We want all pupils at Charnwood to have access to an equity based Computing curriculum that is practical and empowering. Our computing curriculum is centred around teaching pupils key skills enabling them to:
Computing at Charnwood combines creativity, curiosity and commitment in line with the school’s values.
Through problem solving and critical thinking, our Computing curriculum, is designed to meet the expectations of the National Curriculum. We use Teach Computing lessons and units as starting points for an adapted and tailored curriculum. Pupils are taught the foundations of computational thinking from their entry in EYFS and then follow a progressive curriculum; with learning building on previous skills and knowledge each year from years 1-6.
Our teaching is focused on making sure that pupils are secure in the precise, small steps in learning required to meet the National Curriculum; knowledge and skills based assessments are made within each unit allowing teachers to focus on next steps in learning for each child.
Children have discrete dedicated computing lessons throughout each half term working with a variety of hardware and software – including Chromebooks and iPads. The focus of our units cover topics such as:
EYFS: Computational Thinking.
KS1: foundation skills such as learning to direct a mouse around a page or typing and understanding a keyboard, saving and retrieving work, staying safe online and when to ask for help, inputting algorithms to external or independent devices, using ICT to communicate and record.
KS2: editing content, programming, using a variety of software to create and design, photo editing, communication and collaboration, internet safety, website creation, copyright and publishing.
A key part of the Computing curriculum is digital literacy and digital citizenship. By developing digital literacy skills, we enable children to make informed and critical decisions about the material they see online. Children learn about personal data use, advertising and search engine content manipulation. They are regularly taught about online safety and about their own digital footprint in both computing and PSHE lessons.
Throughout school, class teachers are supported by the computing lead who works with them to adapt and tailor the teaching based on their pupil’s needs. Each half term’s units are designed around the current understanding and skills of the class. Alongside this, teachers plan for pupils to apply their skills across the wider curriculum and children have opportunities to use computers to record, present and monitor in subjects such as science, history and PE.
Assessment of pupil attainment and progress is made throughout units based on the objectives of the National Curriculum alongside knowledge and skills objectives for particular units. Vulnerable group attainment and progress is monitored (with support or intervention put in place for specific pupils when necessary). To aid retention learning is recapped regularly and before teaching a unit teachers plan sessions of rediscovery as a chance to baseline and adapt planning to scaffold, stretch and challenge pupils.
