Intent
The Computing Curriculum at Kingslea aims to deliver a fun; engaging and valuable take on many of the technological aspects that are spread throughout our daily lives. Due to the constant shifting of technology, the skills that are being taught are always changing and developing. The way in which we approach this is by ensuring these skills are disrupted throughout the year groups so that they can provide an appropriate challenge, can be linked to their respective ‘Learning Journeys’ and are easily accessible through the varied resources that will be used to teach these skills.
The Computing Curriculum includes thinking about how computer systems work as well as how they are designed and programmed. At Kingslea, Computing is a practical subject, in which innovation and resourcefulness are encouraged. In addition to the focus placed on computer science, we have also revised our teaching of digital literacy. Each year group also learns how to stay safe online, as well as how to be responsible within the online environment.
What we essentially hope to deliver by the end of a pupil’s Kingslea journey is someone who is able to think logically; construct algorithmic instructions; show an awareness of their impact on the online community and how they are able to stay safe within this; use technology such as cameras and audio equipment to capture, view and edit as well as be able to confidently use a range of computer software and hardware that will allow them to carry out vital tasks.
The Computing Curriculum includes thinking about how computer systems work as well as how they are designed and programmed. At Kingslea, Computing is a practical subject, in which innovation and resourcefulness are encouraged. In addition to the focus placed on computer science, we have also revised our teaching of digital literacy. Each year group also learns how to stay safe online, as well as how to be responsible within the online environment.
What we essentially hope to deliver by the end of a pupil’s Kingslea journey is someone who is able to think logically; construct algorithmic instructions; show an awareness of their impact on the online community and how they are able to stay safe within this; use technology such as cameras and audio equipment to capture, view and edit as well as be able to confidently use a range of computer software and hardware that will allow them to carry out vital tasks.
Implementation
We currently run a Code Club for key stage 1 and a Stop motion Animation Club for key stage 2 each week which provides the opportunity for children to further develop their skills.
All Kingslea pupils have Computing units each term that allow them to learn, practise and apply a range of computing skills. Whilst we aim to constantly build on previous skills and experience as pupils progress through the year groups, they will also be adding new ideas, understanding and skills to their Computing toolkit. The end product of the units will look to mirror and compliment any ‘Learning Journey’ that is running alongside, to ensure our curriculum is interwoven to ensure we are giving pupil’s creations a real purpose and context.
Our curriculum is broken down into three main strands: E-safety, Coding and Information technology. E-Safety is taught both in computing lessons, as well as within the PSHCE curriculum. Currently our Coding sessions include programming through writing algorithms and the associated skills that are required to be successful for this such as; debugging, looping and simplifying codes. This is all delivered through a new coding programme that we have implemented within our Computing Curriculum. It ensures there is clear progression throughout the school and is delivered in fun, interactive child-friendly manner. Our Information technology strands has a focus on key skills that children require in order to become digitally literate. We also provide the opportunities for children to explore some of the vast opportunities that technology has to offer. Children are encouraged to explore their creativity through a variety of different ways E.g. image manipulation via photo editing software. Children are also taught key understanding that will be required to become digitally literal such as, using browsers and search engines to find information; working with data on spreadsheets enabling them to create charts to share their findings as well as generating simple databases. Throughout our implementation of the computing curriculum, we take pride in knowing that our children are exposed to all areas of the curriculum and we believe that all children can excel in this subject given the right opportunities and support, including for those with SEND. Our Computing Curriculum is continuously being tweaked and adapted throughout the school year to ensure that we remain on the cutting edge with advances in technology.
All Kingslea pupils have Computing units each term that allow them to learn, practise and apply a range of computing skills. Whilst we aim to constantly build on previous skills and experience as pupils progress through the year groups, they will also be adding new ideas, understanding and skills to their Computing toolkit. The end product of the units will look to mirror and compliment any ‘Learning Journey’ that is running alongside, to ensure our curriculum is interwoven to ensure we are giving pupil’s creations a real purpose and context.
Our curriculum is broken down into three main strands: E-safety, Coding and Information technology. E-Safety is taught both in computing lessons, as well as within the PSHCE curriculum. Currently our Coding sessions include programming through writing algorithms and the associated skills that are required to be successful for this such as; debugging, looping and simplifying codes. This is all delivered through a new coding programme that we have implemented within our Computing Curriculum. It ensures there is clear progression throughout the school and is delivered in fun, interactive child-friendly manner. Our Information technology strands has a focus on key skills that children require in order to become digitally literate. We also provide the opportunities for children to explore some of the vast opportunities that technology has to offer. Children are encouraged to explore their creativity through a variety of different ways E.g. image manipulation via photo editing software. Children are also taught key understanding that will be required to become digitally literal such as, using browsers and search engines to find information; working with data on spreadsheets enabling them to create charts to share their findings as well as generating simple databases. Throughout our implementation of the computing curriculum, we take pride in knowing that our children are exposed to all areas of the curriculum and we believe that all children can excel in this subject given the right opportunities and support, including for those with SEND. Our Computing Curriculum is continuously being tweaked and adapted throughout the school year to ensure that we remain on the cutting edge with advances in technology.
Impact
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The desired outcome for this subject is that we will produce extremely computer literate young people ready for many of the challenging aspects that await in the future.
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They will be able to make sensible choices in regard to online activities, demonstrate proficient skills in using a range of technologies and understand the importance of computational thinking to coincide with the practical skills this subject provides.
The Computing Curriculum will introduce potential future career aspirations for some or allow others to become competent in the use of software critical to their educational and working lives. It will give them the ability to think both logically and creatively to solve problems.
The Computing Curriculum will introduce potential future career aspirations for some or allow others to become competent in the use of software critical to their educational and working lives. It will give them the ability to think both logically and creatively to solve problems.
Kingslea will look to provide a stimulating environment with appropriate resources that will excite pupils week after week, opening their eyes to how we are all affected by various elements of Computing on a daily basis.