Curriculum - Computing
At Bridgtown Primary school, we are always looking forward to the future and thinking about how our children will be experiencing and adapting to our ever-changing world. Computing and technology are central to this. In modern society, computing impacts upon every area of our daily lives. A high-quality computing education will enable pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and make changes to the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology. Furthermore, computing skills can be used in every subject to research and present information.
Curriculum Rationale
Curriculum Rationale – Computing
Bridgtown Primary is committed to delivering a top-tier computing education, empowering our students to apply computational thinking and creativity for a profound understanding of and influence on the world. Computing plays a significant part of everyone’s daily life. Computational thinking is a skill in which children must be taught if they are to be able to participate effectively in a digitally reliant world. This education will not only foster responsible, competent, confident, and creative users of information technology but will also emphasise the importance of making thoughtful choices in the online realm. We want our pupils to understand that there is a choice when being online and as a school we will explore technology to model positive use.
It is our intent that pupils will leave Bridgtown Primary School as digitally literate individuals capable of navigating and contributing to an ever-expanding digital landscape safely and creatively. Our pupils will be taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building upon this foundation, students will be equipped to design programs, systems, and various digital content. Emphasis will also be placed on nurturing digital literacy, ensuring that students can express themselves confidently and securely in the digital world.
Our implementation is to teach Computing in accordance with the National Curriculum. Computing is taught using resources from ‘Teach Computing’ at the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE), who aim to improve the provision of computing education in England. Online safety is taught using Project Evolve resources.
The computing curriculum is sequenced in a way that builds upon prior knowledge and acknowledges that children are exposed to modern computing every day. We encourage discussion and activities that enable the children to think about how they use technology safely and respectfully in everyday life outside of the school environment. Furthermore, we encourage technology to be used as a tool across the curriculum enabling children to develop skills, knowledge and confidence ensuring that computing is a subject which is cross curricular.
Our skills progression grids cover the three key areas of Computing:
- Digital Literacy
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
The curriculum we deliver is designed to make learning in Computing enjoyable and meaningful. At Bridgtown, we consistently delve into the 'why' behind the children's learning, fostering not just 'how' but a deep understanding of the subject. The study of Computing will empower children with essential life skills, including problem-solving, logical thinking, and self-evaluation. By the end of their time at Bridgtown Primary School, students will possess the skills and knowledge needed to use technology safely and effectively, understanding the implications of online activities and maintaining awareness of how to ensure their own online safety.
Computing in EYFS
The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum supports children’s understanding of Computing across the whole curriculum. Children begin to learn about computing right from the beginning of their education at Bridgtown Primary School, where they are encouraged to safely use different devices. This supports pupils’ development by helping them to take turns, practise communication, use their fine and gross motor skills and number. Computing also helps children’s understanding of the ever-changing world. We recognise that even our youngest pupils start school with an understanding of some of the technology around them.
What does Computing look like in EYFS?
Computing in KS1 & KS2
Our Computing curriculum is designed:
- To stimulate curiosity and excitement in the subject and to enable them to develop computational thinking and creativity
- To support pupils to safely and securely navigate an ever-expanding digital landscape
- To provide a relevant, progressive and well-structured Computing curriculum which enables children to develop and master a broad knowledge and wide range of skills
Our Computing curriculum is structured providing for each key stage and year group:
- A clear list of end points
- Progressive knowledge and skills which will shape children as computational thinkers
- A clear list of vocabulary both appropriate to Computing and progressive through the key stages
