Computing

At Thurgoland School, we equip pupils with the skills and understanding to use computers and equipment effectively. This helps pupils become confident, responsible users of a range of technology. Our Computing curriculum is split into three strands. These are Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy.

Intent

We aim to:

• provide an engaging, thought-provoking, and relevant range of lessons that are adapted for accessibility by all pupils.

• develop pupils’ computational thinking and transferrable computing skills to enable them to adapt to new technologies as they emerge. This ensures pupils know how to use technology and how to be creators of new technology.

• provide pupils with the tech literacy skills they need to succeed in the digitally driven world of today.

• enhance learning across the curriculum by integrating skills into other subjects. We believe pupils’ excellent understanding of digital literacy skills is essential to ensure they are competent and confident users of technology and, importantly, know how to use such technology in a safe and responsible manner.

 

Our computing curriculum teaches pupils how they can keep themselves safe. This includes across a range of online and gaming platforms, including social media. Online safety is taught explicitly within computing sessions and wider curriculum activities. We work with pupils’ families to ensure our pupils know what to do to keep safe online. We share how to deal with any problems and what they should do if they are concerned or worried.


Implementation

In EYFS, pupils have access to a range of age-appropriate technology and programs, which they use and investigate during continuous provision. Pupils in EYFS are introduced to online safety and are taught simple strategies of how to keep themselves safe whilst online. Our curriculum has been written to support all pupils. Each lesson is sequenced so that it builds on the learning from the previous lesson, and where appropriate, activities are scaffolded so that all pupils can succeed, thrive and be challenged. Exploratory tasks foster a deeper understanding of a concept, encouraging pupils to apply their learning in different contexts and make connections with other learning experiences.

 

The units for key stages 1 and 2 are based on a spiral curriculum. This means that each of the themes is revisited regularly, and pupils revisit each theme through a new unit that consolidates and builds on prior learning within that theme. Computing skills are taught both discretely and cross-curricular, supporting other areas of learning across the school.

 

In Key Stage 1, pupils select and use technology purposefully and safely. They build on their prior introduction to online safety. Pupils are exposed to and start to understand algorithms. They begin to create and debug simple, age-appropriate programs.

 

In Key Stage 2, pupils build upon their understanding of algorithms. They use these to design, write and debug programs that achieve a specific outcome. Pupils continue to use logical reasoning to overcome errors within such programs.

 

Key Stage 2 enables pupils to develop an understanding of computer networks, including the internet. Using their understanding of online safety, they explore the opportunities the World Wide Web can provide us. This includes for communication and collaboration.

Impact

The impact of our Computing curriculum is that pupils develop their curiosity, enjoyment and confidence necessary to succeed in the digitally driven world of today. In addition, we measure the impact of our curriculum through the following methods:

  • A reflection on National Curriculum aims and content achieved against the planned outcomes.
  • Pupils evaluating the technology they have used and the products they have created.
  • Pupils using information and communication technology confidently and responsibly.
  • Pupil discussion about their learning.
  • Pupils using their skills in other curriculum areas.

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Thurgoland C of E Primary School
Halifax Road
Thurgoland
Sheffield
S35 7AL

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