Computing
Computing Curriculum Intent
At Carclaze we follow the 2014 National Curriculum for Computing with the aim to provide each child with a high-quality and relevant computing education which they can use in an ever changing technological age. The curriculum we teach provides children with the key knowledge about how computers and computer systems work and are linked, and the way they can be designed and programmed. Our aim is when children leave Carclaze, they will have gained key knowledge and skills based upon the three main areas of the computing curriculum: computer science (programming and understanding how digital systems work), information technology (using computer systems to store, retrieve and send information) and digital literacy (evaluating digital content and using technology safely and respectfully). Our intention is that as a child progresses through each key stage, every key area taught provides a solid foundation for future learning.
Computing Curriculum Implementation
At Carclaze, computing is taught in both discrete sessions following the Purple Mash scheme of work and also integrated into other areas of learning. This ensures children are able to develop and build a good understanding of the core knowledge and skills required within each year group, in line with the National Curriculum.
Teachers use Purple Mash’s supportive collection of resources as a building block for the planning of their computing lessons, which are often richly linked to engaging contexts in other subjects and topics. These resources/lesson plans are organised within a subject overview so that each year group has a clear requirement on the content they must teach following the National Curriculum.
Carclaze offers its teachers and pupils the use of a class set of laptops running the latest versions of Windows, a class set of Samsung Tablets, classroom based teacher and children’s iPads and a set of programmable moving robots (BeeBots). This ensures that all year groups have the opportunity to use a range of devices and programs for many purposes across the wider curriculum, as well as in discrete computing lessons. This allows for a wide range of children to be supported with both specific and individual needs.
We aim to deploy and use ICT to build cross-curricular links which motivate pupils and supports them to make connections, remembering the skills they have been taught. These links are reinforced within our Jigsaw PSHE curriculum (Online Safety) and a school focus during ‘Internet Safety Day’.
The implementation of the curriculum at Carclaze is built upon a balanced coverage of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. The children will have experiences of all three strands in each year group and will produce work which is evident within their individual logins on Purple Mash. The subject knowledge we instill becomes increasingly specific and in depth, with more complex skills being taught, to ensure learning is extended and built upon. For example, children in Key Stage 1 learn what algorithms are, which leads them to the design stage of programming in Key Stage 2, where they design, write and debug programs, explaining the thinking behind their algorithms
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) follows the ‘Development Matters in the EYFS’ guidance which aims for all children in reception to have an ‘Understanding of the World’ and the technology within it.
Computing Curriculum - Impact
Impact of the curriculum in Computing is monitored through:
- Learning Conversations – pupils are able to talk confidently about their learning in Computing to adults and to each other.
- Monitoring of work in books, displays, on devices and pupil response within lessons.
- Images and videos of the children’s practical learning.
- Lesson visits
Additional Assessment opportunities:
- self-assessment
- peer assessment
- group assessment
- targeted questioning