Computing 

Intent

What does the computing curriculum intend to do?

Our computing curriculum is driven by curiosity and enquiry and aims to inspire pupils and develop their confidence to experiment and investigate through a rigorous framework of progressive skills and knowledge allowing all children to delve deeper into their learning. At Palmarsh we believe, a quality computing education is important to encourage children to think, be innovative, be creative and to understand change in the world.

The fundamental skill of computing is computer science, where pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge through programming. Using this understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology effectively. It is important, for us as a school, to ensure children become digitally literate and to become patient with the process of coding and de-coding bugs in their algorithm.

We use the National Centre for Computing Education scheme of work which fulfils the statutory requirements for computing outlined in the National Curriculum (2014) and, when used in conjunction with our RSE & PSHE scheme, also covers the government’s Education for a Connected World -2020 edition framework, it is an easily adaptable resource to support teachers in their planning to meet needs, it demonstrates clear progression of skills and learning throughout EYFS, KS1 & KS2 with relevant cross-curricular opportunities.

Implementation

How it the curriculum implemented?

In computing sessions, we ensure children learn specific skills such as:

• Computer science (programming)

• Computing and ICT (Information communication and technology)

•Digital literacy (e safety)

These are then broken down in more detail according to the following areas:

Computing has deep links to maths, English, science, music, MFL and art. It provides insight to how technology is used around us and to be used instead of conventional methods such as using ‘Times Tables Rockstars’ to enhance the learning of timetables in maths session.

Through our computing curriculum we will equip the children with the vital skills they will need to use computer programs and equipment.

The variety of independent, paired, group and whole class, digital and unplugged non-digital activities used in school ensure that lessons are engaging for all pupils. Each lesson will recap previous knowledge and key vocabulary will be used in each lesson to support our children learning and remembering more. We use knowledge organisers to support all children in building knowledge and enables children to recall key facts and vocabulary they will need to be successful.

Whilst the technology strand is no longer a specific area in the new EYFS framework (2021), having the opportunity to develop computing skills at an early age can foster interest and confidence in technology and give pupils an advantage going into KS1. Our EYFS lessons are a natural precursor to our Year 1 Computing plans. They are designed especially for the Reception classroom and are play-based, hands-on and fun! We offer basic computing skills such as creating art on a computer and programming a Beebot as well as learning about how to keep themselves safe online among other things.

At Palmarsh, all learners are supported and we set high expectations for children to reach their full potential through the addition of suitable challenges and adaptations if they are necessary.

Impact

What progress will the children make?

Impact is measured through formative and summative assessment. Children are assessed against the learning objectives and each unit includes a unit quiz and retrieval activities, used at all stage through the unit.

Through following National Centre for Computing Education scheme and our skilled staff, the children will be able to be:

To be acutely aware of online safety issues and protocols and be able to deal with any problems in a responsible and appropriate manner.

To be critical thinkers and be able to understand how to make informed and appropriate digital choices in the future.

To understand the importance that computing will have going forward in both their educational and working life and in their social and personal futures.

To understand how to balance time spent on technology and time spent away from it in a healthy and appropriate manner.

To understand that technology helps to showcase their ideas and creativity. To know that different types of software and hardware can help them achieve a broad variety of artistic and practical aims.

To develop and show a clear progression of technical skills across all areas of the National curriculum –computer science, information technology and digital literacy.

To have an awareness of developments in technology and have an idea of how current technologies work and relate to one another.

To meet the end of key stage expectations as outlines in the National Curriculum for computing.