Computing - Online Safety
Intent
In Computing, the intent of our curriculum is to foster children’s computational thinking and creativity to change the world. This is linked closely to some of our Christian values of justice for all, creativity, responsibility and persevering in the face of problems, ‘letting their light shine.’ We want our children to think like programmers and innovators developing an understanding of algorithms, computer networks/systems, media, software and hardware and the impact of technology.
The aims of the Computing Curriculum follow that of the National Curriculum, ensuring children have secure understanding of computer science, digital literacy and information technology. High expectations are set for all learners regardless of their background or attainment level.
Implementation
The Computing Curriculum is designed so that taught knowledge and skills are built upon each week, term and year, using a spiral approach, so that children revisit each theme through a new unit that consolidates and builds on prior learning within that theme. This helps our children to know more, remember more and do more. To aid children’s retention of knowledge and skills we use knowledge organisers, low stakes retrieval quizzes as well as ongoing formative assessment and feedback. Our children are proactive in each Computing lesson, identifying how their previous learning supports the understanding of new concepts and children have the opportunity to regularly identify which of the strands and computing skills they are developing. Concepts are strengthened and developed through the use of relevant high quality unplugged activities, apps, or physical computing kits. We develop the use of crumbles and micro:bits. The teaching of subject specific vocabulary helps children explain their understanding. Furthermore, the children’s cultural capital is nurtured through building their understanding of significant innovations and how the Computing they are learning links to current and real world examples. Children participate in enrichment activities to further enhance their Computing learning in after school clubs and children have the opportunity to be digital ambassadors.
Impact
Children are an active part of assessing their own learning, through regular feedback in lessons and through post learning quizzes. At the end of each unit, teachers assess children’s progress against the objectives of the National Curriculum for core knowledge and working computing skills. These assessments build an accurate picture of each child’s overall scientific progress as they move from year group to year group, to ensure they are ready for the next stage of their learning. Children will apply their learning to solve real world problems, enabling them to become digital leaders of the future.
If you would like any further information about our curriculum, please contact the school office.