Intent

We recognise Computing as a valuable part of the children’s entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum. Computing provides the children with the opportunities to develop and extend lifelong skills, which will evolve with the rapidly changing technology in our world. Our high-quality computing curriculum aims to engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to be both digitally literate and digitally resilient in the modern world.

As pupils progress, they are able to think critically and creatively to develop a more rigorous understanding of computing. They will think like a computing scientist, developing their skills to digitally create and their ability to solve (debug) problems. An integral part of our Computing curriculum is Online Safety and our digital footprint where we equip the children with the knowledge, skills and confidence of how to stay safe and responsibly use the technological resources available to them and others.

Vocabulary

Children’s command of vocabulary is fundamental to learning and progress across the curriculum. Vocabulary is developed actively, building systematically on pupil’s current knowledge and deepening their understanding of etymology and morphology (word origins and structures) to increase their store of words. Simultaneously, pupils make links between known and new vocabulary, and discuss and apply shades of meaning. In this way, children expand the vocabulary choices that are available to them. It is essential to introduce technical vocabulary which define each curriculum subject. Vocabulary development is underpinned by an oracy culture and a tiered approach. High value is placed on the conscious, purposeful selection of well-chosen vocabulary and appropriate sentence structure to enrich access to learning and feed into written work across the curriculum.

Implementation

Teachers use TeachComputing schemes of work as the core planning documents, in conjunction with the curriculum progression plan, to ensure extensive, varied and progressive computing curriculum coverage. The learning within mixed-age classes is taught as a phase through a rolling programme and cross-curricular computing learning is included in planning. Internet Safety sessions are taught with each class at the beginning of each half term and then referred to regularly in assemblies and lessons.

Impact

Learning in computing will be enjoyable, challenging and progressive within the classroom and online home learning. Children will use digital and technological vocabulary accurately, alongside a progression in their technical skills. They will be confident using a range of hardware and software and will produce high-quality purposeful products. Children will see the digital world as part of their world, extending beyond school, and understand that they have choices to make. They will be confident and respectful digital citizens going on to lead happy and healthy digital lives.