Intent:

We plan and teach a structured sequence of lessons using the National Centre for Computing Education planning, ensuring teachers have covered the skills required to meet the aims of the national curriculum. The content allows for a broad, deep understanding of computing and how it links to children's lives. It offers a range of opportunities for consolidation, challenge and variety. This allows children to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science. They develop analytical problem-solving skills and learn to evaluate and apply information technology. It also enables them to become responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information technology.

Implementation: 

Each lesson contains revision, analysis and/or problem-solving. Through the sequence of lessons, we intend to inspire pupils to develop a love of the digital world, see its place in their future. The spiral design of the plans along with the cross curricular links allows our children to develop understanding and use and apply this in a range of contexts. Our lesson plans and resources help children to build on prior knowledge at the same time as introducing new skills and challenges. In KS1, the focus is on developing the use of algorithms, programming and how technology can be used safely and purposefully. In KS2, lessons still focus on algorithms, programming and coding but in a more complex way and for different purposes. Children also develop their knowledge of computer networks, Internet services and the safe and purposeful use of the Internet and technology. Data Handling is featured more heavily in UKS2. Skills learnt through KS1 and LKS2 are used to support data presentation.  We include key vocabulary in our planning, showing the progression of specific language involved in children’s learning.

Impact:

Learning in computing is enjoyed across the school. Teachers have high expectations and this will be reflected in the children’s work.  Children are able use digital and technological vocabulary accurately, alongside a progression in their technical skills. They are confident at using a range of hardware and software resulting in high-quality purposeful outcomes. Children see the digital world as part of their world, extending beyond school, and understand that they have choices to make. They will be confident and respectful digital citizens going on to lead happy and healthy digital lives.