We are a distinctively Christian School, drawing our inspiration from the Christian faith. We have a clear Christian vision and values rooted in scripture. They ensure that pupils and adults flourish and are passionate about creating an inclusive community, where everyone feels valued and respected. In turn, this impacts positively upon behaviour and relationships in the school.

Our Computing curriculum expands on the National Curriculum’ aims that pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming.

The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all pupils:

• can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
• can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
• can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

 

Key stage 1 Pupils should be taught to:

• understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions
• create and debug simple programs
• use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
• use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content
• recognise common uses of information technology beyond school
• use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.

 

Key stage 2 Pupils should be taught to:

• design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
• use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
• use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
• understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration
• use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content
• select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information
• use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

 

Computing in EYFS

Our EYFS lessons are a natural precursor to our Year 1 Computing plans. They are designed especially for the Reception classroom and are play-based, hands-on and fun!  Whilst the technology strand is no longer a specific area in the new EYFS framework (2021), having the opportunity to develop computing skills at an early age can foster interest and confidence in technology and give pupils an advantage going into KS1.

To ensure coverage of these National Curriculum goals, we use Kapow Computing which is a spiral curriculum where children revisit the five key areas throughout their time at Thorpe.  Each time a key area is revisted, it is covered with greater complexity. Children’s prior knowledge is utilised to ensure children build on previous foundational learning. 

Kapow categorises lessons into five key areas;

• Computing systems and networks: Identifying hardware and using software, while exploring how computers communicate and connect to one another.
• Programming; Understanding that a computer operates on algorithms, and learning how to write, adapt and debug code to instruct a computer to perform set tasks.
• Creating media; Learning how to use various devices — record, capture and edit content such as videos, music, pictures and photographs.
• Data handling; Ensuring that information is collected, recorded, stored, presented and analysed in a manner that is useful and can help to solve problems
• Online safety; Understanding the benefits and risks of being online — how to remain safe, keep personal information secure and recognising when to seek help in difficult situations.

Curriculum Intent

We have chosen Kapow Primary Computing scheme as it is a well-rounded curriculum to support teachers and learners with a broad balanced understanding of computing that covers all essential areas in a hands on engaging way.  The modules aim to instil a sense of enjoyment around using technology and to develop children’s appreciation of its capabilities and the opportunities technology offers to; create, manage, organise and collaborate.  Tinkering with software and programs forms a part of the ethos of the scheme as we want to develop children’s confidence when encountering new technology, which is a vital skill in the ever evolving and changing landscape of technology.  Through our curriculum, we intend for pupils not only to be digitally competent and have a range of transferable skills at a suitable level for the future work place, but also to be responsible online citizens to be excellent and have a love of learning.

The scheme of work enables children to meet their attainment goals and aims outlined in the National Curriculum. It supports children to develop an understanding of appropriate online behaviour, copyright issues, being discerning consumers of online information and healthy use of technology.

Curriculum Implementation

We follow the Kapow Primary Computing Scheme of Work across our school and lessons are taught in three half-termly blocks across the year and build on prior knowledge in a spiral curriculum

The SOW is organised into five key areas;

1. Computer systems and networks
2. Programing
3. Creating media
4. Data handling
5. Online safety

Where possible, we make cross-curricular links with other areas of the curriculum.  We use the five key areas to support learning in other subjects not just discrete computing lessons.

Curriculum Impact

We monitor the impact of computing lessons through both formative and summative assessment opportunities.  Each lesson includes guidance to support teachers in assessing children against the learning objective and each lesson has a quiz and knowledge catcher which can be used at the start and or at the end of the unit.

Our children leave school equipped with a range of skills to enable them to succeed in their secondary education and be active participants in the ever-changing digital world beyond education.

Our children will;

• Be critical thinkers and able to understand how to make informed and appropriate digital choices in the future.
• Understand the importance that computing will have in their education, working life, social and personal future.
• Understand how to balance time spent on technology and time spent away from it in a healthy appropriate manner.
• Understand that technology can help showcase their ideas and creativity.  They will know that different types of software and hardware can help them achieve a broad variety of artistic and practical aims.
• Show a clear progression of technical skills across all areas of the National Curriculum.
• Be able to use technology both individually and as part of a collaborative team.
• Be aware of online safety issues and be able to deal with any problems in a responsible and appropriate manner.
• Have an awareness of development in technology and have an idea of how current technologies work and relate to one another
• Meet the end of key stage expectations outlined in the National Curriculum for computing.