Computing – Curriculum Intent
Purpose of Study: We aim for our children to – With technology playing a vital role in the local industry of Humberside and the wider world, we feel that a high-quality computing education is essential for children attending Sigglesthorne in order to reach their full potential. We want our pupils to have a breadth of experience to develop their understanding of themselves as individuals within their community but also as members of a wider global community and as responsible digital citizens.
Aims: In accordance with the 2014 National Curriculum, our lessons cover three core strands: Digital literacy, information technology and control systems. The objectives within each strand support the development of learning across the key stages, ensuring a solid grounding for future learning and beyond.
Computing can provide a wealth of learning opportunities and transferable skills explicitly within the Computing lesson and across other curriculum subjects.
Attainment Targets: By the end of each key stage, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study.
How do we achieve our aims? Teachers’ own use of Computing in lessons is also an essential part of preparing engaging, motivating lessons for pupils. Within the academic year, children study Computing in blocks, as outlined in the overall curriculum framework overview. The implementation of the curriculum also ensures a balanced coverage of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. The children will have experiences of all three strands in each year group, but the subject knowledge imparted becomes increasingly specific and in depth, with more complex skills being taught, thus ensuring that learning is built upon.
Knowledge and skills are mapped across each topic and year group to ensure systematic progression. We have Chromebooks and iPads for use across the school. There is the opportunity to use a range of devices and programs for many purposes across the wider curriculum, as well as in discrete computing lessons.
Units of work are carefully sequenced so prior knowledge and concepts are built upon to develop digital literacy, an awareness of online safety and a progressive knowledge of computer science. As well as the benefits of ICT, we are also aware of the risks. E-Safety is the regular focus of Termly worships and Digital Leaders are selected in each class to promote this.
How we will know we have achieved our aims? Children will be confident users of technology, able to use it to accomplish a wide variety of goals, both at home and in school.
Children will have a secure and comprehensive knowledge of the implications of technology and digital systems. This is important in a society where technologies and trends are rapidly evolving.
Children will be able to apply the British values of democracy, tolerance, mutual respect, rule of law and liberty when using digital systems.
