Computer Science

Purpose of Study 

The study of Computer Science at The Wisbech Academy is about much more than learning to code. It is about unlocking creativity, developing logical thinking, and understanding the digital world that shapes our lives. Pupils learn to analyse data, design algorithms, and evaluate digital solutions, gaining skills that will help them make informed decisions about technology in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the impact of technology on society. Computer Science equips pupils to become confident, digitally literate citizens who can thrive in an ever-changing world. 

What Makes Computer Science at TWA Special? 

At The Wisbech Academy, Computer Science is taught in a way that connects learning to the real world. Pupils are inspired by the stories of computing pioneers such as Ada Lovelace, Charles Babbage, Alan Turing, Grace Hopper, and Vinton Cerf, helping them see how ideas have shaped the technology we use today. 

Our curriculum balances creativity with problem-solving and technical knowledge with wider ethical and social questions. Opportunities such as mini-hackathons, digital campaigns, and visits (for example, to the Centre for Computing History) give pupils the chance to apply their skills beyond the classroom. 

Careers education is embedded throughout, so that pupils can see the pathways to roles such as network engineer, data analyst, games developer, or media communications specialist. 

Aims of the Computer Science Curriculum 

• To ignite a passion for discovery and instil a lifelong love of learning in computing. 

• To develop pupils’ resilience, creativity, and problem-solving skills through coding and digital projects. 

• To build pupils’ understanding of how technology works and how it shapes the modern world. 

• To encourage pupils to think critically about digital issues such as online safety, data security, and the ethical use of technology. 

• To ensure all pupils leave Key Stage 3 as confident, digitally literate learners who are ready to make positive contributions in further study and society.

Overview of the Year for Year 7 

• Autumn: Networks and the Internet; Programming in Scratch I 

• Spring: Data and Spreadsheets; Programming in Scratch II 

• Summer: Clear Messaging in Digital Media; Introduction to Python 

Alongside coding and problem-solving, pupils develop their teamwork, creativity, and digital literacy. Enrichment opportunities include a Data Investigation Project and a Mini Hackathon. 

Overview of the Year for Year 8 

• Autumn: Networks and the Internet; Programming in Scratch II 

• Spring: Computer Systems; Introduction to Python 

• Summer: Cybersecurity I; Python Programming with Data Sequences 

Pupils deepen their programming knowledge, explore how computers actually work, and tackle the challenges of keeping data safe. Enrichment opportunities include an Ethical Hackathon and a visit to the Centre for Computing History. 

Progression to GCSE and Sixth Form 

The Key Stage 3 curriculum provides a strong foundation for those who go on to study GCSE Computer Science at The Wisbech Academy. At GCSE, pupils develop more advanced programming skills, learn how computers represent and process data, and examine key issues in computer systems, networks, and cybersecurity. Many of our pupils then continue their studies at the Wisbech Campus Sixth Form, where A Level Computer Science opens the door to further study at university or apprenticeships in areas such as software development, data science, and digital technologies. 

Closing the Loop 
Through Computer Science, our pupils live out the Wisbech Academy virtues — showing responsibility in how they use technology, wisdom in making informed choices, resilience when solving complex problems, and creativity in service of others. Above all, Computer Science at TWA helps pupils not only to understand technology, but to use it wisely, ambitiously, and ethically to shape their futures.