Intent
The Computing curriculum at Newton Abbot College (NAC) aims to equip students with the skills to participate in a rapidly changing world through challenging and engaging topics. Students will develop an understanding and application in the fundamental principles of 3 areas:
Computing Learning Journey
This is achieved by all students having the opportunity to become skilled in everyday & specialist software such as word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, Python, website design, video editing and animation amongst others in the overarching subject called Computing.
The intent is that a Newton Abbot College Computing student is to give them a wide range of skills enabling them to be confident, creative and independent learners and that students have every opportunity available to them to allow them to achieve this. Students should be digitally literate so that they are able to express themselves and develop their ideas through information and computer technology, at a level that is suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in the digital world.
Implementation
The intent of our curriculum is implemented through the delivery of consistently high-quality lessons which places developing the concepts of computing at the forefront of planning. Each scheme of work is created following the 3 areas of Computing that follow the assessment methods of our Key Stage 4 pathways and relating the concepts to the real world.
At Key Stage 3 students are taught topics that cover the 3 principles. The foundation we create in KS3, by using both digital and physical resources, along with the structure of our lessons, the way we assess, and feedback are set up in the same way to support students’ learning in KS4 and KS5.
Whichever pathway is chosen, we develop students’ specialist skills within that area. Within iMedia for example taking the pre-production documents used in KS3 (storyboards and visualisation diagrams) and applying more depth to the designs to support the product being created. In Computer Science we introduce higher level programming skills, such as sub routines to help evolve students’ skill set that they learnt in KS3 (Selection, Iteration).
At Key Stage 5 students can continue with a Computing Pathway which follows on from the skills taught at KS4 and KS3
All students are supported and encouraged to compete at least the iDEA BRonze award throughout their time at NAC.
Impact
By the end of Key Stage 3 students should be literate in the three principles of Computing by showing understanding of the following:
By the end of Key Stage 4 all students should be literate in the principle of Computer Essentials.
If a student has studied a full course with us at Key Stage 4 they should able to understand:
Computer Science
iMedia
Hi, I am Russell Satterley, I have over 12 years of experience as a school governor and believe in ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education within a safe and supportive learning environment. I am also currently serving as the chair of governors at Bradley Barton Primary School, and I am passionate about making a positive impact in the community.
I am the owner of a data cabling and electrical contracting business but before this I spent time gaining skills as a sound and light engineer, working with various bands and performance groups at different venues around the country. I like to think this has helped not only develop my technical expertise and eye for detail but also my love for creativity and collaboration.
When I am not busy with work or school governance, I enjoy outdoor cooking and trialling new techniques and recipes for family and friends to enjoy.
Gregg has developed his finance, operations and leadership skills through obtaining his MBA at the University of British Columbia, as well as, progressive professional roles within the private and public sectors. His roles have included Operations Director of a regional technology accelerator in British Columbia, General Manager of a prominent South African Law Firm and he has also served as Business Manager/ Bursar at Schools in Cape Town and London. Having recently moved to beautiful South Devon, he looks forward to bringing these experiences to help within the local community and drive Newton Abbot College's mission forward: to provide all our students with the best possible educational experience we can
I am delighted to serve as a parent governor at Newton Abbott College, having always been passionate about supporting young people to achieve their full potential. As a parent of a child in the College, I believe it is vital that all parents have a representative voice in shaping the school’s future, ensuring that the partnership between home and school remains strong.
With 25 years of experience in Sales and Customer Service Management, I bring skills in communication, leadership, and problem-solving, which I hope will add value to the governing body. I previously served as a governor at my child’s primary school for four years, which gave me valuable insight into how schools operate, and the important role governors play in providing both support and challenge to the leadership team.
I have a particular interest in student wellbeing and safeguarding, as I firmly believe that happy, safe, and supported children are best placed to thrive academically and personally. I am excited to contribute to the school’s mission to provide all students with the best possible educational experience, and I look forward to working collaboratively with fellow governors, staff, parents, and students to help the school achieve its vision.
His career began in the Royal Marines and spanned over 30 years with his last few appointments as a Brigadier (Director level) in Whitehall. Simon has extensive operational experience; taught at the Military Staff College; and worked across government and international organisations in his MOD roles. After leaving the Royal Marines he has had 12 years’ experience at Director/CEO/MD level in industry, in the UK and the Middle East, for HP, British Aerospace, Airbus and General Dynamics. He was awarded an MBE in 1994.
Simon lives in Exeter; is a Director of a local veteran’s charity; works as a government consultant; and wishes to give more to the local community in his role as a school governor.
Tom Mooney is an experienced cybersecurity professional with a career spanning UK government agencies and multinational financial services firms. With a strong background in protecting critical systems and data, he specializes in risk management, cyber resilience, and regulatory compliance. As a school governor, Tom brings his expertise in security, governance, and strategic planning to support the school’s leadership and safeguard its digital and operational resilience. Committed to education and community service, he is dedicated to ensuring a safe and effective learning environment for all students.
I have lived in the Teignbridge area for over 35 years, and have had 2 children pass through the school, and I now have grandchildren following through. I’ve been on the board since Knowles Hill School days and seen many changes. I’m currently the link Governor for Careers and the Arts.
I’m Linda and I have been a Governor responsible for 'School Performance' at NAC for six years. Prior to my retirement, I taught KS3 science, GCSE and 'A' level chemistry. During my teaching career I successfully held the position of Head of Science and Assistant Principal (Director of School Performance).
An experienced HR professional with a robust background in the retail sector, accumulating over 15 years of expertise. In the last two years, I have demonstrated a keen focus on HR Change, showcasing a commitment to innovation and adaptability.
I took on the role of school governor in May 2023, contributing strategic insights to foster a positive educational environment. Beyond the professional sphere, I find joy in exploring new destinations with my husband, relishing walks with our dog in the countryside, and pottering in the garden.
Hannah has 30 years’ experience working across a number of different Industry sectors in senior roles. She has always aimed to channel her talents into directions that create social change for good. In her role as Head of Social Responsibility at British Gas, Hannah worked collaboratively with a number of UK Charities to help tackle fuel poverty in the UK, specifically working with Save the Children. After living and working in London for 18 years, Hannah moved back to Devon to raise her children and be closer to her wider family, her son is still at Newton Abbot College.
In 2015 Hannah took over as Director of Social and Commercial Enterprise for the Dame Hannah Rogers Trust, a local Devon Charity, which supported children and young adults with Special educational needs and disabilities succeed. Now as Chief Executive Officer, Hannah leads the Life Chance Group, and School for Inspiring Talents; an award-winning independent therapeutic education provider that specialises in supporting young people and families who have experienced trauma. Hannah is also a Trustee for the Life Chance Trust which supports 16-25 year olds in our local community who have had complex life histories.
Cathy Hooper is a Registered General Nurse with a background in Trauma & Orthopaedics and Children's Nursing. She is also a Specialist Community Public Health Practitioner in Health Visiting and has worked in safeguarding for the past 17 years.
Cathy loves taking advantage of Dartmoor walking opportunities whenever she can and is mum to a rugby/horse loving daughter who attends NAC.
As a parent governor, Cathy is the safeguarding governor and supports the young carers agenda, alongside being the link governor for Humanities.
I am Becca Ward, I am currently the Autism lead at Newton Abbot College, this is my second year working at NAC. I enjoy working with students and running the sensory space at school. Prior to this job I was a Primary School teacher in Cornwall for 8 years. I have always been passionate about working with young people and supporting them to achieve their very best. After the birth of my son just over two and a half years ago I moved up here to Devon where a change of job was welcomed. I am currently undergoing a university course which will allow me to become a SENCO.
I am Charlotte Tonge and I have been a Teacher at Newton Abbot College for 6 years now. I started as an NQT and I am currently lucky enough to be Head of PE and Deputy Head of Sixth Form. I feel incredibly passionate about the education and opportunities our students get at Newton Abbot College. I believe we have the power to open doors to allow our students to challenge themselves and succeed where they never thought possible. As a Governor I am able to take my knowledge of the day-to-day workings of the college and passion for our students to ensure any decisions made are moving NAC in an ambitious and student-centred direction.
Christine is the CEO of a Devon-based Housing Association. She has extensive leadership and management skills and considerable financial acumen. Christine also has over 20 years’ experience of school governance in both primary and secondary schools.
Christine was appointed to the Governing Body in January 2021 and was appointed as Chair of Governors in September 2022. She is also the Chair of Governors at Highweek Primary School.
In her spare time, Christine is a keen gardener, photographer and traveller.
Amy has been Headteacher of Newton Abbot College since September 2021, having previously been Headteacher of St James School in Exeter and Director of Education for the Ted Wragg Trust.
“Having spent the best part of twenty years working in schools in Devon, I am as passionate today about the importance of a good quality education and the need to develop a love of learning in our classrooms, as I was the day I started. It is this passion that remains my motivation: to ensure that every day, in every classroom, we are providing our students with the best possible educational experience that helps them grow into responsible and kind young people; that challenges and supports them to achieve their best; and offers them a wealth of opportunities so that they can discover their talents and develop a curiosity about the world in which they live, so that when they leave us they are inspired and empowered to take their next steps and to start carving out their own path in life.”