Computing - Intent, Implementation and Impact
Intent
We aim to prepare our children for a rapidly changing world through the use of technology at St William’s. Our high-quality computing curriculum is designed to enable them to use computational thinking and creativity to further understand our world.
Our curriculum design has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology. At the core of our computing curriculum 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, we intend for our children to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content.
We aim to ensure 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.
Implementation
- A clear and effective, bespoke cross curricular scheme of work that provides coverage in line with the National Curriculum. Teaching and learning should facilitate progression across all key stages within the strands of digital literacy, information technology and computer science
- Access to resources which aid in the acquisition of skills and knowledge.
- Children will have access to the hardware (computers, tablets, programmable equipment) and software that they need to develop knowledge and skills of digital systems and their applications
- A clear and effective scheme of work that provides coverage in line with the National Curriculum.
- Teaching and learning should facilitate progression across all key stages within the strands of digital literacy, information technology and computer science. Children will have the opportunity to explore and respond to key issues such as digital communication, cyber-bullying, online safety, security, plagiarism and social media.
- Wider Curriculum links and opportunities for the safe use of digital systems are considered in wider curriculum planning.
- The importance of online safety is paramount with teachers delivering half termly lessons on e-safety in addition to their computing lessons.
- Parents are informed when issues relating to online safety arise and further information/support is provided if required.
As well as opportunities underpinned within the scheme of work, children will also spend time further exploring the key issues associated with online safety.
Impact
Pupil Voice
Through discussion, demonstrations and feedback, children talk enthusiastically about Computing and understand the importance of this subject. They can talk with confidence about the topics they covered in Computing using appropriate vocabulary.
Children will be confident users of technology, able to use it to accomplish a wide variety of goals, both at home and in school. They will have the knowledge and skills to do this in a safe way.
Monitoring
High standards are ensured through both internal moderation in staff meetings and externally: working collaboratively with other schools within the Bishop Hogarth Trust.
The quality of Computing lessons and pupil work is evaluated by learning walks, observations, teacher and pupil conferencing and work scrutinies. These inform future areas for improvement and the impact of any new initiatives
Assessment
Formative and summative assessment is used to assess progress.
Learning graphs and summative assessments for each unit of work support teachers in being able to assess for attainment and progress during at the end of each topic.