Computing
Intent
All pupils at Wistaston Academy have the right to have rich, deep learning experiences that balance all the aspects of computing. With technology playing such a significant role in society today, we believe ‘Computational thinking’ is a skill children must be taught if they are to be able to participate effectively and safely in this digital world. We intend to build a high-quality computing curriculum that equips pupils with the skills and knowledge to live safely in an increasingly digital British society. The computing curriculum equips children with the cultural capital needed to be active members of society. It has been designed to be ambitious and meet the needs of all pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND. Whilst at WA, pupils learn to evaluate, adapt and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, PHSE and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. By the time children leave WA, they become digitally literate so that they are able to express themselves and develop their ideas through information and computer technology– at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world. Our children will develop a love of computing and be provided with the ability to enhance their knowledge, skills and understanding through different types of media whilst keeping safety at the forefront of their minds.
The aims of our Computing curriculum are to develop pupils who:
- Are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.
- Know how to keep themselves safe whilst using technology and on the internet and be able to minimise risk to themselves and others.
- Can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience writing computer programs in order to solve such problems.
- Can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation.
- Become digitally literate and are active participants in a digital world.
- Understand the importance of governance and legislation regarding how information is used, stored, created, retrieved, shared and manipulated.
- Have a ‘can do’ attitude when engaging with technology and its associated resources.
- Utilise computational thinking beyond the Computing curriculum.
- Understand and follow the SMART E-Safety rules, knowing that these can keep them safe online.
- Know who to contact if they have concerns.
Implementation
The curriculum is led and overseen by two computing leads, who are supported by the STEM pod and work alongside class teachers and teaching assistants. Together they plan, monitor and continually evaluate the computing taught at WA in order to ensure it is effective, exciting and continually improving.
The curriculum at WA is implemented through:
- A wide variety of enrichment opportunities e.g. Engineering Day, links with Bentley, coding club and E-safety Day.
- Cross-curricular teaching where computing is used to enhance children’s learning.
- Regular feedback from teachers which not only addresses misconceptions but also deepens, challenges and supports learning.
- The use of regular formative assessment to track progress and identify gaps in children’s computing skills to inform future learning.
- The use of clear and progressive objectives that ensure children build on prior learning.
- Children are immersed in a language-rich curriculum and there is a strong focus on the explicit teaching of vocabulary.
- Clear effective planning ensures coverage of the National Curriculum objectives.
- The use of high-quality resources to enhance children’s proficiency.
- Assemblies and class discussions which highlight the importance of online safety.
- Parents are informed when issues relating to online safety arise and further information/support is provided if required.
- The curriculum is implemented differently across the Key Stages to reflect the needs of the children.
- In EYFS computing is covered through the technology strand of Development Matters and is used throughout the environment, with designated areas.
- In KS1 and KS2, computing is taught across the curriculum.
Impact
- Children will be enthusiastic about and enjoy computing
- Children will develop a sound and coherent understanding of computing
- Children will become increasingly critical and analytical within their thinking, making informed and balanced judgements based upon their knowledge.
- Children will become increasingly aware of how computing has shaped the world in which they currently live.
- Children will develop an understanding of how to stay safe online.
- Children will develop their curiosity, pursuing their own interests and making decisions within computing.
- Over their time at Wistaston Academy, children will have had opportunities to learn about the computing industry through a range of visitors and extra-curricular experiences.
- Children will make connections between what they have previously learned and what they are currently learning which will embed computing knowledge in their long-term memory.
- Disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND achieve the best possible outcomes in computing.
- Children will leave WA with the skills, knowledge and attitude that will allow them embrace the next stage in their education.
