Computing
“Computers are going to be a big part of our future… and that future is yours to shape” - Barack Obama
Computing Lead - Mrs Sarah Parekh
Intent
At St Dennis Primary Academy, our intent for the computing curriculum is to provide a high-quality education that equips all pupils with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly digital world. We aim to foster a love for computing and technology, encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Our curriculum is designed to align with the National Curriculum and the Teach Computing Curriculum, ensuring that our students are well-prepared for future challenges and opportunities.
We focus on developing students' digital literacy, enabling them to use technology safely, responsibly, and effectively. This includes understanding online safety, digital footprints, and the importance of protecting personal information. Our curriculum encourages students to think logically and systematically, promoting computational thinking through problem-solving activities and coding exercises. This approach helps students develop skills that are applicable across various subjects and real-life situations.
We also provide opportunities for students to express their creativity through technology. By engaging in projects that involve programming, digital art, and multimedia presentations, students learn to innovate and create original content. Collaboration is another key aspect of our curriculum; we promote teamwork through group projects and peer-to-peer learning, helping students communicate effectively using digital tools. This prepares them for collaboration in both academic and professional settings.
Understanding the principles of computer science is integral to our curriculum. Students learn about algorithms, data representation, and the workings of hardware and software, which lays a strong foundation for more advanced studies in technology. We connect computing lessons to real-world applications, demonstrating how technology impacts various fields such as science, art, and business. This relevance helps students appreciate the importance of computing in everyday life.
By equipping students with essential computing skills, we prepare them for future educational and career opportunities in a technology-driven world. Our curriculum aims to inspire the next generation of innovators, creators, and problem solvers.
At St Dennis Primary Academy, our computing intent is to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that empowers students to become confident and competent users of technology. By aligning our curriculum with the National Curriculum and the Teach Computing Curriculum, we ensure that our students are not only prepared for the challenges of today but also equipped to shape the future. Through a focus on digital literacy, computational thinking, creativity, and collaboration, we aim to inspire a lifelong passion for computing and technology in every child.
Implementation
At St Dennis Primary Academy, our implementation of the computing curriculum is designed to provide a structured and engaging learning experience that aligns with the National Curriculum and the principles of the Teach Computing curriculum. We are committed to delivering a comprehensive computing education that equips our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate an increasingly digital world.
Our approach begins with a well-planned curriculum that covers the key areas outlined in the National Curriculum, including computer science, information technology, and digital literacy. We ensure that each year group builds on prior knowledge, allowing students to develop their skills progressively. Lessons are designed to be interactive and hands-on, incorporating a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles. This includes direct instruction, collaborative group work, and independent projects, ensuring that all students are actively engaged in their learning.
To enhance our computing curriculum, we integrate resources and tools from Digital Learning Cornwall, which provides access to a wealth of digital resources, training, and support. This partnership allows us to stay current with technological advancements and best practices in digital education. We utilise a range of software and hardware, including coding platforms, robotics, and multimedia tools, to provide students with practical experiences that reinforce their learning.
In addition to traditional computing skills, we place a strong emphasis on online safety and digital citizenship. Our curriculum includes lessons on responsible internet use, understanding digital footprints, and protecting personal information. We believe that fostering a safe and respectful online environment is essential for our students as they engage with technology.
Furthermore, we encourage parental involvement and communication regarding our computing curriculum. We provide resources and information to parents, helping them understand the importance of digital literacy and how they can support their children’s learning at home.
In summary, our implementation of the computing curriculum at St Dennis Primary Academy is designed to provide a rich and engaging educational experience that aligns with the National Curriculum. By focusing on progressive skill development, practical application, online safety, and community involvement, we aim to prepare our students to be confident, responsible, and innovative users of technology in their future endeavours.
SEND
We aim to enable all children to achieve to their full potential. This includes children of all abilities, social and cultural backgrounds, those with disabilities, EAL speakers and children with special educational needs or disabilities. We place particular emphasis on the flexibility technology brings to allowing pupils to access learning opportunities, particularly pupils with SEN and disabilities. With this in mind, we ensure additional access to technology is provided throughout the school day and in some cases beyond the school day.
Computing is used to support children with SEND across other areas of the curriculum, for example, some children use laptops to record their work. Others use computer programs that give them the opportunity to complete independent learning at a level to suit their academic need.
Computing lessons are accessed by learners with special educational needs and disabilities in the same ways as their peers as modifications or adjustments are made to aim to ensure this. To enhance the computing curriculum for some children with SEND, peer mentoring and collaborative work are used where necessary. Accessibility options are adapted to suit individual needs, while personal computers with adapted features are used for individuals who benefit from specific features.
Alternative approaches for recording are available and the school has purchased software to enable children to record work in a variety of ways.
Where a child is unable to use a particular type of equipment, assessment is based on the understanding of the processes used in computing. This could be elicited through written or verbal responses or through the use of alternative equipment or software.
Enrichment
At St Dennis Primary Academy, we aim to enhance and extend the core curriculum, providing students with exciting opportunities to explore technology beyond the classroom. Through extracurricular clubs, coding workshops, and collaborative projects, we encourage creativity and innovation while fostering a passion for computing. Our pupils engage with a variety of digital tools and resources, allowing them to develop essential skills in programming, digital literacy, and online safety. By participating in competitions and community events, students gain confidence and experience in applying their computing knowledge in real-world contexts. Our enrichment activities aim to inspire the next generation of digital creators and problem solvers, preparing them for a technology-driven future.
Impact
At St Dennis Primary Academy, our primary computing education program has a significant and transformative impact on our students, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge for the digital age. Key impacts include:
- Development of Computational Thinking: Students learn to approach problems logically and creatively, enhancing their ability to think critically and solve complex challenges.
- Hands-On Experience: Through engaging activities such as coding, robotics, and multimedia projects, students gain practical skills that boost their confidence in using technology effectively.
- Emphasis on Online Safety: Our curriculum prioritises online safety and digital citizenship, teaching students the importance of responsible internet use and helping them navigate the digital world with integrity.
- Fostering Creativity and Innovation: Students are encouraged to express themselves through various digital mediums, promoting creativity and inspiring a lifelong passion for computing.
- Extracurricular Engagement: Participation in coding clubs, technology competitions, and workshops enhances the learning experience, providing additional opportunities for skill development and collaboration.
- Preparation for the Future: Our comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-prepared to thrive in an increasingly digital future, becoming confident, skilled, and responsible technology users.
We measure the impact of our curriculum through the following methods:
- Formative assessment through observations and viewing completed work in lessons
- Conversations with pupils through pupil conferencing by the subject leader
- Summative assessment through teacher assessment
- Annual reporting to parents
- Assessment of work in other curriculum areas where computing skills have been applied
How does computing promote British Values?
Children learn to understand rules and why they are important through using the internet to search and communicate safely. This relates to appropriate conduct and to laws in place in this country regarding such activity. Freedom of speech and the right to make choices are discussed in the computing curriculum whilst at the same time being a respectful digital citizen to remain safe and to respect others. As children move through the school, they learn more about using technology in a positive way and how to leave a positive digital footprint as what they say has an impact on their lives and the lives of others. They also learn about keeping safe and making informed choices and decisions, including what to do if they feel uncomfortable with any online material they see.
How does computing promote spiritual, moral, social and cultural development?
As children start to communicate online, they learn that their communications can positively or negatively affect others. Through emailing classmates, they gain a sense of empathy with others, concern and compassion.
Our learners have the opportunity to apply learning from PSHE and use communication programs and applications to show respect for others’ needs, interests and feelings, as well as their own. Years 5 and 6 take part in a Stay Safe workshop each year, which allows children to think through the consequences of their actions and other actions regarding online behaviour and cyber-bullying.
Safer Internet Day and units within the long-term plan build learners’ understanding of their rights and responsibilities when online, and how their actions online can influence and affect others. Learners are taught from an early age to respect other people and property through working collaboratively and using new equipment.
Computational thinking encourages our children to develop and explore their problem-solving skills. Computing empowers them to apply their computing skills and to gain knowledge of how programming links between subjects. Our children explore how developments in technology have changed our culture, particularly the rise in social networking sites and the ability to communicate instantly across National and International borders.
How to help at home?
BBC Bitesize has a range of Computing lessons and activities to support your child’s knowledge and understanding of computing. These resources range from Year 1 to Year 6.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zvnrq6f
‘Hour of Code’ has fun activities that will aid children’s learning of coding skills.
Children will also be able to access many of the apps and websites we have learned to use at school such as:
Using computers and tablets to engage with other subject areas for home learning will also contribute to developing your child’s digital fluency.