Digital Technology Pathway Programme
1. Programme Structure
● Level 1
● Level 2
● Level 3
Key Strands (run through all levels):
- ICT Fundamentals
- Basic Electronics with
Simulation Tools
- Operating Systems, Hardware and
Best Practices
- Internet and Basic Networking
- Programming Foundations
- Cyber Security Fundamentals
- Basic IoT Concepts with
Simulation Tools
Level 1
Strand 1: ICT Fundamentals
● What is a computer and where
do we use them in daily life
● Input and output devices
● Using basic applications
○ Word processing (typing,
fonts, saving files)
○ Presentations (simple slides
with text and images)
○ Paint / simple drawing tools
● Safe file handling
○ Saving, opening and
organising work in folders
Strand 2: Operating Systems, Hardware and Best Practices
● What is an operating system
○ Simple navigation (desktop,
start menu, taskbar, dock)
● Basic hardware parts
○ CPU, monitor, keyboard,
mouse, speakers in simple language
● Best practices
○ Proper shutdown
○ Basic ergonomics and posture
○ Respecting shared devices and
school rules
Strand 3: Internet and Basic Networking
● What is the internet in child
friendly terms
● Examples of online services
○ Search engines, email, video
sites, educational games
● Very basic networking idea
○ Computers connected together
in a “big web”
● Online safety basics
○ Not sharing personal details
○ Asking an adult if something
feels wrong
Strand 4: Programming Foundations
● “Computers follow
instructions” concept
● Unplugged activities
○ Writing step by step
instructions for a friend to follow
● Block based programming
○ Simple projects in Scratch or
a similar tool
○ Make a character move, speak,
and respond to key presses
Strand 5: Basic Electronics with Simulation Tools
● What is electricity in simple
terms
● Basic components
○ Battery, wire, bulb, switch
● Using a child friendly
simulation tool
○ Drag and drop a battery, bulb
and switch
○ Turn the switch on and off to
see the bulb light
● Safety message
○ Never play with real mains
electricity
Strand 6: Cyber Security Fundamentals
● “Keeping your digital world
safe”
● Strong passwords idea
○ Use of passphrases or easy to
remember patterns
● Recognising simple scams
○ Do not click on strange links
● Respecting others online
Kind communication, no bullying
Strand 7: Basic IoT Concepts with Simulation Tools
● What is IoT
○ Everyday examples such as
smart lights, smart speakers, fitness bands
● Idea of sensors and data
○ Light sensor, temperature
sensor illustrated in a story
● IoT simulation
○ Simple prebuilt scenes where
a light turns on when it is “dark”
Drag and connect blocks that say “if dark then turn on
light”
