Grade 8 Courses:
Dr A Q Khan Computing Curriculum designed to use project-based learning activities to provide pupils with the opportunity to apply and consolidate their knowledge and understanding. Design is an important, often overlooked aspect of computing. Pupils can consider how to develop an artefact for a particular user or function, and evaluate it against a set of criteria.
Data Representations
Data can be represented in many different forms. You can see this happening throughout time, for example, in the use of cave paintings and clay tablets, through to the use of Morse code. Data and instructions in a computer are formed using a series of 1s and 0s. In this unit, learners will discover how numbers, letters, images, and sound are represented with 1s and 0s. They will also learn about the factors that impact on the quality of those representations, such as bit depth. Finally, learners will be introduced to the concept of compression and discover how to perform run length encoding and Huffman coding as forms of lossless compression.
Outcomes:
- You can test your skills by doing the practice tests provided in the course
- Your knowledge of the basics can enable you to learn more advanced levels of HTML5
- You can start developing your own apps by using HTML5 code without depending on Google and Apple
- Even those with zero programming knowledge can do this course and learn the terms and basics
Databases and SQL
This unit introduces learners to the world of databases and SQL. Learners explore the key terms used in a database and learn why relational databases are used to eliminate the redundancy and inconsistencies that can occur in a flat file database. Next, they explore increasingly challenging SQL commands where they retrieve, update, and delete data in a relational database.
Outcomes:
- You can test your skills by doing the practice tests provided in the course
- Your knowledge of the basics can enable you to learn more advanced levels of HTML5
- You can start developing your own apps by using HTML5 code without depending on Google and Apple
- Even those with zero programming knowledge can do this course and learn the terms and basics
IT Project Management
This unit will cover all aspects of project management and use a project brief scenario called Delicious Desserts to support the teaching and learning of the unit.
Project management has numerous transferable skills for learners, from simple time management to structured project management techniques. These skills will be invaluable for learners in their future careers. It will support team building, enable learners to become more organised, and allow them to reflect on any work completed.
Outcomes:
- You can test your skills by doing the practice tests provided in the course
- Your knowledge of the basics can enable you to learn more advanced levels of HTML5
- You can start developing your own apps by using HTML5 code without depending on Google and Apple
- Even those with zero programming knowledge can do this course and learn the terms and basics
Media
In this unit, learners will first develop pre-production skills used in the digital media industries. They will learn the importance of understanding the client’s requirements, planning, developing timeframes and deadlines, and the techniques involved in these processes. Learners will then progress to learn about a number of the different software tools used within this sector, and learn how to use them to fulfil basic client briefs. Learners will then apply this knowledge and develop their own digital media creation from a set of provided briefs. They will present their creation to the group and assess each other’s projects in terms of their effectiveness at meeting the aims of the brief.
Outcomes:
- You can test your skills by doing the practice tests provided in the course
- Your knowledge of the basics can enable you to learn more advanced levels of HTML5
- You can start developing your own apps by using HTML5 code without depending on Google and Apple
- Even those with zero programming knowledge can do this course and learn the terms and basics
- Lab test exercises to test your skills after every video tutorial
Object-Oriented Programming
Object-oriented programming is a useful one to cover with your students will give students an insight into a different programming paradigm. This unit aims to take them from a rote understanding of programming concepts to a more nuanced understanding of the ways they can choose to write programs. Using a combination of relatable examples (animals, vehicles and books) and practical activities the students will gain an understanding of the concepts of objects and classes.
Outcomes:
- You can test your skills by doing the practice tests provided in the course
- Your knowledge of the basics can enable you to learn more advanced levels of HTML5
- You can start developing your own apps by using HTML5 code without depending on Google and Apple
- Even those with zero programming knowledge can do this course and learn the terms and basics
Benefits of studying these courses:
A well scaffolded activities, embedded within the lessons are a range of pedagogical strategies, which support making computing topics more accessible. Dr A Q Khan Computing Curriculum acknowledges that physical computing plays an important role in modern pedagogical approaches in computing, both as a tool to engage pupils and as a strategy to develop pupils’ understanding in more creative ways. Additionally, physical computing supports and engages a diverse range of pupils in tangible and challenging tasks.