Computing Curriculum Statement
Intent
Through teaching Computing, and in line with the 2014 National Curriculum, our aim is to equip children to participate in a rapidly changing world where work and leisure activities are increasingly transformed by technology. Our aim is for children to:
- understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation;
- analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems;
- evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems;
- be responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.
Computing skills are a major factor in enabling children to be confident, creative and independent learners and it is our intention that children have every opportunity available to allow them to achieve this.
Implementation
At Castle View Primary School, computing is taught using a blocked curriculum approach. Our topic led curriculum links our computing with other areas of learning including mathematics, science and design and technology.
This ensures that children are able to develop depth in their knowledge and skills over the duration of each of their computing topics. Teachers use the LPDS (Lancashire Professional Development Service) scheme of work to deliver the topics but may supplement other materials to ensure the curriculum meets our children’s needs. Online Safety is taught both throughout the year and dynamically as the need arises. The school has a range of computers, laptops and iPads that can be used for a range of purposes – for discrete teaching of computing and for use across the wider curriculum.
The school also provides an extra-curricular coding club, in addition to offering computing workshops (visits out to link universities and computing workshops from visitors in school).
Impact
By building on their knowledge of computer science and how digital systems work, children are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Our computing curriculum also ensures that children become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.