Computing

Curriculum Intent:

At the Village Schools Partnership, the Computing Curriculum will enable children to use the latest technologies to support them in all aspects of their lives and prepare them for an ever changing digital world.  Knowledge and understanding of Information Communication Technology (ICT) is of increasing importance for children’s future both at home and for employment. 

Our Computing Curriculum provides a wealth of learning opportunities to develop progression of skills in digital literacy, computer science, information technology and online safety to ensure that children become competent in safely using, as well as understanding, technology.

The Computing Curriculum strands are revisited repeatedly through a range of topics during children’s time in school to ensure the learning is embedded and skills are successfully developed. We aim for all of our children to leave Key Stage 2, with the knowledge and skills to be digitally literate so that they are prepared for future education and success in the workplace.

Implementation

The Village Schools Partnership Teachers and Staff will:

  • teach the National Curriculum, supported by developing a broad range of skills and understanding, which is built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children.
  • teach computing across three main strands: digital literacy, computer science and information technology. 
    • As part of information technology, children learn to use and express themselves and develop their ideas through ICT for example writing and presenting as well as exploring art and design using digital multimedia.
    •  Within digital literacy, children develop practical skills to be safe, responsible, competent and confident users of technology. Children will use these skills to solve relevant, worthwhile problems, for example, understanding safe use of internet, networks and email. 
    • In computer science, children will understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation. They will also analyse problems and have practical experience of writing computer programs to solve these problems.
  • teach a progression of Computing vocabulary to support children in their understanding.
  • give children access and opportunities to use a wide range of up-to-date digital devices and computer software as well as quality resources to apply their Computing knowledge and skills in lessons.
  • teach online safety within each Computing lesson as well as being taught as a unit each year to equip children to be able to make healthy, safe choices when online.
  • ensure everyone know the online safety procedures and that it is communicated to parents/ guardians.

Computing will be taught either in blocks or in weekly lessons, depending on which makes best use of learning time and first-hand learning opportunities.

Teachers will plan computing using our rolling programme of computing content:

Computing Curriculum 2023-24

Impact

The implementation of this curriculum ensures that when children leave our schools, they are competent and safe users of ICT with an understanding of how technology works. They will have developed skills to express themselves and be creative in using digital media and be equipped to apply their skills in Computing to different challenges going forward.