Rationale

Our Computing Curriculum intends to develop ‘thinkers of the future’ through a modern, ambitious and relevant education in computing. We want to equip pupils to use computational thinking and creativity that will enable them to become active participants in the digital world. It is important to us that the children understand how to use the ever-changing technology to
express themselves, as tools for learning and as a means to drive their generation forward into the future.
Whilst ensuring they understand the advantages and disadvantages associated with online experiences, we want children to develop as respectful, responsible and confident users of technology, aware of measures that can be taken to keep themselves and others safe online.
Our aim is to provide a computing curriculum that is designed to balance acquiring a broad and deep knowledge alongside opportunities to apply skills in various digital contexts. Beyond teaching computing discreetly, we will give pupils the opportunity to apply and develop what they have learnt across wider learning in the curriculum.

We equip pupils with the skills and understanding to use computers effectively. It helps pupils become confident, responsible users of a range of technology. Our computing curriculum is split into three areas. These are Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. These areas are covered during weekly computing lessons. Pupils learn how digital systems work and how to create and debug programs of their own.

Our curriculum is planned so that pupils can apply and consolidate their computing skills within many areas of our curriculum. These include mathematics, literacy and science. Our PSHE curriculum also provides further opportunities to embed our digital literacy skills. We ensure our pupils understand how to be safe and responsible users of technology. This is both inside and outside of school.

The computing curriculum teaches pupils how they can keep themselves safe. This includes across a range of online and gaming platforms, including social media. Online safety is taught explicitly within computing sessions and wider curriculum activities.

We work with pupils’ families to ensure our pupils know what to do to keep safe online. We share how to deal with any problems and what they should do if they are concerned or worried.

Teach Computing Curriculum
Our scheme of work for Computing is adapted from the ‘Teach Computing’ Curriculum and covers all aspects of the Computing National Curriculum. This scheme was chosen as it has been created by subject experts and based on the latest pedagogical research and teacher feedback. It provides an innovative progression framework where computing content (concepts, knowledge, skills and objectives) has been organised into interconnected networks called learning graphs. The curriculum aims to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to thrive in the digital world of
today and the future. The curriculum can be broken down into 3 strands: computer science, information technology and digital literacy, with the aims of the curriculum reflecting this distinction. All of the content is free to use, and in formats that make it easy for adaptation.

In Nursery, the pupils experience technological equipment as part of focus activities. This is also done as enhancements throughout daily provision in the classroom. The children are encouraged to use simple equipment. This is done through modelling and investigation. the equipment includes mobile phones, interactive screens and tablets. We encourage families to help develop the children’s understanding of technology. Pupils complete challenges at home which we can’t always provide at school. For example, pressing a button at a crossing to activate the change of traffic lights.

Key Elements

In Reception, pupils have access to a range of technology such as iPads and interactive screens and robots. They use and investigate these during continuous provision. Pupils use and explore a range of age-appropriate programs with purpose and are taught how to program simple software. Pupils in Reception are introduced to online safety. They are taught simple strategies of how to keep themselves safe whilst online.

In Key Stage 1, pupils select and use technology purposefully and safely. They build on their prior introduction to online safety. Pupils are exposed to and start to understand algorithms. They begin to create and debug simple, age-appropriate programs.

In Key Stage 2, pupils build upon their understanding of algorithms. They use these to design, write and debug programs that achieve a specific outcome. Pupils continue to use logical reasoning to overcome errors within such programs. Key Stage 2 enables pupils to develop an understanding of computer networks. This includes the internet. Using their understanding of online safety, they explore the opportunities the World Wide Web can provide us. This includes for communication and collaboration.