencly 

Algorithm-a clear list of instructions that a sprite follows in scratch

Encourage students to explore Scratch online (scratch.mit.edu) 

Create simple animations or stories. Discuss how instructions lead to actions. 

Scratch website https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/editor/?tutorial=getStarted , 

BBC Bitesize Computing https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z8mtsbk,

YouTube tutorials for beginners https://www.youtube.com/@KidsCodingPlayground. 

Students will progress to creating interactive projects such as games or quizzes. They will learn about variables, conditional statements, and how to use inputs to control sprites. Emphasis will be on problem-solving and creativity. 

Variable-an item of data that can be stored/remembers in a computer program 

Condition (If/Else)-a decision in a program that allow true/false, yes /no actions to take place. 

Input-process of receiving data from an external source 

Broadcast-a program that allows sprites to interact and send messages to each other. 

Ask students to demonstrate their projects and explain how they work.  

Encourage them to add new features like scoring or sound effects.  

Scratch website https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/editor/?tutorial=getStarted , 

BBC Bitesize Computing https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z8mtsbk,

YouTube tutorials for beginners https://www.youtube.com/@KidsCodingPlayground. 

Students will deepen their understanding of online safety by exploring advanced privacy settings, secure communication, and the risks of oversharing on social media. They will learn about identity theft, scams, and how to protect personal data across multiple platforms. 

Privacy Settings-settings on social media accounts that let you restrict who can see your accounts. 

Identity Theft-Taking the identity details of another person usually for financial gain. 

Encryption-scrambling of data as its being transferred between devices so that it cannot be read if intercepted. 

Secure Communication- a communication method that uses encryption  

Oversharing-using social media to share every/too many moments of your personal life.

1. Review privacy settings on social media accounts together  

2. discuss why sharing personal details can be risky. 

ThinkUKnow website https://www.ceopeducation.co.uk/, 

Childnet resources, https://www.childnet.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1428009979&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIg6LEz6awkQMVqpRQBh1WRhz0EAAYAiAAEgL0a_D_BwE

BBC, Bitesize Online Safety https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zfmhfdm. 

Students will learn how to plan an IT project based on a travel agency scenario. They will identify client requirements, set objectives, and create project documentation such as Gantt charts and task lists. Emphasis will be on time management, resource allocation, and understanding the importance of clear communication with stakeholders.

Project Plan-Planning document that allows your to outline the key details of a project before you start to make it. 

Gantt Chart-Time planning tool  

Milestones- Target in terms of time that you set for certain parts of a project to be complete. 

Stakeholders-Anyone who is interested in/impacted by a project 

Project Requirements-List of criteria that need to be completed for a project to be a success. 

Resources-Elements that you will require to complete project. It can be hardware, software and physical/digital. 

1. Encourage students to install updates regularly. 

2. discuss the importance of antivirus software. Talk about respectful online communication.

ThinkUKnow website https://www.ceopeducation.co.uk/, 

Childnet resources, https://www.childnet.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1428009979&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIg6LEz6awkQMVqpRQBh1WRhz0EAAYAiAAEgL0a_D_BwE

BBC, Bitesize Online Safety https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zfmhfdm. 

Focus on cybersecurity basics, including malware, viruses, and safe downloading practices. Students will also learn about digital footprints, ethical online behaviour, and how to report harmful content or cyberbullying. 

Malware- Malicious computer programs that can damage your device. 

Virus-A type of malware that can replicate itself and transfer to many different devices using online communication methods. 

Firewall-a device that inspects internet web pages and can be set up to block webpages that contain keywords or topics. 

Digital Footprint,-the trail of data you leave behind when using the internet/social media.  

Cyberbullying-Any bullying that takes place over digital devices. 

1. Discuss real-life examples of planning (e.g., family trips).  

2. Encourage students to think about timelines and budgets. 

BBC Bitesize ICT https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z8mtsbk, Powerpoint skills https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmkaw6oRnRv_qE6EFkCJE-Z73EPksgSd0, 

Students will implement their travel agency project using appropriate software (e.g., spreadsheets for pricing, databases for customer details). They will test their solution, gather feedback, and review against initial requirements. The focus will be on problem-solving and iterative improvement.

Implementation- Process of putting plans into effect. 

Testing-Range of techniques to check that a completed project works as intended. 

Feedback- Gathering opinions of test users on a project so that it can be improved. 

Iteration-repeating of steps until the condition has been met. 

Usability-evaluation of the quality of user experience when developing software products.  

1. Ask students to demonstrate their project . 

2. explain how they tested it. 

3.  Encourage constructive feedback and ideas for improvement.

Excel and Access tutorials https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwbho0CgEAE , BBC Bitesize Computing https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z8mtsbk

Students will learn what a computer network is and why networks are important. They will explore different types of networks (LAN, WAN), understand basic components like routers, switches, and servers, and learn how data travels across a network. 

Computer Network-Two or more devices that are connected 

LAN (Local Area Network)-connected devices all in 1 geographic location 

WAN (Wide Area Network) – connected devices all in multiple geographic location 

Router-Hardware device that connects a network to the internet. 

Switch-A hardware device that allows you to connect computers using wires on a network. 

Server – Powerful computer that controls all the others on a network. 

Data Packet-Piece of data being transferred over a network

1. Discuss examples of networks at home (Wi-Fi, devices connected)  

2. Encourage students to identify components like routers. 

BBC Bitesize Computing https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z8mtsbk, , 

HowStuffWorks Networking Basics https://computer.howstuffworks.com/lan-switch1.htm , 

YouTube tutorials on LAN/WAN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SZXX5_HYCw . 

Students will study common network topologies (star, bus, ring) and their advantages/disadvantages. They will also learn about network security, including firewalls, encryption, and safe practices to prevent unauthorised access. 

Topology-Shape a computer network can take. 

Firewall- a device that inspects internet web pages and can be set up to block webpages that contain keywords or topics. 

Encryption- scrambling of data as its being transferred between devices so that it cannot be read if intercepted. 

Authentication-process of of proving that data is valid or true.

1. Talk about the importance of strong passwords  

2. Encourage curiosity about how home devices work using internet research.

BBC Bitesize Networking https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z8mtsbk,, 

Cisco Networking Basics https://www.netacad.com/courses/networking-basics?courseLang=en-US.

Students will learn the basics of digital images, including file types (JPEG, PNG, GIF) and resolution. They will explore simple image editing techniques such as cropping, resizing, and adjusting brightness/contrast using software like Paint.NET or Photoshop. The focus will be on understanding how image properties affect quality and file size. 

Pixel-Picture element – 1 dot of colour of millions that make up an image on a screen.  

Picture Resolution – The amount of detail a picture has determined by its number of pixels. 

File Formats – The standardised was a file has been encoded on a computer. 

Crop – cut part of a picture out. 

Resize – Increasing or decreasing the size of an image. 

Brightness / Contrast – overall lightness/darkness of an image. 

1. Encourage them to experiment with free image editing tools (e.g. Photopea, GIMP, Paint.NET).  

2. Discuss the careers that could use image editing skills.  

3. Ask them to explain the difference between file formats and when to use each. 

https://www.gimp.org

https://www.getpaint.net

YouTube tutorials on basic photo editing 

Photopea https://www.photopea.com/  

Students will explore the purpose and importance of user interfaces in digital systems. They will learn key design principles such as consistency, accessibility, and usability, and understand how these principles impact user experience. The focus will be on analysing existing interfaces and identifying strengths and weaknesses.  

User Interface (UI),-medium through which users interact with computer systems. 

Accessibility-Considering all users needs when developing digital systems including disabilities. 

Navigation-How a user finds their way around a digital system using links, menus & buttons. 

Layout-How features of digital systems are positioned on screen. 

Design Principles-Set of rules that needs to be followed to create effective user interfaces.

1. Encourage creative projects like making posters or social media graphics.  

2. Discuss copyright law and implications of breaking the law.  

3. Review their work and ask them to explain the tools they used. 

https://www.canva.com

https://pixlr.com

Royalty-free image sites (e.g., Unsplash, Pixabay) 

Photopea https://www.photopea.com/  

Students will build on basic skills by learning advanced techniques such as layering, masking, and applying filters. They will explore how to combine multiple images, add text, and create simple graphics for digital projects. Ethical considerations like copyright and responsible image use will also be covered. 

Layers – How an image is broken into its different parts to allow non destructive editing. 

Masking – Allows parts of an image to be hidden or revealed 

Filters – Tools used to enhance the appearance of an image 

Transparency – Adjustments to how see through an image is allowing seamless blending. 

Copyright – Law that protects digital content from being copied without permission including online images. 

1. Encourage students to review websites or apps 

2. discuss what makes them easy or difficult to use. 

BBC Bitesize ICT https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z8mtsbk, YouTube guides for Word and PowerPoint basics, https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmkaw6oRnRv_qE6EFkCJE-Z73EPksgSd0

Students will apply design principles to plan and create user interfaces for specific user needs. They will produce wireframes and prototypes, considering functionality and accessibility. Testing and refining designs based on feedback will also be introduced.

Wireframe-Design technique that allows you to plan layout of a project before making it.  

Prototype- A First make of a project that follows your wireframe designs – doesn’t need to fully function.  

Testing-Any method of making sure that features of a product work as intended. 

1. Provide opportunities to use free design tools (e.g., Canva, Figma). 

2. encourage students to gather feedback on their designs.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z8mtsbk,

YouTube guides for Word and PowerPoint basics, https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmkaw6oRnRv_qE6EFkCJE-Z73EPksgSd0,

Students will explore the fundamentals of marketing within the context of a holiday resort business. They will learn about identifying target audiences, understanding customer needs, and the role of branding in attracting visitors. The focus will be on analyzing real-world examples of resort marketing strategies.

Marketing-Process of identifying customer wants and needs and advertising effectively. 

Target Audience-The group of people your product/service is aimed at. 

Branding-Using logos and other techniques to encourage customer loyalty to your products. 

Customer Needs-Identifying what a customer needs through market research. 

Promotion-Any method of letting customers know about your products.

1. Discuss different holiday destinations and what makes their advertising appealing. 

2. Encourage students to think about why certain resorts attract specific types of customers. 

BBC Bitesize Business Studies https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zhrphb

Students will learn how to create effective marketing campaigns for a holiday resort. This includes planning promotional activities, using digital platforms, and considering pricing strategies. They will also explore how to measure the success of a campaign through feedback and analytics.

Advertising methods-Different medium used to let customers know about products and encourage to buy. 

Digital Marketing-Advertising that takes place over digital devices  

Pricing Strategy-The ways businesses use to decide the selling price of their products and services. 

Analytics-Data collected about marketing campaigns that can be used to improve business performance. 

1. Encourage students to design a simple marketing posters for a fictional resort and discuss what makes it effective. 

2. Gather brochures and promotions from travel agents. 

3. Visit travel agents websites to see how they promote holidays. 

Canva for design https://www.canva.com/en_gb/,

YouTube tutorials on marketing basics, 

BBC Bitesize Business Studies https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zhrphbk