Computing

Vision

Through our computing curriculum at Devonshire Primary Academy, we aim to give our pupils the life-skills that will enable them to embrace and utilise new technology in a socially responsible and safe way in order to flourish.

We want our pupils to be able to operate in the 21st century workplace and to make them aware of the career opportunities for those studying computing.

We want children to become autonomous, independent users of computing technologies, gaining confidence and enjoyment from their activities.

We want the use of technology to support learning across the entire curriculum and to ensure that our curriculum is accessible to every child. Not only do we want our pupils to be digitally literate and competent end-users of technology, but, through our computer science lessons, we want them to develop creativity, resilience and problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

We want our pupils to have a breadth of experience to develop their understanding of themselves as individuals within their community, but also as members of a wider global community and as responsible digital citizens.

Implementation

At Devonshire Primary Academy, Computing is taught in discreet Computing lessons. The Computing Curriculum is delivered through the Teach Computing scheme. Every lesson in our scheme is individually planned so that it can be effectively taught using the infrastructure we have in place at school and so that it can meet the needs of all our pupils. Having discreet lessons means that the children are able to develop depth in their knowledge and skills over the duration of each of their computing topics. Discreet computing lessons will focus on the curriculum skills of Programming, creating media, computer systems and data/information. Where appropriate, meaningful links will be made between the computing curriculum and the wider curriculum.

In Computing lessons, the children use hardware such as: iPads, laptops, BeeBots, Crumble Controllers and MicroBits. Our curriculum is structured so that each element is taught in each year group at the same time. This allows for focused staff training and clear progression and discussion between pupils as a whole school focus. Resources can be shared to support children at different stages of their development, allowing all children to access the curriculum at their learning level.

Online Safety is hugely important to us at Devonshire. We follow a detailed and sequential scheme through Project Evolve to ensure all areas of Online Safety are taught with opportunities for children to express their feelings and experiences when necessary.

Impact

We know our Computing Curriculum is making a positive impact as our pupils tell us they love their learning and they take great pride in their work.

Teacher planning shows that staff design learning activities that offer challenges and provide a sense of achievement and personal success.

Teacher monitoring shows that children are active in their learning, are able to construct their own knowledge and are able to think flexibly and creatively.

Analysis of internal assessment provides staff with an accurate overview in order that gaps in learning can be closed.

Through our Computing Curriculum, we will have creative, independent, resilient, problem solving children, who are critical thinkers and appreciate the opportunities technology offers, as well as recognise negatives and know how to remain in control of them.

Computing at Home

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Whole School Computing Long Term Plan

Computing Progression