Year 7
Building Digital Foundations
Students begin their digital journey with essential skills that form the foundation of all future learning. Our Desktop Publishing module develops professional document creation abilities, teaching visualisation skills, house styles, and graphics editing techniques. The Email and E-Safety unit ensures students understand digital communication while learning crucial online safety practices, including social media awareness and threat recognition.
As students progress, they explore the fascinating world of Cyphers and Encryption, discovering how data is protected and learning various cypher methods. The Kodu Games Creation project introduces algorithmic thinking through sequences, selection, and loops, while developing an understanding of artificial intelligence and game design principles.
The year concludes with Business Software applications, where students master logo design, presentation creation, and spreadsheet functions, alongside Micro-bit Programming, providing hands-on experience with real-world device programming and algorithm testing.
Year 8
Advancing Technical Skills
Year 8 deepens technical understanding through more sophisticated programming and design challenges. Scratch Programming introduces key computational concepts including sequences, iteration, selection, variables, lists, and subroutines, culminating in creating complex interactive games.
Our Web Design module teaches the fundamentals of effective website creation, covering HTML coding, CSS styling, and comprehensive testing procedures. Students learn what makes websites successful while building their own functional sites from scratch.
Python Programming introduces students to one of the world’s most popular programming languages, covering outputs, user input, variables, data types, selection statements, and loop counters. Students apply these skills by creating working multiple-choice quiz programs.
The year also includes Photoshop Graphics Editing, developing professional image manipulation skills including layer management, cloning techniques, and effects application, alongside Computer Hardware studies covering device types, peripherals, and system components.
Year 9
Mastering Advanced Concepts
Our final Key Stage 3 year focuses on advanced applications and theoretical understanding that directly prepare students for GCSE study. The comprehensive Music Festival Project integrates multiple skills including pre-production planning, graphics design, video editing, audio production, animation, database design, and professional evaluation techniques.
Digital Communications explores the evolution and theory behind modern communication systems, covering binary mathematics, network topologies, and internet infrastructure. Students gain deep understanding of how digital systems interconnect and communicate.
Advanced Searching and Sorting Algorithms introduces computational efficiency concepts, comparing bubble and merge sorting methods alongside linear and binary searching techniques. This theoretical foundation prepares students for higher-level computer science study.
The program culminates with Advanced Python Programming, covering for loops, string manipulation, arrays, and function creation. Students develop sophisticated programming skills while creating complex, multi-functional applications.
Contact
The Thomas Adams School
Lowe Hill
Wem
Shropshire
SY4 5UB
Tel: +44 1939 237000