Welcome to CAS Key Stage 3 (11-14 years)
Computing at key stage 3 is part of the national curriculum and is made up of three key areas:
- computer science
- digital literacy
- information technology
Each component is essential in preparing pupils to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Pupils will arrive at key stage 3 with differing knowledge and experiences of computing, so early assessment and intervention may be needed. Key stage 3 is a stepping stone for future qualifications and careers. Planning needs to cover all parts of the curriculum in sufficient depth so that pupils can make informed choices about their future.
Looking for Resources?
Check out our collection of resources to support you in teaching students at key stage 3.
CAS Tenderfoot is a collection of unplugged activities with a focus on key stage 3 that covers essential concepts of computer science. This resource includes activities to support coding, data representation, theoretical computers and modelling exercises.
Looking for help and guidance? Our communities can help with that...
Secondary Community
The Secondary community will schedule events across the year covering current issues and interest in the world of secondary computing and responding to the needs of the community.
Local Communities
CAS has a network of local communities across the UK run by our volunteer Community Leaders, specialising in offering relevant local support to teachers. Communities are either primary or secondary specialised or focus on both – called ‘Mixed Communities’.
Thematic Communities
We have a range of thematic communities which are based around different themes including AI & Physical Computing.
Talk to our friends...
Here is a selection of trusted organisations who will also support you in teaching computing at key stage 3:
Complete schemes of work including lesson plans, resources and assessment materials.
Presentations with recorded instruction and quizzes provided by topic.
Full units of work with lesson plans and supporting resources alongside one-off projects for the micro:bit programmable device. Activities include example solutions and videos with many aligned to the Global Goals.
Curriculum catalogue of courses and tutorials for independent learning. Includes lesson plans for each interactive activity.
Resources to support the knowledge and understanding through unplugged learning (computing without a computer). Activities organised by theme and topic and include activity plans mapped to computational thinking, mathematics and literacy.
A range of video content answering key questions in Computing with a focus on future skills and technologies.
Independent learning resources by exam specification and includes videos for threshold concepts and interactive quizzes and tests.
Resources focussed on digital literacy including internet safety with lesson plans and supporting presentations and worksheets.
Computational thinking interactive challenges which can also be completed as a timed national competition. Include interactive coding activities and multiple choicx quizzes and assessments.
Independent interactive activities where students can claim badges and points towards gold, silver and bronze awards. All badge activities organised in citizen, worker, maker or entrepreneur categories.
Be Internet Legends is a multifaceted program that includes a fun and free of charge web-based game called Interland and an educational curriculum to teach children how to be safe and responsible explorers of the online world