The curriculum has been specifically sequenced in a logical progression to ensure that new knowledge and skills build on what has been taught before: Year 1 to Year 6. This enables our pupils to know more and remember more. End points and target points within objectives are identified for each year group through a whole school Computing progression plan.
All pupils in Key Stage 1 and 2 participate in seven or eight units of Computing throughout the year with online safety embedded within these units. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create and edit programs, systems, and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
Every year group has a yearly Curriculum Map that outlines the key areas of Computing which will be taught throughout the year. The school is well-equipped to support the Computing curriculum with a computer suite which is timetabled for each year group to ensure that an adequate amount of time and coverage is allocated to each key unit. In addition to this, each class has a mini suite of 4 computers and 6 iPads. Within KS2, each year group has an additional 30 laptops.
Detailed Medium Term planning, from Purple Mash, supports teachers to plan a sequence of progressive lessons and over time, giving the children opportunities to master new substantive concepts. Within this document, key objectives, success criteria and vocabulary are outlined as well pictorial examples of the learning to take place. Progression documents, used to support the Medium-term plan, ensure that staff are delivering a consistent curriculum that increases in complexity.
Where possible, pupils can use taught skills such as how to use a search engine, in other subjects - for research purposes using the most reliable sources. As a school, we understand the importance of high-quality teaching so there are opportunities to upskill and improve teacher’s subject knowledge through CPD sessions internally and externally.
Within the lesson, teachers check pupils’ understanding effectively and address any misconceptions through regular feedback. The curriculum is designed and delivered in a way that allows pupils to know more and remember more. Key skills and knowledge are embedded in their long-term memory so they can apply their learning further. Pupils’ work is stored within Purple Mash to show a record of their independent learning journey. Teachers and the subject leader can monitor these to ensure progress over time.
The EYFS curriculum no longer has an Information Technology strand however we are keen to ensure pupils know how to stay safe when using the internet. Pupils have the opportunity to explore using Beebots, walkie-talkies, the light tray, basic software on the computers and take photographs using iPads. These skills help them to prepare for a more formal computing curriculum in Year 1.
In Key Stage 1, pupils are taught to understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions. In coding lessons, pupils create and debug simple programs and use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs. Using Purple Mash, pupils use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content. Pupils are taught to recognise common uses of information technology beyond school and how to use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.
Building on the skills taught, pupils in Key Stage 2 are taught to:
- design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling parts or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
- use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs, work with variables and various forms of input and output
- use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
- understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web; and the opportunities they offer for global communication and collaboration
- use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content
- select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems, and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating, and presenting data and information
- use technology safely, respectfully, and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact
The school’s Wellbeing Champions work alongside teachers to promote key messages on e-safety linked through whole school behaviour and personal development, throughout the year. Through regular CPD, the subject leader and senior leaders, ensure that the 4 areas of risk: content, contact, conduct and commerce are monitored working in conjunction with Telford and Wrekin ICT Gold Service.
All pupils have access to Purple Mash, Bug club/Oxford Owl and TT Rockstars at home using an individual password provided by school. The school takes part in the STEM Lego League project working alongside a local business – Capgemini. This consolidates the pupils learning in coding as well as providing an opportunity to design and research whilst working as part of a team. Year 5 apply computer science knowledge when designing a remote-controlled vehicle before their educational visit to Enginuity in Ironbridge. They design the vehicle using the programme Tinkercad allowing them to develop their skills for innovation: 3D design, electronics, and coding.
