Kitwell Primary School
Our Computing Curriculum
Through our computing curriculum at Kitwell Primary School, we aim to give our pupils the life-skills that will enable them to embrace and utilise innovative technology in a socially responsible and safe way. We want our pupils to be able to operate in the 21st century workplace. It is important to us that the children understand how to use ever-changing technology to express themselves, as tools for learning and as a means to drive their generation forward into the future. Whilst ensuring they understand the advantages and disadvantages associated with online experiences, we want children to develop as respectful, responsible and confident users of technology, aware of measures that can be taken to keep themselves and others safe online. Not only do we want them to be digitally literate and competent end-users of technology but through our computing lessons we want them to develop creativity, resilience, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
We provide a computing curriculum that is designed to balance acquiring a broad and deep knowledge alongside opportunities to apply skills in various digital contexts. Beyond teaching computing discreetly, we will give pupils the opportunity to apply and develop what they have learnt across wider learning in the curriculum.
Teachers at Kitwell use the Entrust Education Technologies scheme of work and progression of skills to plan and teach lessons for children in Key Stage 1 and 2. This scheme was chosen as it has been created by subject experts and based on the latest pedagogical research. The scheme of work is well planned and sequenced through a spiral curriculum that builds upon what has gone before and prepares pupils for what comes next. The units from year to year have been sequenced to include the consolidation and extension of skills and knowledge. Key learning outcomes are identified for each unit to explain what pupils need to know about the current topic to ensure that they are prepared to understand and succeed in the next topic.
Knowledge organisers are used to remind pupils of key vocabulary and learning points from previous associated units taught as a starting point for class discussion and to point out where knowledge is already secure, where misconceptions lie and where knowledge is lacking.
Children can use desktop computers to learn through BGFL 365, a child-friendly platform that helps children learn computing skills including coding, word processing and creating digital media. As well as computers, children have access to other learning tools such as Bee-bots and digital cameras. Occasional ‘unplugged’ lessons also help to teach children computing concepts without the use of a computer.
In KS1 and 2, computing is taught across three main strands: digital literacy, computer science and information technology. As part of information technology, pupils learn to use and express themselves and develop their ideas through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for example writing and presenting as well as exploring art and design using multimedia. Within digital literacy, children develop practical skills in the safe use of ICT and the ability to apply these skills to solving relevant, worthwhile problems for example understanding safe use of internet, networks and email. In computer science we teach pupils to understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms, and data representation. Pupils learn to analyse problems in computational terms and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs to solve such problems.
Online safety lessons form an important part of the curriculum. Elements of online safety are also included in PSHE lessons and assemblies. Online safety procedures are communicated with all staff and parents. All staff include online safety lessons each year. Parents are informed when issues relating to online safety arise and further information/support is provided as required.
Assessment grids are completed at the end of each unit so teachers understand which children are secure with the knowledge and can demonstrate the skills necessary for each unit. The children review the identified ‘key’ knowledge (sticky knowledge), as part of the assessment process. This indicates which key knowledge statements require further consolidation and support can then be given in the following term or year.
The computing curriculum is monitored through a variety of monitoring activities such as discussions with pupils, learning walks and monitoring of pupil’s work. The implementation of this curriculum ensures that when pupils leave Kitwell, they are competent and safe users of technology with an understanding of how technology works. They 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 to secondary school and beyond.
Click on the links below to find out more...
Online Safety, Safeguarding and PSHE Overview
Computer science and programming progression map of skills and content
Collecting and presenting information progression map of skills and content
Data handling, databases and spreadsheets progression map of skills and content
Digital literacy progression map of skills and content