Computing aims to equip pupils with the knowledge to use computational thinking to become active participants in the digital world. Children should understand how to use the ever-changing technology to express themselves, whilst remaining respectful, responsible and confident users of technology, aware of how to stay safe online

Intent

In terms of delivering equity, we envisage by the end of Year 6 that our pupils will be confident, skilled and considerate users of technology in all its many forms.  Over and above possessing digital competencies, our pupils leave Gossops Green conscious of how to use technology with awareness of its impact on others, whether this relates to personal opinions and information shared or the importance of staying safe and mentally healthy when using digital platforms.

  • Progressive layering of knowledge, embedded in long-term memory, scaffolds pupils to:
  • Use technology effectively (e.g. computers, iPads/tablets)
  • Use the internet safely (digital literacy)
  • Understand and apply computer science principles (e.g. logic, algorithms, data representation)
  • Analyse problems in computational terms and solve these problems (e.g. debugging)
  • Evaluate and apply information technology (e.g. use of Microsoft office software)

Application of Conceptual Understanding – occurs when new information and ideas are incorporated into pupils’ existing knowledge through:

  • Expanding children’s personal development in creativity, independence, judgement and self-reflection
  • Developing responsible, competent and confident users of information and communication technology
  • Pupil’s effectively demonstrating their learning through creative use of technology
  • Pupil’s demonstrating resilience when faced with problems, using their computational thinking

We aim for our children to be able to apply their knowledge creatively to enable them to become skilful computer scientists. They will have an appreciation of how technology shapes the way we live and a genuine interest in how it is embedded in our day-to-day lives. We envisage by the end of Year 6 that our pupils will be confident, skilled and considerate users of technology in all its many forms.  Over and above possessing digital competencies, our pupils leave Waterfield conscious of how to use technology with awareness of its impact on others, whether this relates to personal opinions and information shared or the importance of staying safe and mentally healthy when using digital platforms.

Implementation

Our computing curriculum is a progressive, sequential journey of knowledge, skills and concepts from EYFS to Year 6, encompassing the depth and breadth of the computing curriculum. To achieve this we use the Purple Mash Scheme and online platforms.

The computing curriculum provides:

  • Opportunities to address potential cultural capital disadvantage
  • A focus on subject specific vocabulary to equip children with the language to express their computational knowledge with precision and confidence
  • Key outcomes, described as ‘sticky knowledge,’ which form the foundation of prior and subsequent learning
  • Higher order, subject-specific questions to assess knowledge and understanding
  • Enhanced learning through immersion in high quality resources
  • Adaptable approaches that enable all pupils opportunities to explore technology and experience success
  • Learning opportunities that heighten pupils’ awareness of the significance and impact of computing and technology on the quality and experience of life in the 21st century
  • Opportunities to embed an understanding of digital literacy
  • The knowledge needed for children to understand how to stay safe online. This is further embedded through the RSHE programme of study.