Our Curriculum
Computing
Intent
At Bewsey Lodge, our primary computing curriculum is designed with a clear intent to empower our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the digital age. We believe that computing education is not just about learning to use technology but about fostering creativity, problem-solving abilities, and digital literacy.
Our curriculum is underpinned by the following key principles:
Digital Literacy: We aim to equip our students with a strong foundation in digital literacy, ensuring they can use technology effectively and safely. This includes understanding the basic principles of computer hardware and software, as well as developing essential online safety and responsible digital citizenship skills.
Computational Thinking: We strive to cultivate computational thinking skills, such as algorithmic problem-solving, logical reasoning, and critical thinking. Our students will learn to decompose complex problems, identify patterns, and create step-by-step solutions using technology.
Creativity and Innovation: We encourage creative thinking and innovation through computing. Our curriculum includes opportunities for students to explore programming, coding, and digital design to express themselves, develop new ideas, and create digital artifacts.
Information Technology: We aim to provide our students with practical skills in using a range of digital tools and software applications. This includes word processing, spreadsheets, data handling, and presentation software, helping them become proficient in using technology for a variety of tasks.
Computational Communication: Our students will learn how to communicate and collaborate effectively using digital technologies. They will understand the principles of networks, online communication, and the importance of online etiquette.
Inclusivity and Accessibility: We are committed to providing an inclusive learning environment, ensuring that all students, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds, can access and benefit from our computing curriculum.
Through our primary computing curriculum, we aim to prepare our students for a future where technology is ever-present and rapidly changing. By fostering a deep understanding of computing concepts and developing digital skills, we aim to equip them with the tools they need to adapt, innovate, and excel in a digital world.
Implementation
At Bewsey Lodge, we believe that embedding the computing curriculum within the weekly timetable is the best way to ensure that children are able to learn new skills and have the opportunity to practice, develop and build on those skills through the term. The skills are ideally taught discretely, with the intention that many of the skills learned in these session will be applied to topic based learning.
Our Programmes of Study are blocked to allow the children to focus on developing their knowledge and skills. Each year group will build upon the learning from prior year groups, developing a depth of understanding and progression of skills within the strands of digital literacy, information technology and computer science. Our teaching resources come from a mixture of bespoke planning units and specific Schemes of Work from Knowsley City Learning Centres.
In EYFS the children begin with learning about what technology is in its simplest forms, and looking at how this is used in everyday life through the use of role play. The children also have access to iPads and the use of specific apps to guide their early learning in computing. In Key Stage 1 and 2, the children have the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding using a variety of hardware (iPads, Laptops and programmable equipment) and software that they need to develop knowledge and skills of digital systems and their applications.
Online safety and responsible use of technology are topics covered in computing and PSHE lessons, assemblies and during events such as Safer Internet Day. The children have the opportunity to explore and respond to key issues such as digital communications, cyber-bullying, online safety, security, plagiarism and social media.
Impact
By the end of each key stage, pupils at Bewsey Lodge Primary School are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in our programme of study (based on the objectives in the 2014 National Curriculum). We aim for the children to:
Be enthusiastic and confident in their approach towards computing.
Have a secure understanding of the positive applications and specified risks associated with a broad range of digital technology.
Present as competent and adaptable computational thinkers who are able to use identified concepts and approaches in all of their learning.
Be able to identify the source of problems and work with perseverance to ‘debug’ them.
Create and evaluate their own project work.
An understanding of computing related industry and careers.
High aspirations, which will see them through to further study, work and a successful adult life.
Assessment of computing takes place throughout the teaching sessions, to ensure the children are clear on what they are doing and are supported effectively with differing elements of independence. Feedback is generally ‘on the spot’ and verbal for the children during lessons. A summative judgement is made at the end of each taught unit (usually half-termly) against a set, success criteria statement.