Intent

In line with the 2014 National Curriculum for Computing, our aim is to provide a high-quality computing education which equips children to use computational thinking and creativity to understand the world. The starting point is the children and expanding and connecting their knowledge and skills. The curriculum will teach children key knowledge about how computers and computer systems work, and how they are designed and programmed. Learners will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of computational systems of all kinds.

By the time they leave St Benedict’s Primary School, children will have gained key knowledge and skills in the three main areas of the computing curriculum:

• computer science (programming and understanding how digital systems work)
• information technology (using computer systems to store, retrieve and send information)
• digital literacy (evaluating digital content and using technology safely and respectfully).

The objectives within each strand support the development of learning across the key stages, ensuring a solid grounding for future learning and beyond.

We aim to deliver a Computing curriculum that prepares pupils to live and work in an increasingly digital society. Our pupils will be well equipped to use future technology at home and in the workplace. 
 

Implementation

Computing is taught through sequences of lessons which ensure children are able to develop depth in their knowledge and skills over the duration of each of the computing topics. Teachers deliver the National Curriculum objectives by using a combination of the Cornerstones Imaginative Learning Projects and the ‘Switched On: Computing’ scheme (Rising Stars) as a starting point for the planning of their computing lessons. These are often linked to the children’s learning in English or Topic. The use of cross-curricular links motivates the children and supports them to make connections and retain what they have been taught.

There are 15 desktop PCs in the Computer Room, 31 iPads and 60 Chromebooks to ensure that all year groups are given the opportunity to use a range of devices and programs. They are used across the curriculum as well as in computing lessons.

The implementation of the curriculum also ensures a balanced coverage of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. The children will have experiences of all three strands in each year group, but the subject knowledge becomes increasingly specific and in depth, with more complex skills being taught during Key Stage 2. Thus ensuring the learning is progressive and challenging.

The curriculum is adapted, where necessary, to ensure all children can access it and it offers challenge and inclusion. Each computing unit is monitored by the Computing Leader each half term. This involves work samples and planning trawls. Pupil voice and professional conversations with teachers are also taken into account.

Impact

This approach to the curriculum results in a fun, engaging, and high-quality computing education. Children enjoy participating in variety of computing activities. They are confident in using a range of hardware and software. Children develop a good range of technical skills and are able to use technical vocabulary accurately. Teachers have high expectations and a good computing subject knowledge.

The quality of children’s learning is evident through samples of their work.

Computing Curriculum Overview

Computing Progression
Computer Science - Apply & Analyse
Digital Literacy (Responsible)
Information Technology (Evaluate & Apply)