Intent

At Bishop Ridley C of E School our intention is to provide children with a high-quality education in computing. Through our computing curriculum, we aim to give our pupils the life-skills which will enable them to embrace and utilise new technology in a socially responsible and safe way. We wish to develop a love of computing and provide children with the ability to enhance their knowledge, skills and understanding through different types of media whilst keeping safety at the forefront of their minds.

Computing skills are a major factor in enabling children to be confident, creative and independent learners and it is our intention that every child has every opportunity to achieve this. It is important to us that the children understand how to use the everchanging technology to express themselves, as tools for learning and as a means to drive their generation forward into the future.

Implementation 

At Bishop Ridley, we follow the Teach Computing schemes of work from the National Centre for Computing Excellence (NCCE). From Years 1 – 6, the children will undertake lessons in the following areas: computing systems and networks, creating media (two units), programming (two units) and data and information.  

By following this scheme of work, progression is clear and helps the pupils to develop knowledge in the ‘pillars’ of computer science (CS), information technology (IT) and digital literacy (DL). Knowledge from each pillar complements the others, therefore it is vitally important that all are considered, planned for and assessed appropriately. 

Information Technology is the study, use and development of computer systems for storing, processing, retrieving and sending information.

Computer Science is the understanding of how computer networks work, algorithms, sequencing, selection and variables.

Digital Literacy is the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create and communicate information.

Our lessons will also include:

Unplugged lessons, particularly at the start of a unit of work, provide opportunities for assessment for learning.

Online safety starters will allow pupils to revisit, review and refresh their knowledge and understanding of how to stay safe online and how to report their concerns, building on learning undertaken as part of our PSHE curriculum and school initiatives, such as ‘Tell 5 People’.

Our scheme of work also allows for declarative and procedural knowledge to be developed and deepened at an age appropriate level. One example of this is in the definitions of ‘declarative’ and ‘procedural’. For example, in Key Stage 1, these could be described as ‘knowing that’ and ‘knowing how’, while as the children move into Upper Key Stage 2, the pupils could be better understood as the ‘subject knowledge and explicit vocabulary used’ and the ‘knowledge of methods or processes that can be performed’.

Impact

Schemes of work are designed to show progression of skills and understanding year on year, so that pupils leave us with a secure foundation in Computing as they move into secondary school.  At the end of each unit, teachers will make a professional judgement on whether pupils have met, exceeded or are working towards their objectives and record these judgements on Target Tracker. The Subject Leader will use these judgements to track and monitor achievement and progress.

Through effective implementation, pupils will have the understanding to apply their skills and knowledge in Computing to other areas of learning and will be prepared for the next stage in their lives, knowing how to be a responsible online and technological citizen.  This will also allow pupils to become more confident, competent and independent learners, as well as develop key life skills, such as problem solving and logical thinking. 

Progression and achievement will be evident in examples of work stored in shared areas, printed for the Subject Leader or displayed in the Computer Suite. Pupils will also be able to discuss their learning using appropriate vocabulary, including when talking about the three ‘pillars’ of Computing.