INTENT

The Computing curriculum at Fittleworth C of E Primary School seeks to equip pupils with the skills needed to use digital devices, create digital content and stay safe. At the heart of the curriculum is the development of skills and knowledge of computational thinking, which encourages problem solving and analytical thinking. Computing has strong links/ connections with mathematics, science and design technology as well as previous learning to build on their learning. It is our intent that pupils are able to use their developing skills to support learning in other curriculum areas. Pupils should gain understanding of how digital systems work and understand the basics of computer science. Through a range of different opportunities, pupils will learn to use technology creatively to author digital content and to understand the principles of how to protect themselves and stay safe when using digital services including the internet. They will also learn the respect others and be responsible users. 

We aim to ensure children are confident, responsible and 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. We want the children to 'Let your light shine' within the digital world they live in.

At Fittleworth C of E Primary School, we base our Computing curriculum on the Purple Mash scheme of work and Teach Computing which ensures pupils gain a solid grasp of the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to move onto further study at KS3. We use a range of other programs to deliver the content and skills but the scheme is there to ensure coverage and progression.

IMPLEMENTATION

* Pupils are taught the age-related objectives outlined in the computing section of the National Curriculum.

Pupils in early years will develop computing skills through the connections within their curriculum.

Lessons will be adapted so they are inclusive for all learners. 

* Pupils are taught the principles of how to stay safe when using digital services as appropriate for their age. Following the digital literacy objectives in our scheme and ensuring we cover those in the E4S.

* The computing curriculum is divided into three main areas, which although distinct, remain linked. These areas are Digital Literacy, Information Technology and Computer Science. 

*Computer Science is taught through a series of progressive lessons that closely matches the national curriculum requirements.

* Teachers will help the pupils to acquire the vocabulary and syntax needed to write and debug simple computer programs.

* In Key Stage One, pupils will learn to ‘control’ robotic toys and give clear instructions.

* Teachers will make continual assessments during each unit of work and make formal assessments at the end of each unit. This will be used, to inform an end of-year assessment.

* Pupils who progress more quickly through the learning objectives should be challenged further to complete the objectives independently.

* Digital Literacy is interwoven throughout all lessons and focuses on recognising the use of information technology in the wider world, evaluating digital content and knowing how to use digital services respectfully and safely.

* E-Safety is taught distinctly and links are made with international initiatives such as Safer Internet Day.

* Information Technology is taught through links to other curriculum and topics. The diversity within our world will be celebrated through looking at those who have contributed to computing over the years and the careers available to all.

* Pupils use search technologies and a range of applications to create, store and retrieve digital content

* Increasingly, pupils will use digital services to support learning in different areas. This includes learning basic mathematics skills including times tables.

*Teachers will use this knowledge to help inform their assessment of their pupils.

IMPACT

Pupils will know how to use digital devices respectfully. They will know how to recognise risks online and understand how to seek help. Teachers will provide opportunities for pupils to have a broad and balanced curriculum and create a range of digital content including artwork, word-processed documents, spreadsheets, presentations and multi-media documents. Pupils will be able to create a simple computer program based on a given brief using a range of commands, variables and repetition. The skills will be assessed so next steps can be identified. The vast majority of pupils will leave Fittleworth C of E Primary School having met the criteria set out in the National Curriculum.