Computing
A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world. (National Curriculum, 2014)
Intent
The National Curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all pupils can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, can analyse problems in computational terms and can evaluate and apply information technology
At Scotton Lingerfield Primary School we have adopted the Kapow scheme of learning (from September 2022) to support and inform our planning. This ensures that the aims of the National Curriculum are fully met in a spiral, progressive and sequential curriculum. This balanced curriculum enables the children to develop their understanding and use of technology through practical and exploratory opportunities using deliberate practice to develop their understanding.
As they move through school, we want our children develop an understanding of how technology and digital systems work. Our aim is that pupils leave primary school as confident, capable and creative users of digital technology, knowing how to develop and create their programs for a range of purposes. We want children to become computational thinkers who are able to solve problems across the whole curriculum and in life in general. Fundamentally, we aim to develop children’s digital literacy to ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to be safe, responsible and discerning digital citizens.
Implementation
The Kapow scheme of work supports our teachers in delivering fun and engaging lessons, which help to raise standards and allow all pupils to achieve to their full potential. Lessons are sequential and children learn progressively as they move through school, continually building upon prior knowledge. We are confident that the scheme of work more than adequately meets the national vision for computing. It provides immense flexibility and strong cross-curricular links whilst teaching aspects across three strands of digital literacy and online safety, computational thinking and a knowledge base in respect of computers and hardware.
Children in the Early Years learn best through play and practical application of skills. Our computing scheme has been designed to align with early Years Pedagogy to ensure that children access relevant areas of the curriculum through teacher led activities and through provision areas. Children in Key stage 1 and two have weekly computing lessons to ensure that they have the opportunity to regularly practice of the skills that they are developing. Children will also have the opportunity to apply their computing skills through other areas of the curriculum.
Online safety is paramount, and children are taught how to stay safe online alongside every unit of work that they complete, in addition to learning activities carried out on safer internet day and in response to any topical issues.
The Kapow scheme supports the development of staff’s subject knowledge with teacher videos. This enables staff to deliver lessons of a high standard that ensure pupil progression.
Impact
Children develop a deep understanding across the three strands of computing science, Information technology and digital literacy, including online safety. They enjoy their computing lessons make good progress from their starting points.
Children understand that the right balance with technology is key to an effective education and a healthy lifestyle and that technology can be used to showcase their ideas and creativity.
They will have developed a range of skills that enable them to succeed as they move into secondary school and be active participants in our ever-increasing digital world. They will be equipped with the knowledge to be able to discuss, reflect and appreciate the impact that computing has on their lives.
They will have an excellent awareness of online safety issues and protocols and will understand their responsibility to deal with any problems in an effective and appropriate manner.
Assessment and monitoring
At the beginning of each unit, children complete a pre unit task to ascertain their understanding and allow gaps in learning to be identified. This enables the teacher to provide additional support and challenge throughout the unit for individual children.
Following each unit, children complete the pre-unit assessment at spaced intervals. These recalls allow children to recall previously learnt knowledge. Children are supported in addressing these gaps throughout these sessions.
Regular recalls support assessment of children. Results are added to tracking grids, which support end of year judgements.
The subject leader monitors the subject through:
- Learning walks
- Work Scrutiny
- Planning Scrutiny
- Data/assessment scrutiny
- Pupil voice
