Computing

Intent, Implementation and Impact

Intent:

Computer technology is ever evolving and impacts each child in all aspects of their learning. A high-quality computing curriculum enables children to use computational thinking and creativity which helps them to understand the world around them. Computing has links with mathematics, science and design technology giving scope for cross curricular learning. Computer science teaches the principles of how digital systems work and how to use this knowledge through programming. Computing also enables children to be computer literate, something which is becoming increasingly important. Children are taught to use computers safely and effectively whilst being aware of their digital footprint in the world.

Implementation:

Computing at Martham Academy uses the Rising star’s ‘Switched On:Computing‘ as a guide to creating engaging lessons which are enriched with cross-curricular content and real world contexts. These cross-curricular links motivate children as well as supporting them to make connections for themselves. 

Each half term a new project starts following the ‘we are…’ titles. This gives children a clear indication of what they will be achieving in that unit. This gives a clear and balanced coverage of computer science, information technology and digital literacy in each year group. As children progress through their years, they will build on their experiences of the three key strands and the subject knowledge imparted will become increasingly specific and more complex skills will be taught, thus ensuring that learning is scaffolded and all National curriculum requirements are covered. 

Internet safety is embedded in the computing curriculum and as well as being taught discreetly, is also referred back to in many units of work. We have an E-Safety policy that provides guidance for adults and children about how to use the internet safely. All children are given the knowledge and guidance to keep safe online as they begin to develop their computer literacy.

Impact:

Our computing curriculum is aimed at preparing children for a life with technology. We maintain a consistent approach across the school and have a clear progression. We measure the impact of our curriculum by assessing against the following criteria:

• Children can understand what they have learnt and begin to apply principles, logic and algorithms outside of their computing lessons. 

• Children can begin to analyse and understand problems or errors that have been made. Debugging an algorithm to find a solution. 

• Children can evaluate the effectiveness of software/ hardware and can use this evaluation to best choose the software/hardware for the job. 

• Children are responsible and competent with their use of technology and are confident with their understanding of the digital footprint they make.

KEY QUESTIONS OUR CHILDREN EXPLORE IN COMPUTING

WHAT OUR CHILDREN LEARN IN COMPUTING