A member of Dales Academies Trust Subject leader: Mr McCulloch
‘Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of all garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.’
Matthew 13 vs.31-32
Our entire curriculum, including Computing, is underpinned by the ‘Parable of the Mustard Seed’ and summarised by our motto:
Together may we give our children: roots to grow and wings to fly.
Intent
Computing at Trinity Academy Middleton Tyas intends to develop ‘thinkers of the future’ through a modern, ambitious and relevant education in computing. We want to equip pupils to use computational thinking and creativity that will enable them to become active participants in the digital world. It is important to us that the children understand how to use the 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.
Our aim is to 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.
Implementation
Our scheme of work for Computing is adapted from the ‘Teach Computing’ Curriculum and covers all aspects of the National Curriculum. This scheme was chosen as it has been created by subject experts and based on the latest pedagogical research. It provides an innovative progression framework where computing content (concepts, knowledge, skills and objectives) has been organised into interconnected networks called learning graphs.
Children in Early Years explore different technologies such as those used at home through role play opportunities and use a range of technology in the classroom to support their learning, helping them to understand our technologically diverse world.
Our curriculum aims to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to thrive in the digital world of today and the future. The curriculum can be broken down into 3 strands: computer science, information technology and digital literacy, with the aims of the curriculum reflecting this distinction.
To ensure inclusion, teachers use a range of strategies in line with the school’s inclusion policy. Independent tasks, as well as teaching, are also well-adapted and scaffolded to ensure full accessibility, as well as to provide appropriate challenge to different groups of learners. Teachers will use their own professional judgement and identify children who require additional support, and subsequently tailor resources to ensure they are able to make progress in each area of the computing curriculum. Similarly, through problem solving activities and open ended questioning, we ensure all children (including the more able) are challenged with their learning.
The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure all pupils:
· can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation (Computer science)
· can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems (Computer science)
· can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems (Information technology)
· are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology. (Digital literacy)
Teachers will use continual assessment throughout the progression of each unit. This will include formative assessment techniques, such as: self-assessment, peer assessment, open questioning and peer discussion. The use of the above techniques will allow teachers to gauge a continual understanding of learners’ grasp of concepts. Summative assessment will include: observing children during lessons, monitoring outcomes of work and providing effective ‘live’ feedback. Teachers will include the associated curriculum journey at the start of the topic in the class ‘Big Book’ which will be continually referenced to and evidenced through photographs and examples of work. Insight tracking statements will be completed termly.
Impact
· Children will be confident users of technology, able to use it to accomplish a wide variety of goals, both at home and in school.
· Children will have a secure and comprehensive knowledge of the implications of technology and digital systems. This is important in a society where technologies and trends are rapidly evolving.
· Children will be able to apply the British values of democracy, tolerance, mutual respect, rule of law and liberty when using digital systems.
· As children become more confident in their abilities in Computing, they will become more independent and key life skills such as problem-solving, logical thinking and self-evaluation become second nature.
Additional Information
For more information regarding our Computing curriculum (including our curriculum map and key procedures), please click on the ‘Useful Documents’ links below.
Similarly, under ‘Useful Links’, you can find more information regarding ‘Teach Computing’, supplementary resources and other useful websites.
Useful Documents
Useful Links
