Mathematics and Computing

Mathematics

Please note that our subject pages are currently being updated as we move across to the United Learning Curriculum. If you have any queries regarding our curriculum, please contact us.

Many, if not all of the challenges the world faces, are reliant on Mathematics to help find solutions, from financial institutions trying to promote growth, to engineers working on carbon capture to combat climate change. Therefore, it is vital that our curriculum is designed to develop mathematicians who are both fluent in key skills and are also capable of solving complex problems that combine several elements. Joining United learning has given us access to a carefully crafted curriculum that has been devised by experts, whilst still allowing us to shape our provision around each individual cohort of pupils at Heath Lane Academy.

The Maths curriculum has been carefully designed to continuously interleave content, enabling pupils to revisit prior knowledge, whilst also constructing the building blocks for future topics.  Throughout all topics there is an intentional focus on numeracy, which will support pupils their study of Maths and enable them to tackle mathematical challenges in other subjects. We begin each academic year in KS3 with a numerical topic, for example (7.01) numerical skills, (8.01) powers and roots, and (9.01) decimal manipulation.

Our Maths teachers understand and appreciate that pupils will be far better equipped to apply mathematical thinking to a problem if their working memory is not overloaded with basic calculations. In other words, we cannot expect pupils to show mathematical expertise until they have acquired fluency with numbers. Therefore, our teachers carefully plan when and how to move onto problem-solving tasks.

During KS3, all pupils follow the same curriculum sequence, with teachers making adaptations for their groups where necessary.

In KS4, we have a foundation and higher pathway that builds on the knowledge pupils have acquired during KS3 and prepares them for their GCSE examinations at the end of Year 11. More importantly, our Maths curriculum builds pupils’ mathematical confidence and competency for life beyond their time at Heath Lane Academy.  Just as for KS3, in KS4 pupils follow the same curriculum sequence wherever possible, and teachers make adaptations for their groups where necessary. This approach ensures pupils are exposed to suitable content depending on their attainment and ability, giving them the best experience possible.

Computer Science

Please note that our subject pages are currently being updated as we move across to the United Learning Curriculum. If you have any queries regarding our curriculum, please contact us.

The Computer Science curriculum equips pupils with the digital literacy skills to go into a world dependant on the use of digital technology.

In Year 7, pupils learn about  concepts of cyber security - dealing with online threats and how to keep data secure. They start to build skills in computational thinking  through simple block programming before creating games based on more complex sequencing nad programming. 

Moving into Year 8, pupils explore text based programming and build their understanding of computer software and networks.

In Year 9, pupils embark on a major programming project, cover Internet programming languages and advanced spreadsheets.

Starting In Year 10, some pupils may continue study towards sitting OCR GCSE Computer Science, which focuses on more advanced programming, computational thinking and algorithms. The majority of pupils will study practical applications of computing via the  Edexcel BTEC Digital Information Technology qualification.

Year 7

Autumn 1 Impact of Technology – Collaborating Online Respectfully
Autumn 2 Python
Spring 1 Networks: from semaphores to the Internet NCCE
Spring 2 Flowol
Summer 1 Using Media – Gaining Support for a Cause NCCE
Summer 2 Developing for the Web NCCE

Year 8

Autumn 1 Computer Systems NCCE
Autumn 2 Python PRIMM
Spring 1 Cybersecurity NCCE
Spring 2 Python
Summer 1 Spreadsheets
Summer 2 HTML CSS and Java Script CS UK

Year 9

Autumn 1 Representations: going audio-visual
Autumn 2 Programming Project
Spring 1 Physical Computing
Spring 2 Networks
Summer 1 Advanced Spreadsheets
Summer 2 Java Script

Year 10

Autumn 1 Programming

Autumn 2

Spring 1

Data Representation
Spring 2 System Architecture/Memory
Summer 1 Storage and System Software
Summer 2 Networks and Cyber Security

Year 11

Autumn 1

Computational thinking and algorithms & Programming
Autumn 2 Programming and Translators and facilities of languages

Spring 1

Spring 2

Summer 1

Revision/Reteach
Summer 2  

Digital Information Technology

Year 10

Autumn 1

 

Component 1 A

  • Investigate user interface design for individuals and organisations

Component 3 Modern technologies

Autumn 2

Component 1 A

  • Investigate user interface design for individuals and organisations

Component 3 Cyber security

Spring 1

 

Component 1 B

  • Use project planning techniques to plan and design a user interface

Component 3 The wider implications of digital systems

Spring 2

Component 1 B

  • Use project planning techniques to plan and design a user interface

Component 3 Planning and communication in digital systems

Summer 1

Summer 2

Component 1C Develop and review a user interface

Exam

Year 11

Autumn 1

Component 2A Investigate the role and impact of using data on individuals and organisations

Revision

Autumn 2

Component 2B Create a dashboard using data manipulation tools

Revision

Spring 1

Component 2B Create a dashboard using data manipulation tools

Revision

Spring 2

Component 2C Draw conclusions and review presentation methods

Exam

Summer 1  
Summer 2