Computing
Intent
A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and
creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics,
science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial
systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the
principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this
knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding,
pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range
of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and
express themselves and develop their ideas through information and communication
technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a
digital world.
Technology provides huge opportunities for pupils to share their learning in creative ways
and increases the accessibility opportunities in all subjects. We encourage staff to try and
embed computing across the whole curriculum to make learning creative and accessible.
We want pupils to learn how to be in control of technology and not controlled by it. We
want our pupils to understand that there is always a choice when using technology and as a
school we utilise technology to model positive use. We recognise that the best prevention
for a lot of issues we currently see with technology/social media is through education.
Implementation
● A clear and effective, bespoke cross curricular scheme of work that provides coverage in line
with the National Curriculum. Teaching and learning should facilitate progression across all
key stages and in all subjects.
● Access to resources which aid in the acquisition of skills and knowledge.
● A staff team that are technologically proficient so that they are confident in their ability to
embed ICT no matter the subject.
● Children will have the opportunity to explore and respond to key issues such as digital
communication, cyber-bullying, online safety, security, plagiarism and social media.
● Wider Curriculum links and opportunities for the safe use of digital systems are considered
in wider curriculum planning.
● Parents are involved with the online safety aspects of the curriculum and regularly sent
information and guidance to support safe use of technology at home as well as at school.
The Computer Science curriculum is taught by a specialist teacher and aspects are also
covered in cross-curricular activities by all subject teachers, we utilise the Teach Computing
curriculum with some adaptations to suit our diverse selection of learners. Lessons are
sequenced and show clear progression pathways.
Technology is embedded across the rest of the school curriculum in various ways which link
back to the National Curriculum for Computing, such as; using data loggers in science, digital
art programs in art, video/photo editing to show their learning in humanities subjects,
Minecraft in maths, digital sound creation/editing in music and many more. This ensures our
pupils see technology as something that is integral to modern life and have multiple
opportunities to learn and practise their technological skills.
Impact
We encourage our children to enjoy and value the curriculum we deliver. We will constantly
ask the WHY behind their learning and not just the HOW. We want learners to discuss,
reflect and appreciate the impact computing has on their learning, development and well-
being so that they are confident users of technology both at home and in school. Finding the
right balance with technology is key to an effective education and a healthy life-style. We
feel the way we implement computing helps children realise the need for the right balance
and one they can continue to build on in their next stage of education and beyond. We
encourage regular discussions between staff teams and pupils to best embed and
understand this. As children become more confident in their abilities in Computing, they will
become more independent and key life skills such as problem-solving, logical thinking and
self-evaluation become second nature. The way pupils access, showcase, share, celebrate
and publish their work will best show the impact of our curriculum. Progress of our
computing curriculum is demonstrated through outcomes and the record of coverage in the
process of achieving these outcomes.
