All Saints CE Primary School Computing Curriculum

Intent

We acknowledge that future generations will rely heavily on their computational confidence and digital skills in order to support their progress within their chosen career paths.  Technology is ever evolving and we aim to develop pupils who can express themselves and develop their ideas through information and communication technology as safe and active participants in a digital world.

Therefore, it is our aim to equip children with the relevant skills and knowledge that is required to understand the three core areas of Computing (Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy) and to offer a broad and balanced approach to providing quality first teaching of this subject.

Computing is an integral part to a child’s education and everyday life. Consequently, we intend to support our pupils to access and understand the core principles of this subject through engaging and relevant activities. Whilst ensuring they understand the advantages and disadvantages associated with online experiences, we want children to develop as respectful, responsible and confident users of technology, aware of measures that can be taken to keep themselves and others safe online.

Implementation

To ensure high standards of teaching and learning in computing, we implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school. Our curriculum is in line with 2014 Primary National Curriculum requirements for KS1 and KS2 and the Foundation Stage Curriculum in England. This provides a broad framework and outlines the knowledge and skills taught in each key stage.

In Early Years, children have access to a range of devices and remote controlled toys and resources so that they can explore simple technologies independently and use them in their learning and play. 

In KS1 and KS2 we use and follow the Purple Mash scheme of work, ensuring consistency and progression throughout the school.  Throughout Key Stage 1, children are taught to use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content. In Key Stage 2, children select, use and combine a variety of software on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplishes given goals. Children across school are encouraged to use technology where appropriate to support their learning in all subjects and to share their work on appropriate platforms.

Staying safe online is a priority and, as well as being taught explicitly through the Purple Mash curriculum, further activities take place to embed this, such as participation in National Safer Internet Day in February.

Impact

Our pupils are confident, competent users of technology who know who to keep themselves safe. Progress is measured through regular teacher assessments. These take place at the end of each unit of work taught.  Work done through Purple Mash is saved electronically in the children’s personal document folders.

We measure the impact of our curriculum through learning walks, lesson observations and pupil voice discussions.