Computing

Intent

Our curriculum is designed to:
Provide a high-quality computing education that equips our pupils with the knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary to thrive in a digital world. Our intent is to ensure that all learners, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities, develop:

Computational Thinking, Digital Literacy, Creativity and Innovation, Collaboration and Communication and Preparation for Future Learning. In alignment with the National Curriculum, our computing curriculum is designed to equip pupils with the skills needed to navigate and contribute to the world of technology confidently.

Implementation

The delivery of this curriculum will ensure:
The computing curriculum is systematic and engaging, ensuring that all pupils receive a balanced and comprehensive education in the subject.

Our computing curriculum is structured around the three core areas: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Citizenship.

Lessons are designed to be hands-on and interactive, using resources such as Microbits, programmable toys, coding apps, and creative software to engage pupils actively. Our Computing lessons use plugged and unplugged resources. Computing skills are integrated across subjects, allowing pupils to apply their understanding in context and enhancing their overall learning experience.  Staff are provided with ongoing training and support to ensure they possess the confidence and expertise to teach computing effectively.

Regular formative assessments are conducted to monitor progress and understanding. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on their learning.  Summative assessments at the end of each unit provide insights into pupil attainment, informing future planning and interventions.

Our school has good community Links: Collaborating with local businesses, and tech experts which helps to enhance learning opportunities that inspire pupils and staff.

Impact

By delivering the curriculum in this way:
The overarching impact of our computing program can be measured through various indicators: 

Pupil Outcomes: We expect to see most pupils making at least expected progress in their computing skills, with some exceeding these expectations. Our assessments indicate high levels of confidence and aptitude in computing across all year groups. 

Skills Development: Pupils demonstrate proficient skills in computational thinking, programming, and digital literacy. They can articulate their learning and the importance of technology in everyday life. 

Behaviour and Engagement: High levels of engagement and enthusiasm for computing are evident, with pupils actively participating in lessons and collaborating effectively on projects. Feedback from pupils and parents regularly highlights enjoyment and value in the computing curriculum. 

Online Safety Awareness: Pupils consistently demonstrate a strong understanding of online safety principles, as well as the ability to navigate the digital landscape confidently and responsibly.

Early Years and Foundation Subjects (EYFS 1 and 2)

For our very youngest learners in the foundation stage we aim to give children a broad, play-based experience of computing in a range of contexts, including outdoor play. Computing is not just about computers. Early years learning environments feature computing scenarios based on experience in the real world, such as in role play. Children gain confidence, control and language skills through opportunities to ‘paint’ on the whiteboard or drive a remote-controlled toy, program BeeBots, listen to music, read interactive books and use iPads to support their learning.

Key Stage 1 & 2

Children in Key Stage 1 and 2 have access to class sets of laptops each week and have iPads to use within the class to support their learning. In addition to this, children also have access to coding toys such as BeeBots and Microbits and crumble boards. They are also able to use various software to support their computing learning through the use of Scratch and Scratch Junior, Espresso and A.L.E.X.

Each term children have opportunities to study computer science or Information, Communication and Technology. Each term also has varied online safety elements that the children have access to through our teaching of digital citizenship.

Computer Science

In EYFS and KS1, children learn to use programmable toys for a purpose, ask questions when things don’t work and think of ways to improve their code using pictures and talk. Children then move on to creating simple programs through block coding and using a range of different software such as Kodable (free app), Code.org, Espresso Coding and Scratch Junior (Free app).

In KS2, as children’s programming, reading and mathematical skills develop, they move onto using more complex programs in Scratch, Microsoft Kodu and using HTML using Google Sites.

Teaching computer science ensures our children develop a ’can do’ attitude to problem solving and logical thinking.

Information and Communication Technology and Digital Citizenship

When focusing on the ICT side of computing children learn how to create, edit and select digital content for a purpose. From learning how to save and print in Key Stage 1 through to producing Word and PowerPoint documents and creating their own visual and interactive web page through the use of Google Sites in Key Stage 2. As they progress through Key Stage 1 & 2 children learn to be confident digital citizens, who are discerning about what they read online and how to contribute positively to their online community.

Children experience a range of different digital devices including Apple iPads, Windows laptops and various hardware such BeeBots, Crumble boards and Microbits.

Children also use digital devices in lessons across the curriculum such as taking photographs in science, creating digital art, and creating films in history/literacy lessons. These can also be uploaded onto class dojo to share with the children families at home.

Useful Links to use at home