Computing
Intent
Our Computing scheme aims to instil a sense of enjoyment around using technology. It also aims to develop pupil's appreciation of the capabilities and opportunities which technology offers to create, manage, organise and collaborate. Tinkering with software and programs forms a part of the ethos of the scheme as we want to develop pupils' confidence when encountering new technology, which is a vital skill in the ever evolving and changing landscape of technology. Through our curriculum we intend for pupils not only to be digitally competent but also to be responsible online citizens.
Our Computing scheme enables pupils to meet the end of Key Stage targets outlined in the National Curriculum.
Implementation
The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate - able to use and express themselves and develop their ideas through information and communication technology - at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
With this in mind our curriculum is designed with three stands which run throughout:
- Computer science
- Information technology
- Digital literacy
There are five key areas which create a cyclical route through which pupils can develop their computing knowledge and skills by revisiting and building on previous learning:
- Computer systems and networks
- Programming
- Creating media
- Data handling
- Online safety
The implementation of our curriculum ensures a broad and balanced coverage of the National Curriculum requirements and our 'Skills Showcase' units provide pupils with the opportunity to learn and apply transferable skills.
Lessons incorporate a range of teaching strategies from independent tasks, paried and group work as well as unplugged and digital activities. This variety means that lessons are engaging and appeal to those with a variety of learning styles.
Impact
The impact of our scheme can be constantly monitored through both formative and summative assessment opportunities. Each pupil should leave school equipped with a range of skills to enable them to active participants in the ever-increasing digital world.
The expected impact of our curriculum is that children will:
- Be critical thinkers and able to understand how to make informed and appropriate digital choices in the future
- Understand the importance that computing will have going forward in both their educational and working life and in their social and personal futures
- Understand how to balance time spent on technology and time spent away from it in a healthy and appropriate manner
- Understand that technology helps to showcase their ideas creatively. They will know that different types of software and hardware can help them achieve a broad variety of artistic and practical aims
- Show a clear progression of technical skills across all areas of the National Curriculum
- Be able to use technology both individually and as part of a collaborative team
- Be aware of online safety issues and protocols and be able to deal with any problems in a responsible and appropriate manner
- Have an awareness of developments in technology and have an idea of how current technologies work and relate to one another
- Meet the end of Key Stage expectations outlined in the National Curriculum for Computing