I think it’s fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tool we’ve ever created. They’re  tools of communication, they’re tools of creativity, and they can be shaped by their user.

Bill Gates

Intent

Computing is the language of the future, used to support creativity, communication and progress. Whilst technology is ever-changing and developing at a tremendous rate, we want our pupils to have an understanding and grounding of how computing is a tool for their future, regardless of the area they choose to excel in. This is backed by our adoption of each unit beginning with ‘we are’. We aim for all pupils to become confident in their use to support their learning and understanding.

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)

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.

EYFS Links

The early learning goals that previously linked to computing (EYFS technology) have been removed from the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework 2020 and not reinstated in 2024. There is no mention of the teaching of technology in the education programmes or development matters document either. We understand how important it is that children develop their technology skills and will continue to use a range of technology to support and enhance learning in other areas of the curriculum. For example, the children will continue to use the Bee-Bots when learning about direction and will use Ipads to listen to and watch animated stories, watch videos linked to our topics and play games to develop phonic and number skills.

In foundation stage pupils will:

• Have daily access to a range of technology resources such as torches with switches, remote controlled cars, beebots, voice-recording toys, as well as class ipads and interactive whiteboards.
• Use a range of technology resources to support learning in other areas of the curriculum.
• Are taught how to use the resources for different purposes eg ipads to watch videos, play games, take photographs and listen to stories.