Curriculum Intent

At Istead Rise our teaching of computing intends to help children master the subject to such an extent that they can go on to have careers in this field and make use of computing effectively in their everyday lives, without being completely reliant on technology. Our children will be taught to use technology responsibly and carefully, being mindful of how their behaviour, words and actions can affect others. They will be taught computing in a way that ensures progression of skills, and follows a sequence to build on previous learning. We also aim to ensure that all children experience a wide range of technology in a way that will enhance their learning opportunities, enabling them to use technology across a range of subjects. It is our intention that children will understand and appreciate the value of computing in the context of their personal wellbeing and the technological, creative and cultural industries and their many career opportunities. 

The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all pupils:

• can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation

• can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems

• can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems

• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

Curriculum Implementation

At our school we subscribe to the online learning platform Kapow. This provides us with a broad and balanced computing curriculum that builds on previous learning, and provides both support and challenge for learners. As a result, our children enjoy and value computing and know why they are doing things, not just how. All classes will have a scheduled computing lesson each week and children have their own Computing folders which contain all written work and assessment papers.

In computing lessons teachers use the resources provided by Kapow to support children’s learning. New skills are taught in a sequential fashion so that children are able to build on their knowledge and skills week by week. The Kapow programme of study covers all of the National Curriculum requirements for each year group. This includes: computing networks and systems, programming, creating media, data handling and online safety. All children are given a Knowledge Organiser at the start of each unit. This is referred to during every computing lesson as it provides children with key information about their learning and allows them to revisit previous learning independently. 

As well as teaching children the skills required to use technology effectively and safely, we also want to ensure that computing is embedded in our whole school curriculum and that opportunities for enhancing learning through the use of technology are always taken. With this in mind, we have Chromebooks available for children to use when appropriate in other curriculum lessons. 

Teachers monitor progress in Computing is demonstrated through regularly reviewing children’s work and by providing children with ‘in the moment feedback’ to support attainment and progress in lessons. At the end of every unit children are given an assessment quiz which allows them to demonstrate their learning and attainment and provides teachers with clear assessment information. 

In order to implement our computing curriculum effectively, we take regular opportunities to discuss e-safety with the children and dedicate lessons to teaching them how to stay safe online.