Computing

We develop ‘thinkers of the future’. Pupils learn computational thinking and creativity which enables them to become active participants in the digital world. They understand how to use the ever-changing technology to express themselves and as tools for learning.


Our children understand the advantages and disadvantages associated with online experiences. They develop as respectful, responsible and confident users of technology, aware of measures that can be taken to keep themselves and others safe online.


Our computing curriculum is designed to balance acquiring a broad and deep knowledge alongside opportunities to apply skills in various digital contexts. Beyond teaching computing discreetly, we give pupils the opportunity to apply and develop what they have learnt across the curriculum.



Intent

All pupils have the right to an engaging, immersive and comprehensive curriculum that not only meets the content of the National Curriculum but provides the children with a solid understanding of an ever-changing technological world. We believe ‘computational thinking’ and ‘creativity’ is the backbone that children must be taught if they are to effectively participate in this digital world in a productive yet safe way.


Through the study of Computing, children will develop a wide range of fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding that will enable them to take a proactive role in everyday life. In fact, a lack of these skills would put children at a major disadvantage and therefore reduce their options as they grow. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology. However, we aim to incorporate Computing within all subjects as we should not subject both children and adults to a constrained curriculum that inhibits creativity and understanding.

It is our intention to provide a robust curriculum, using Digital Learning Cornwall resources, which aims to nourish children and, through ‘computational thinking’, provide essential knowledge that the children can continuously build upon outside of our schools. 


Implementation
 We aim to ensure children are active, resilient users of technology and that teachers use ‘unplugged’ activities to solidify the varied concepts of the curriculum before moving onto the more technology driven aspects. We believe that there are many advantages to pursuing ‘unplugged’ activities as much as possible, particularly within the early years and KS1 – where classrooms often act as a well-needed sanctuary away from the bombardment of screen-based activities elsewhere in children’s lives. Unplugged activities carry inherent advantages in terms of teacher’s perceptions, resource reliability, and practicalities in a classroom.

We ensure that appropriate use of technology will enhance learning at all stages of school life and that it is not used as a sole means of driving the computing curriculum. 

Our framework is mapped into three main content areas: 

The knowledge of computers and computation, including concepts such as data, system architecture, algorithms and programming. It is seen as the core of computing and underpins the whole subject.

Information technology focuses on how computers function and how they are used in society to create digital artefacts such as presentations, spreadsheets and videos.

Digital literacy is the skills and knowledge required to be an effective, safe and discerning user of a range of computer systems. This covers the use of devices, searching and selecting information and how to use devices safely and responsibly at all times.

Using the Digital Learning Cornwall scheme, we ensure that the National Curriculum objectives are securely taught in a broad but balanced and ambitious manner. Materials are available through the DLCornwall site in a way that provides a simple and accessible route for teachers. The READ FIRST one-page documents explain how to interpret the materials to provide inspiring yet accessible sessions. Progression through the scheme is based on key items of knowledge and skills being re-visited and expanded upon, allowing children to build solid foundations in their long-term understanding of Computing.


Impact

Our curriculum equips children with the skills to become digitally literate and able to join the rest of the world on its digital platform. Not only will they be able to interact with society in a more technological fashion, they will be fully equipped to interact safely – a key aspect that cannot be taken lightly. The biggest impact we want on our children is that they understand the consequences of using the internet and that they are also aware of how to keep themselves safe online.


In addition to safety, we measure the impact of our curriculum through the following methods:

 


Computing Curriculum Overview St Petroc's.pdf