National Curriculum

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."

Intent

At St. Wulstan's & St. Edmund's Academy we realise that digital technology is everywhere and an ever increasing part of everyday life at home, school and in the wider world. Because of this we follow the national curriculum for computing and provide a computing curriculum which is not only deeply linked with maths, science and design technology but also every area of the wider curriculum. Children encounter a rapidly changing world where computing technology is at the forefront. The curriculum will prepare them for this by ensuring an in depth coverage of the three main strands of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. All children, including disadvantaged and those with special educational needs will learn the function and uses of a wide range of programmes and technology, be able to apply those skills and showcase their creativity in doing so. Teachers will react to the in school environment and tailor their curriculum accordingly with flexibility and creativity. By carefully building upon knowledge and understanding in each year group, children will progress year on year and be ready for their responsible, active future in the workplace and the wider digital world. By the time children leave year 6, they will be able to understand the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, analyse problems in computational terms and have had repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems. They will also know how to evaluate and apply information technology, including unfamiliar technologies analytically so solve problems and, crucially, will be responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

Implementation

We follow the national curriculum for computing and have created a bespoke whole school long term plan where progression of skills is carefully sequenced following the Kapow Scheme of Work. Each year group’s objectives are selected to build upon the learning that took place the previous year and continue to prepare them for the coming year too. The objectives are split into the three strands of the national curriculum; computer science, digital literacy and information technology. Teachers are not only aware of what they must teach but also of what the children already know and what they will need to know in the coming years. Our computing curriculum recognises that ICT is able to be taught both as a discrete subject as well as being woven cross-circularly. Many of the skills are transferrable which provides a wealth of learning opportunities across the curriculum subjects including art, D&T, maths, geography, science, and literacy.

Computing in EYFS

In Early Years, ICT is taught fluidly through the Early Years Curriculum as part of the new curriculum. In the Early Years classroom there are computing resources available at all times in the continuous provision:

Our children have access to PCs at all times, take photographs on the iPads and cameras, experiment with pulley toys and lift-the-flap books, have access to remote controlled cars and Beebots and more resources to begin experimenting with Computer Science.

Whole School

Our children have access to a bank of laptops and iPads to support their learning. We use Kapow scheme of work (Primary Computing Scheme of Work & lesson plans | Kapow Primary) , Phonics Games, Discovery Coding, LBQ Maths, Beebots and other software packages to aid teaching and learning. We have interactive screens in every classroom, and these are used daily to further enable and enhance learning.

We teach e-safety as an explicit part of our curriculum through Computing and on the first Monday of each half term, all classes have a dedicated session for online safety. We discuss issues such as; keeping personal information private, trusting people and sources online, treating others online as we would in real life, posting images online, and what to do if anything makes children feel uncomfortable online. We also use the Jessie & Friends and Lee & Kim's Adventure cartoons to introduce children to e-safety issues, as well as stories such as Once Upon a Time Online.

Impact

Computing has a high profile across the school and children can discuss the skills and knowledge they have with confidence whilst valuing online safety and respect whilst communication with their peers and others in the digital world. Children are able to understand the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, analyse problems in computational terms and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems. They also know how to evaluate and apply information technology, including unfamiliar technologies analytically so solve problems and, crucially, are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

Assessment 

Children demonstrate their ability in computing in a variety of different ways. Teachers will assess children’s work in computing by making informal judgements as they observe them during lessons. Photographs and Screen shots are made of practical work for the children to use as self-assessment. On completion of a piece of work, the teacher will assess the work and give oral feedback. Older and more able pupils are encouraged to make judgements about how they can improve their own work.

At the end of each unit/block of work, teachers will decide on a pupil’s level of attainment noting which children are: 

• working above the age-related expectations 
• working at the age-related expectations
• working towards the age-related expectations 

These judgements will be made in line with the Long-Term Curriculum Plan for computing and the Kapow scheme of work.

Fundamental British Values

British Values is defined by the Department for Education as:

• Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process
• Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies to England
• Support for equality of opportunity for all
• Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law
• Respect for and tolerance of difference faiths and religious and other beliefs

At St. Wulstan's & St. Edmund's Academy, we ensure that the fundamental British Values are introduced, discussed and permeate the ethos and work of the school. The curriculum provides a vehicle for furthering and deepening an understanding of these concepts.

We actively encourage the children at our school to be unique, creative, independent and open-minded individuals who respect themselves and others in our school, the local community and across the wider world.

Our aim is to nurture our children on their journey through primary school so that they can grow into caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who can, and will make, a positive difference to society across Britain and the world.