Computing

Computing aims to equip pupils with the knowledge to use computational thinking to become active participants in the digital world. Children should understand how to use the ever-changing technology to express themselves, whilst remaining respectful, responsible and confident users of technology, aware of how to stay safe online.

Computing Curriculum Intent

Progressive layering of knowledge, embedded in long-term memory:

How to use technology effectively (e.g. computers, iPads/tablets)
How to use the internet safely (digital literacy)
Understand and apply computer science principles (e.g. logic, algorithms, data representation)
Analyse problems in computational terms and solve these problems (e.g. debugging)
Evaluate and apply information technology (e.g. use of Microsoft office software)

Conceptual Understanding – occurs when new information and ideas are incorporated into pupils’ existing knowledge framework and includes:

Contribute to children’s personal development in creativity, independence, judgement and self-reflection
Be responsible, competent and confident users of information and communication technology
Effectively demonstrate their learning through creative use of technology
Be resilient when faced with problems, debugging using their computational thinking to solve the problem
Apply their knowledge creatively to enable them to become skilful computer scientists
To have an appreciation of how technology shapes the way we live and a genuine interest in how it is embedded in our day-to-day lives

Computing Curriculum Implementation

To achieve our intent, our Computing curriculum will provide the following:

A progressive, sequential journey of knowledge, skills and concepts from EYFS to Year 6, encompassing the depth and breadth of the computing curriculum
Opportunities to address potential cultural capital disadvantage
A focus on subject specific vocabulary to equip children with the language to express their computational knowledge with precision and confidence
Key outcomes, described as ‘sticky knowledge,’ which form the foundation of prior and subsequent learning
Challenge, high order, subject-specific questions for pupils to respond to and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of
Enhanced learning through immersion in high quality resources which form the Purple Mash programme
Adaptable approaches that enable all pupils opportunities to explore technology and experience success
Pre-teaching of vocabulary relating to design and technology for pupils with additional needs
Learning opportunities that heighten pupils’ awareness of the significance and impact of computing and technology on the quality and experience of life in the 21st century

Computing Curriculum Impact

Pupils enjoy and value the curriculum
Pupils explore the depth of each objective within a stimulating environment that encourages them to discuss, reflect and evaluate the impact computing has on their learning, development and well-being
Pupils will know how to keep themselves safe when using technology and where they can go for support when they feel it is needed
Pupils will realise the importance of finding the right balance with technology in order to achieve both a healthy lifestyle and an effective education
Pupils will be provided with the foundational skills required for optimal transition to the next stage of education and beyond
Pupils progress will be monitored to ensure progression of skills is taking place, through talking to them about their learning
There will be no significant gaps in the progress of different groups of pupils (e.g. disadvantaged vs non-disadvantaged)
Pupils will develop awareness of the advantages and the disadvantages of technology