Curriculum - Computing
Intent
At St. Stephen’s C.E. Primary, we aim to educate our pupils to use technology positively, responsibly and safely. Technology is everywhere and it is our responsibility to ensure that our pupils are well prepared to safely steer their way through our ever-changing digital world, both now and in the future. We offer a broad computing curriculum that encompasses three key areas: computer science, information technology and digital literacy. We offer a structured sequence of lessons, helping teachers to ensure that they have covered the skills required to meet the aims of the national curriculum. The content allows for a broad, deep understanding of computing and how it links to children’s lives. It offers a range of opportunities for consolidation, challenge and variety. This allows children to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science. They develop analytical problem-solving skills and learn to evaluate and apply information technology. It also enables them to become responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information technology.
Implementation
We aspire for our children to be inquisitive, courageous, creative and resilient learners. Our computing curriculum is delivered through discrete units of work. Where appropriate, meaningful links are made between the computing curriculum and the wider curriculum. We take internet safely seriously. We have policies in place to ensure children are using the internet safely and are aware of how to report concerns. We feel it is paramount to develop good communication with our parents around what children are accessing at home to ensure they remain safe at all times. Through the sequence of lessons, we intend to inspire pupils to develop a love of the digital world, see its place in their future and give teachers confidence.
Our lesson plans and resources help children to build on prior knowledge at the same time as introducing new skills and challenges. In KS1, the focus is on developing the use of algorithms, programming and how technology can be used safely and purposefully. In KS2, lessons still focus on algorithms, programming and coding but in a more complex way and for different purposes. Children also develop their knowledge of computer networks, internet services and the safe and purposeful use of the internet and technology. Data Handling is featured more heavily in UKS2. Skills learnt through KS1 and LKS2 are used to support data presentation. Adult guides are offered, as well as end-of-unit assessments, enabling staff to feel confident in the progression of skills and knowledge and that outcomes have been met. An example of keywords has been included, showing the progression of specific language involved in children’s learning so that teachers can also assess understanding and progress through vocabulary. We suggest a specific sequence of lessons for each year group, offering structure and narrative. These are not to be used exclusively but will support teachers’ planning.
Impact
By the end of KS2, our children will know more, understand more and remember more about Computing. They will be motivated and inspired to continue their learning as they progress to KS3. Our children will leave our school with a competent understanding of how to use a range of technology with transferable skills. Children will also be able to ensure they are being safe online as well as ensuring others are being as safe. We aspire children to be able to negotiate and navigate a future full of technology. We measure the impact of our Computing curriculum through monitoring work, listening to the children’s attitudes about computing through pupil voice, learning walks, work scrutiny and data analysis.
