Computing

Intent

At Gwladys Street Primary we aim to deliver a high-quality Computing curriculum which should engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own digital content and stay safe when using technology.

We will aim to do this by:

  • Nurturing and developing creativity and imagination within the subject, and fostering an interest that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
  • Encouraging children to take risks and experiment, and then reflect on why some ideas and techniques are successful or not.
  • Giving all children opportunities to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of Computing.
  • Building on prior knowledge – this is a key part of our curriculum, allowing children to become fluent in understanding the impact Computing has on daily life and the wider world..

Implementation 

We focus our teaching on three main themes of computing; Digital Literacy, Computer Science and Online Safety These are revisited year on year where pupils progressively build their skills and knowledge. In addition to this we provide specialist computing teaching to pupils in across the school and frequently revisit online safety through themed days.

Computing subject specific characteristics, which we expect the children to demonstrate, have been developed and shared with all stakeholders. These characteristics underpin all work in computing and form a focal point for display areas and provide a common subject specific vocabulary for staff and pupils. These characteristics are:

  • Competence in coding for a variety of practical and inventive purposes, including the application of ideas within other subjects.
  • The ability to connect with others safely and respectfully, understanding the need to act within the law and with moral and ethical integrity. An understanding of the connected nature of devices.
  • The ability to communicate ideas well by using applications and devices throughout the curriculum.
  • The ability to collect, organise and manipulate data effectively.

Impact

In Computing, we would like to ensure that all children leave with an enthusiasm and enjoyment for Computing, with an eagerness to develop their Computing skills further.

We use both formative and summative assessment information in every computing lesson. Staff use this information to inform their short-term planning. This helps us provide the best possible support for all of our pupils, including the more able. The assessment milestones for each phase have been carefully mapped out and further broken down for each year group. This means that skills in computing are progressive and build year on year. 

Assessment information is collected frequently and analysed as part of our monitoring cycle. This process provides an accurate and comprehensive understanding of the quality of education in computing. A comprehensive monitoring cycle is developed at the beginning of each academic year. This identifies when monitoring is undertaken.

All of this information is gathered and reviewed. It is used to inform further curriculum developments and provision is adapted accordingly.

 

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