Implementation: How we teach Computing

Our Computing curriculum is comprised of Twinkl PlanIt, Busy Things Coding and SWGfl Digital Literacy & Citizenship to address the statutory aspects of the National Curriculum.  As a school, we believe in delivering engaging and thought provoking lessons which help to raise standards and allow all pupils to achieve to their full potential.

Pupils are able to use technology imaginatively and creatively whilst also becoming efficient learners and critical thinkers. Cross-curricular teaching of Computing is used within many different subject areas to enthuse and equip children with the capability to use technology throughout their lives. Each class has an hour per week timetabled Computing lesson slot which is dedicated to develop Computing and IT skills.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, children develop their Computing and IT skills through meaningful experiences that cover all the prime and specific areas of learning and development across the EYFS framework.  The approach is through cross-curricular learning with an emphasis on hands on experiences, which is assessed through the Understanding the World Early Learning Goal.

A comprehensive range of Computing and IT resources are available in school.

• Every classroom from Nursery to Year 6 has a PC connected to the school network and an interactive whiteboard.
• The School has a Computing suite comprising of desktop computers. Every class from Reception to Year 6 has one lesson per week allocated to using the Computing suite for the explicit teaching of the Computing and IT curriculum.
• Mini iPads
• Beebots
• Chromebooks
• A Mini Mac

Laptops and iPads are available to children for use throughout the school day, as part of both Computing lessons and cross-curricular learning.

Impact:

By providing a solid foundation in computational thinking and digital literacy skills, pupils are equipped with essential tools to navigate an increasingly technology-driven world. Through engaging and interactive lessons, quality computing teaching fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, allowing students to become active participants in the digital age. We also promote teamwork and collaboration, as students learn to work together on coding projects and digital presentations. Ultimately, the impact of quality computing teaching extends far beyond the classroom, empowering students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in their academic, professional, and personal lives. We measure the impact of our curriculum through the following methods: assessment against knowledge and skills on our computing curriculum mats, Educater and annual reporting of standards across the curriculum.

Curriculum strengths:

• We encourage pupils to think analytically and logically, enabling them to identify problems, break them down into smaller components, and devise creative solutions using computational thinking.

• We equip pupils with essential digital literacy skills, enabling them to navigate and utilize various digital tools and technologies effectively. This includes developing proficiency in key skills (using word processors, spreadsheets, presentation software, and online research).

• We provide opportunities for pupils to explore their creativity and innovative thinking through activities like coding, game design, and multimedia creation. By engaging in hands-on projects, students learn to think outside the box and develop original ideas.

• We emphasize the importance of responsible and ethical behaviour in the digital realm. Pupils learn about internet safety, online etiquette, and respecting others' digital privacy, preparing them to be responsible digital citizens in an increasingly interconnected world.

Our community & families:

Our Parents and Carers receive weekly school newsletters via email about upcoming events, school news, online safety articles and additional updates/content. We regularly hold Online Safety workshops for parents and carers equipping them with knowledge and skills to help keep their children safe online. Our virtual earning platform, Microsoft Teams is used to encourage the use of computing to complete home learning tasks.

Cross Curricular Links:

Cross-curricular links between computing and other subjects are crucial for fostering a holistic and integrated approach to education. By integrating Computing with subjects like Mathematics, Science, English, and the other foundation areas, pupils are able to see the practical applications of computational thinking in real-world contexts. These connections help pupils to develop a deeper understanding of both computing concepts and the content of other subjects.