Computing

Curriculum Intent: Computing

Characteristics of a Computer User

Competence in coding for a variety of practical and inventive purposes, including the application of ideas within other subjects.
The ability to connect with others safely and respectfully, understanding the need to act within the law and with moral and ethical integrity.
An understanding of the connected nature of devices.
The ability to communicate ideas well by using applications and devices throughout the curriculum.
The ability to collect, organise and manipulate data effectively.

Implementation

Our approach to the curriculum results in a fun, engaging, and high-quality computing education. Our pupils should be able to organise their knowledge, skills and understanding around the three aspects of the computing curriculum:

Computer Science
Digital Literacy
Information Technology

We have broken these aspects down further into the key concepts of:

Code – developing an understanding of instructions, logic and sequences.
Connect – developing an understanding of how to safely connect with others.
Communicate – using apps to communicate one’s ideas.
Collect – developing an understanding of databases and their uses

Not all Computing lessons take place at the computer. Many of our lessons use unplugged activities, whereby children take part in engaging games, solve puzzles, complete magic tricks and run around.

Lessons include computational thinking techniques (the ideas and principles that underpin how digital technology works) to help understand what the problem is and develop possible solutions. This sits alongside the practical experience of programming.

Using laptops, iPads, Lego WeDo, Robotics and other peripherals, we offer a range of practical and cognitive opportunities to all children. In addition, we use Scratch Maths, a Computing and Mathematics-based curriculum for Upper Key Stage 2 pupils (Years 5 and 6).

Home learning is also supported through children accessing safe and secure websites; such as Times Tables Rockstars and SPaG.com.

Please see our Computing Curriculum Overview which shows the accumulation of knowledge and skills from Years 1 to 6.

Vocabulary

The promotion of a language rich Computing curriculum is essential to the successful acquisition of knowledge and understanding in Computing. Children have access to key knowledge, language and meanings to understand Computing and to use these skills across the curriculum.

Our Computing Vocabulary Overview document identifies key vocabulary to be taught from Year 1 to Year 6. These words are part of a whole host of work aimed at narrowing the vocabulary gap for our children. As a school we aim to expose all children to a broad range of vocabulary and provide them with the skills to use and apply these.

Aspirations For The Future

Pupils develop an understanding of how subjects and specific skills are linked to future jobs.

Here are some of the jobs you could aspire to do in the future utilising specialist computing skills:

Network Engineer
Computer Programmer
Games developer
Database Administrator
Web Designer

Impact

Assessment

Through the explicit teaching of the Computing skills, both the teachers and the pupils assess learning continuously throughout the lesson. At the end of each unit, pupils are given the opportunity to reflect on their knowledge and understanding. Our assessment systems enable teachers to make informed judgements about the depth of their learning and the progress they have made over time.

Pupil Voice

Coming soon.

Snapshots

This is what Computing looks like at Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School:

View our E-Safety Guidance and Information this section of our website will provide you with links to really useful advice on how to be careful when you use the internet and some great tips to keep safe.