Intent

The intent for Computing is based on our curriculum driver: be brave. This driver will be evident in every Computing session and staff and children will be able to explain how they are being brave. We will offer a range of engaging and intellectually stimulating activities and experiences through a key concept approach, which will lead to changes being made in the children’s long-term memory. Where barriers to learning remain, we will adapt our curriculum to ensure all children succeed, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The aim in Computing at Woodthorpe is for children to become responsible, confident and creative users of technology, understanding basic concepts of computer science and able to solve problems using computer programming. We want pupils to be active participants in our digital world, using computational thinking to understand and change the world around them.

At Woodthorpe, through the delivery of Computing, our Respect Curriculum, and by developing healthy habits, pupils will discover how they can be safe, happy, responsible and respectful users of technology.

Implementation

We have split our academic year into three terms: autumn, spring and summer. For each term we have assigned a key concept, which are ways of working that are fundamental to Computing. Each term the Computing subject content will be delivered through the key concept. This allows all the subject content to be covered three times during the academic year, and six times over the key stage.  

At the start of each session, the children do a WIS Quiz which recaps on all the previous learning in Computing, as well as longitudinal learning that is included within regular routines or the structure of the session. Our healthy habits are embedded into every lesson, ensuring children understand how they can stay happy online. Digi Daisy, our school online safety mascot, designed by a pupil, is also used across school to support children in becoming responsible, respectful users of technology. This is further embedded through the delivery of our Respect Curriculum.

During KS1, pupils will learn through hands on learning around school, using devices such as laptops and iPads and some visits. At the end of the key stage, children watch a 3D printer print some of their car designs during a visit to Arnold Hill Academy and learn how this technology is used in the world to benefit others.

The quality of teaching and learning in Computing will be monitored through ten-minute visits (TMVs) during the year and data collection points, including moderation of these, taking place midyear and at the end of the year. 

We do not expect the children to produce lots of recorded evidence of their learning in Computing. Instead, we use the WIS Quiz at the end of each key concept to assess the children’s knowledge and understanding up to that point in the academic year. 

We understand that Computing is not statutory in the Foundation Stage. However, given our context and the children’s regular exposure to devices out of school, we begin to introduce our Healthy Habits and some basic programming opportunities in the continuous provision. Pupils also have access to iPads within the classroom to support their learning.

Impact

All children will be exposed to high quality teaching and learning that contributes to deep learning and changes being made to their long-term memory. Children will be able to explain how technology is used in the world around them, understand basic concepts of computer science and be able to write programs to solve problems.

We assess this against the Computing knowledge and skills progression document we have created for our school. As a school, we understand that deep learning takes place when subjects are revisited regularly. The children will be given the opportunity to apply their existing knowledge and skills in new and non-routine ways. New learning will be taught all the time whilst revisiting existing learning. In this way, learning will take place over an entire key stage, enabling the children to revisit learning regularly whilst adding new ideas, knowledge and skills. 

Children will become responsible, confident and creative users of technology and aware of how to stay safe and happy online.