Computing:

Intent:

At St Mark’s C.E. Primary School, we aim to ensure that all of our pupils have access to a computing curriculum so that they have opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills that will equip them for an ever-changing digital world. We believe the knowledge, skills and understanding taught through our curriculum will empower our pupils to become more computer literate and have a range of transferable skills at a suitable level for future education and the workplace.  We also strive to ensure that our curriculum teaches pupils to be responsible online citizens. Our intention is that computing also supports children’s creativity and we look for cross-curricular learning opportunities to engage and enrich their experiences in school.

Implementation:

At St Mark’s C.E. Primary School,, we follow the progression of skills set out in the Rising Stars ‘Switched on Computing’ scheme of work which aligns closely with the National Curriculum.  It also satisfies the objectives of the DfE’s Education for a Connected World framework.  This guidance was created to help equip children for life in the digital world, including developing their understanding of appropriate online behaviour, copyright issues, being discerning consumers of online information and healthy use of technology. 

Through the ‘Switched on’ scheme of work, we teach Computing skills through a range of projects taught throughout the year. These projects build on previous learning and can then be adapted to work with other curriculum subjects. Most classes have a timetabled computing lesson once a week, as well as opportunities to apply IT in other curriculum areas.  Some classes may block computing units through ‘computing days’ to ensure coverage of skills.

Impact:

Children at St Mark’s C.E. Primary enjoy and value Computing and know why they are doing things, not just how. 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. 

Progress in Computing is demonstrated through reviewing children’s work to ensure that progression of skills is taking place. Namely through: 

• Looking at pupils’ work, especially over time as they gain skills and knowledge 
• Observing how they perform in lessons 
• Talking to them about what they know.
• End of unit subject knowledge quizzes

The Computing curriculum will contribute to children’s personal development in creativity, independence, judgement and self-reflection. This would be seen in them being able to talk confidently about their work, and sharing their work with others. Progress will be shown through outcomes and through the important record of the process leading to them.