Computing

Mrs Jay is our curriculum lead for Computing.

The following statements are from the scheme of work that supports our curriculum- iComputee.

Our Intent for our Computing curriculum

iCompute supports schools in teaching computing effectively and well by providing a rich, broad and balanced computing curriculum fully mapped to the National Curriculum for Computing and Key Stage 1 and 2. It offers pupils a computing education designed for mastery using researchled computing pedagogies and covers all three strands of the computing curriculum: Computer Science Information Technology Digital Literacy (incl. eSafety) A positive teacher mindset and strong subject knowledge is key to student success in computing. iCompute aims to enhance pupils’ enjoyment, resilience, understanding and attainment in computing by empowering and equipping schools to deliver a quality computing education with comprehensive computing schemes of work that are designed for computing mastery. Mastery in computing means acquiring a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of the subject. It is demonstrated by how skillfully a child can apply their learning in computing to new situations in unfamiliar contexts. Every child can enjoy and succeed in computing when offered appropriate learning opportunities. iCompute uses growth mindset and problem-solving approaches that enable pupils to develop resilience, persistence and confidence. All children are encouraged to believe in their ability to master computing and are empowered to succeed through curiosity, tinkering and perseverance.

Pupils are taught through whole-class interactive teaching with pupils working together on the same lesson content at the same time. Lessons are sequenced so that concepts are developed in logical steps with particular attention given to fundamental concepts. This ensures that all children can master concepts before moving to the next stage, with no pupil left behind. Curriculum equity is offered with all pupils being given the time and opportunity to fully understand, explore and apply skills and ideas in different ways, in different situations and in different subjects. This enables pupils to fully grasp a concept and understand the relevance of their learning.

Our Implementation for our Computing curriculum

Our Computing lessons are based on a big question each half term. As the aims of computing are to equip children with the skills necessary to use technology to become independent learners, the teaching style that we adopt is as active and practical as possible. While at times we do give children direct instruction on how to use hardware and software, the main emphasis of our teaching in ICT is for individuals or groups of children to use computers to help them in whatever they are studying. ICT contributes to teaching and learning in all curriculum areas and is used throughout the curriculum as well as planned units of work, which can be found in the curriculum long term plan. We have an annual Computing week, which we tie in with the national on-line safety day and plan competitions and have experts come into school for assemblies and workshops to allow children to see how these skills can be transferred into careers. Computing is taught by class teachers.

The impact of our Computing Curriculum

iCompute's curriculum is designed to build on prior learning and lessons are sequenced throughout the primary phase for progression where all learning builds towards clearly defined end points: end of unit end of year end of Key Stage The curriculum, assessment toolkit and comprehensive, expert, guidance offered by iCompute enables leaders to ensure that all pupils learn the curriculum. Assessment data collected as part of teaching enables each pupils’ progress to be monitored and is based on the Progression Pathways Assessment Framework designed by Computing At Schools (CAS) and the BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT) - groups responsible for the drafting of the National Curriculum for Computing on behalf of the DfE; but iCompute has much greater depth to further support accurate assessment and progression planning. Assessment data allows teachers to see, at a glance, where pupils are in their learning; to identify any gaps in coverage, knowledge, understanding and skills and to inform the curriculum and future teaching. The assessment toolkit includes pupil progress trackers for pupils with SEND based on the revised P-Scales for Computing compiled by ‘CAS Include’ which have been adapted by iCompute for greater depth. The curriculum offers equity for all groups and it is intended that all pupils access it. By following and monitoring the curriculum and its delivery leaders’ are supported by iCompute in ensuring that all teachers teach the full range of lessons for each year group and that they are taught in accordance with the planning to ensure rigor, challenge and inclusion.