Computing
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24
Intent, Implementation and Impact – Computing curriculum
Intent
At Netheravon All Saints, we want computing to be about far more than simply the ability to use a computer. Our aim is to encompass the skills and knowledge needed to become fully digitally literate citizens, using ever-changing technology and means of communication safely and confidently, treating others with kindness and respect and becoming trustworthy digital citizens while recognizing how to stay safe and knowing who to trust. Our carefully planned computing curriculum supports all our learners from both our village and military communities. Overcoming frequent rural disadvantages in access to technology and the internet, our learners will not only know how to use computers and technology but will develop their knowledge of underlying structures of connectivity that link modern technology. They will develop the determination to overcome challenges and problem-solve while using technology, and most importantly they will develop the confidence to connect, communicate and co-operate safely and productively, knowing how and where to find help and support if they need it.
Implementation
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At the forefront of our computing curriculum is the essential need for children to understand how to stay safe online. We teach e-safety throughout the year through a planned sequence of age-appropriate sessions from 'ProjectEVOLVE' provided by South West Grid for Learning, linked to our school values.
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In February, our whole-school focus is also e-safety and digital literacy, taught in every class through a dedicated one-week block of learning, culminating in ‘Safer Internet Day’. This is supplemented in June with additional learning linked to World Social Media day.
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Every class completes two further blocks of learning using resources from the National Centre for Computing Education: computer science and coding, and information technology. Blocking learning in computing this way gives all learners the opportunity to build quickly on prior learning and to put new skills into practice immediately.
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Computer science and coding develops children's computational thinking skills, advancing from programming physical devices with simple commands to working on screen and with more complex sequences of instructions, to coding more complex algorithms including input and output variables. We use Beebots, Probots, online tools and Scratch as our core coding resources.
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Our curriculum in information technology ensures children are confident using the most common software they will encounter in their education and beyond, including word processing (Word), presentation (PowerPoint), data storage (Excel) and communication (Teams) software.
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As understanding of technologies and new uses of software are encountered, children in all year groups then use their growing ICT skills within the wider curriculum, be it for research, investigation, presentation or communication, at home or at school. In upper KS2, children are introduced to AI and the opportunities created and challenges faced by new and developing technologies.
Impact
Through high quality first teaching in Computing, students will become successful digital learners. They will be confident online communicators, collaborating respectfully and positively, knowing how to protect themselves and others from present and future threats and challenges. They will understand how information and communication technology is used for different purposes and how it impacts on their everyday lives. They will be able to select and use appropriate technology with determination to help them solve the challenges of the future in education and beyond.
Reviewed January 2024
