Computing
Intent
We aim to prepare our children for a rapidly changing world through the use of technology. Our computing curriculum is designed using the National Curriculum and also has links to Education for a Connected World- 2020. We believe this will prepare children for a future in an environment which is shaped by technology. Education for a connected world was created to equip children with digital life skills. This includes, understanding of appropriate behaviour, copyright issues, being discerning consumers of online information and healthy use of technology. We specialise our curriculum in Digital Literacy, IT information technology and computer science using the key areas of Computing systems and networks, programming, creating media, data handling and online safety. The children are taught to be proficient in programmes such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and other programmes such as scratch. The content lets the children develop a broad, deep understanding of computing and how it links to our lives. We intend for the curriculum to be varied, exciting and interesting. Our aim is to ensure children are digitally literate in order for them to use and express themselves through communication technology. We used the published scheme 'Kapow Primary Computing'.
Implementation
Computing skills are taught both discretely and across the curriculum, supporting other areas of learning across the school. We aim for our lessons to contain elements of revision, analysis and problem solving. We support the children’s previous knowledge and build upon this by introducing new concepts and challenges using our skills progression. We have a knowledge and skills progession and a long term plan that indicates the areas and skills of computing that we teach. It also includes key vocabulary so teachers can understand the progression of specific language and assess understanding through vocabulary.
We aim to instil a sense of enjoyment around using technology and to develop pupil's appreciation of it's capabilities and the opportunities technology gives us. We love to have a tinker with technology and allow students to spend time exploring technology. This supports them to build confidence, particularly when encountering new technology. This is something that we feel will happen lots in our ever changing technological world.
Impact
After the implementation of this robust computing curriculum, children at Redmarley Academy will be digitally literate and able to join the rest of the world on its digital platform. They will be equipped, not only with the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively and for their own benefit, but more importantly – safely. The biggest impact we want on our children is that our children is that they are confident using a wide range of hardware and software and are diligent learners who value online safety and respect when communicating with one another.
If you were to walk in to our school, there would be a clear use of technology both independently and collaboratively across all key stages. Throughout the curriculum, computing hardware and software are effectively utilised. We aim for clear progression in technical skills throughout the year groups. Children are enthusiastic and proactive learners due to their effective computing curriculum.
