Computing

Intent
At Hazelwood, computing is part of a broad and balanced curriculum which provides children with the ability to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. (National Curriculum 2014) 

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 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.

For SEND learners this means:  

• pre-teaching subject vocabulary to decrease the vocabulary gap and to give oracy for a purpose

• adapted teaching materials where required to enable pupils to access the full curriculum

Aims

In order to promote a creative and challenging curriculum all children will:

• Know and use the vocabulary associated with computer science and technology

• Keep themselves and others safe online

• Know how digital systems work

• Develop understanding of programming

• Use technology to work collaboratively and to express themselves

• Every child has access to a chromebook (KS2) or ipad (KS1)    

Implementation

Teaching of Computing is based on the National Curriculum and supported by the Kapow scheme of work  and Education for a Connected World.  There are four strands of computing: computer science, information technology, digital literacy and online safety.  The children are taught computing skills and online safety discretely and have the opportunity to apply them in other subjects as appropriate.  Online Safety is taught at the beginning of every computing lesson.       

The units for key stages 1 and 2 are a spiral curriculum. This means that each theme is revisited regularly (at least once in every year group), consolidating and building on prior learning within that theme. This style of curriculum design reduces the amount of knowledge lost through forgetting, as topics are revisited yearly. It also ensures that connections are made in consecutive years.

Computing is taught weekly at Hazelwood Academy.  A typical lesson is an hour with the first fifteen minutes being spent on Online Safety.  The lesson then uses modelling and examples to introduce and develop the main computing knowledge and/or skill.  The pupils work on high quality, engaging tasks with time to reflect and assess their learning:  what have they learned in the lesson and links to what they will be learning in the next lesson.