Computing Curriculum Statement

INTENT

Computing at Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary School intends to develop ‘thinkers of the future’ through a modern, ambitious and relevant education in computing. We want to equip pupils to use computational thinking and creativity that will enable them to become active participants in the digital world. It is important to us that the children understand how to use the ever-changing technology to express themselves, as tools for learning and as a means to drive their generation forward into the future.

 Whilst ensuring they understand the advantages and disadvantages associated with online experiences, we want children to develop as respectful, responsible and confident users of technology, aware of measures that can be taken to keep themselves and others safe online.

Our aim is to provide a computing curriculum that is designed to balance acquiring a broad and deep knowledge alongside opportunities to apply skills in various digital contexts. Beyond teaching computing discreetly, we will give pupils the opportunity to apply and develop what they have learnt across wider learning in the curriculum.

IMPLEMENTATION

Our scheme of work for Computing is adapted from the ‘Teach Computing’ Curriculum and covers all aspects of the National Curriculum. This scheme was chosen as it has been created by subject experts and based on the latest pedagogical research. It provides an innovative progression framework where computing content (concepts, knowledge, skills and objectives) has been organised into interconnected networks called learning graphs.

The curriculum aims to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to thrive in the digital world of today and the future. The curriculum can be broken down into 3 strands: computer science, information technology and digital literacy, with the aims of the curriculum reflecting this distinction.

The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure all pupils:

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

Computing is used to enhance other areas of the curriculum through cross curricular topics. This could be the use of research as Historians in History, presenting data in

Maths and Science or exploring images in Art through digital Media.

E-Safety and Digital Citizenship

A key part of implementing our computing curriculum was to ensure that safety of our pupils is paramount. We take online safety very seriously and we aim to give children the necessary skills to keep themselves safe online. Children have a right to enjoy childhood online, to access safe online spaces and to benefit from all the opportunities that a connected world can bring them, appropriate to their age and stage.

We will:

-provide a well-resourced, weekly computing session to all children from Year 1.

-Provide clear unit planning that shows a variety of computing skills being taught throughout the year.

-plan lessons that show clear progression of computing skills and knowledge, as children go through the key stages.

-take the time to model and educate children on how to stay safe online.

-provide opportunities for computing skills to be used in other subjects, to demonstrate children’s learning.

-where appropriate, allow children to independently choose which computing technology method they think will best meet their learning objective.

IMPACT

-Children are excited about exploring new computing programmes and technology.

-Children are confident enough to ask ‘why’ and ‘how’ when involved in computing lessons.

-Children are able to showcase, share, celebrate and publish their work to show their understanding.
– Children can discuss, reflect and appreciate the impact computing has on their learning, development and wellbeing.

-Children can confidently answer key assessment questions at the end of a unit of work, to demonstrate what they have learnt.

Digital Goals

We will be using the digital goals document below to assess our computing skills. It has three stages (bronze, silver and gold) and has clear targets that the children are to achieve. 

Whilst we are all busy at home with our remote learning it would be great if you could look over the digital goals for Google Classrooms with your child and see how many they have achieved so far.