Computing Curriculum Statement

Our intent

Computing is such an integral part of the world we live in today: from the technology we hold in our hands to the global network of information around us.

Our aim is for children to become confident and digitally literate users of information technology.  This means that they can use their creativity to generate purposeful content using technology and empower them to use content created by others in a discerning and responsible way.  Being a responsible user of technology is about keeping yourself safe and being able to critically evaluate what you see and read online, but it is also about being a considerate member of your community, showing care and respect to others.

Computing is about more than just using technology, it is also a way of thinking, of understanding processes and systems that can be applied in different contexts.  When children are using code to create computer programs, we want them to be able to explain their understanding using appropriate vocabulary and show commitment to solving problems when things don’t work as expected.

Our vision for implementation

Digital literacy is explicitly taught at points throughout the year, and is a constant thread being reinforced whenever applicable.  All children should have an age-appropriate understanding of the potential dangers of using technology and feel confident and positive in their abilities to take appropriate action to keep themselves safe.  Children learn to evaluate what they see online, a consider the potential for misinformation, or unhelpful messages.  They also need to understand their own potential to do harm to others and take responsibility for their actions in the same way they would when interacting face to face.  We make use of quality resources, such as ThinkUKnow from CEOP to engage children and encourage critical thinking.

Children develop their skills using information technology to create content, building on them year by year.  They learn to work with different media, including text, images, sound and animation, and go on to combine them in different ways to make them more effective.  Children create for a purpose, developing their understanding of how information technology can support their work across the curriculum and how it is used in the wider world beyond school.

When teaching computer programming, we often start away from technology, to make sure that children understand the concepts behind the computer code they go on to use.   As children progress through the school, they build on the range and complexity of processes they can use, and we teach them the vocabulary they need to talk about algorithms, repetition, selection, variables and other computing concepts.

When we search for impact…

When we review and evaluate our planning, we will see progression in a range of computing skills.  Talking to children will reveal their engagement with computing, their understanding of its value and purpose and their ability to discuss ideas and concepts using appropriate vocabulary.  They will be able to talk about their use of information technology in a safe and responsible way.  In children’s work, we will see evidence of their developing technical skills, and their ability to apply these creatively for different purposes.  Children will show commitment and resilience when solving problems using technology.  They will leave Willow Brook well equipped to use their computing skills in the next stage of their learning, and in the wider world.

Progression

Please find our Computing Progression document