Computing
Intent
At Halam Church of England Primary we teach a high quality computing curriculum in-order for pupils to participate effectively and safely in the digital world. We develop pupils Resilience and independence alongside key learning and skills. Pupils have a good understanding of how to stay safe online. Implementatio
Implementation
Our curriculum develops the fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding of computing. The computing curriculum covers the three strands of the National Curriculum from EYFS up to Year six;
• 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)
We use the “Teach Computing Curriculum” developed by the National Centre for Computing Education. This curriculum is underpinned by the latest computing research and demonstrates effective pedagogical strategies throughout.
Learning outcomes from the National curriculum for computing have been structured into a taxonomy of ten strands;
• Algorithms — Be able to comprehend, design, create, and evaluate algorithms
• Computer networks — Understand how networks can be used to retrieve and share information, and how they come with associated risks
• Computer systems — Understand what a computer is, and how its constituent parts function together as a whole
• Creating media — Select and create a range of media including text, images, sounds, and video
• Data and information — Understand how data is stored, organised, and used to represent real-world artefacts and scenarios
• Design and development — Understand the activities involved in planning, creating, and evaluating computing artefacts
• Effective use of tools — Use software tools to support computing work
• Impact of technology — Understand how individuals, systems, and society as a whole interact with computer systems
• Programming — Create software to allow computers to solve problems
• Safety and security — Understand risks when using technology, and how to protect individuals and systems
This ensures a comprehensive and clear progression of skills and knowledge in computing from EYFS to Year Six.
Online safety and digital citizenship are also taught through personal, social, health education (PSHE), spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) and citizenship curriculums. This is supported by online safety and digital citizenship lessons from the Education for a Connected World framework. We have a complementary Safe Behaviours curriculum which outlines additional whole school online safety activities such as Internet Safety week.
Impact
Computing is taught both in discrete lessons and across the wider curriculum. Children apply their knowledge and skills in computing to support their learning across all subject areas. Each pupil in Key Stage Two has their own iPad, pupils use these daily to support their learning across all subjects. They confidently use technology to research and record their learning. Pupils are independent and are able to manage their own learning through the use of devices and programmes. Pupils are motivated to lead their own learning, they are able to make connections across the curriculum. We have a range of other devices such as laptops and BeeBotts, and a set of iPads for key stage 1.