Rationale:

The use of computers and computer systems is an integral part of the National Curriculum and knowing how they work is a key life skill. In an increasingly digital world, there now exists a wealth of software, tools and technologies that can be used to communicate, collaborate, express ideas and create digital content. ICT promotes initiative, independent and resilient learning, with pupils being able to make informed judgements about when and where to use Computing to its best effect. At Burradon Community Primary we recognise that pupils are entitled to a broad and balanced computing education with a structured, progressive, approach to the learning how computer systems work, the use of IT and the skills necessary to become digitally literate and participate fully in the modern world. We believe that our Computing curriculum prepares pupils to participate in a rapidly changing world in which they work and other activities are increasingly transformed by access to varied and developing technology. Our curriculum takes it aim from all of our core values, across Digital Literacy, Information Technology and Computer Science:

Be curious about the world around you, ask questions and investigate.

Care and respect yourself, other people, our school and the wider world.

Persevere and be resilient - be the best you can.

Stay safe, make sensible choices and do things that make you happy.

Intent:

Our Computing curriculum aims are to provide a broad, balanced, challenging and enjoyable curriculum for all pupils whilst meeting the requirements of the national curriculum programmes of study for Computing at Key Stage 1 and 2. Computing also aims to interlink between aspects of the EYFS framework. Computing has links with mathematics, science and design and technology with insights into both natural and artificial systems. Computer Science is the core of computing where children are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. The curriculum aims to develop pupil’s computational thinking skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. This includes equipping pupils with the confidence and skills to use digital tools and technologies throughout their lives; developing the understanding of how to use computers and digital tools safely and responsibly and responding to new developments in technology. Computing at Burradon also aims to enhance and enrich learning in other areas of the curriculum using IT and computing.

Implementation: Teaching and Learning:

At Burradon Community Primary School Computing is taught as a discrete lesson and is used as an effective teaching tool across all areas of the curriculum. This ensures children are able to develop depth in their knowledge and skills over the duration of each of their computing topics. The principle aim is to develop children’s knowledge, skills, confidence and understanding in relation to Information Technology, Computer Science and Digital Literacy.

A variety of teaching methods are employed to enable children to experience working as an individual, in pairs, in groups and as a whole class. Children will engage in practical computing lessons using a variety of software and equipment designed to engage learners and to enhance and develop computing skills and knowledge. We have Chromebooks, computers, iPads and CleverTouch boards to ensure that all year groups have the opportunity to use a range of devices and programs for many purposes across the wider curriculum. Where possible, employing cross-curricular links motivates pupils and supports them to make connections and remember the steps they have been taught. Our 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 scaffolded and all National Curriculum requirements are covered. Internet safety is taken extremely seriously and is embedded within our curriculum. We have an E-Safety Policy that provides guidance for teachers and children about how to use the internet safely. Each year group participates in lessons on E-Safety using Project Evolve which includes area of the RSE curriculum. Children understand how to stay safe when using technology and E-Safety House events and half termly assemblies are held regularly to address current issues.

School’s previous Ofsted inspection found that, “The safety and well-being of pupils are of the utmost importance to leaders and the whole school community” and “In school, pupils learn how to keep themselves safe, including online”. Ofsted, 2022

What do our children think of Computing?

EYFS: 

Year 1:

Computing is very fun and you learn things. I like using the Beebots and to keep you safe, tell a grown up if something isn't what you wanted. 

Year 2:

Computing is fun, you can colour on it and go on 2Animate. We learn how to use the key board and teachers keep you safe. You shouldn't talk to strangers.

Year 3: 

I like computing because you learn new things and improve typing skills. We have lots of technology to use!

Year 4: 

I love computing! I enjoyed making Powerpoints and coding on Scratch. An algorithm is a set of instructions. When making games you debug to make sure it works.

Year 5:

You get to learn how to use more skills and go on games. You also get to code and it makes your skills better!

Year 6: 

You learn new techniques and find new websites. I like the 3D Modelling and creating presentations to actually present, like in the Lego Competition.