Computing
COMPUTING PROGRESSION OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Our aim for Computing at Fairlawn is to enable all children to be responsible digital citizens who are confident in computer science, digital literacy and information technology.
Intent
At Fairlawn Primary School, our computing curriculum aims to give our children the life-skills that will enable them to embrace and utilise new technology in a socially responsible and safe way. We recognise that huge advancements in technology have been made in recent years, and children are surrounded by and often immersed in a technological world. Our aim is for children to not only be digitally literate and competent users of technology, but to also be creative, imaginative, resilient learners, with effective problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Implementation
The Computing curriculum in Key Stages 1 and 2 follows the Teach Computing curriculum, which is based on the Computing National Curriculum 2014. We have extended many domains of this curriculum to the EYFS, where computing and technology is part of the ‘Understanding of the World’ area of learning within the Foundation Stage profile.
Independence and safety are at the heart of our curriculum and each academic year begins with a term long focus on Online Safety. The remaining terms include a sequence of lessons to facilitate progression across the strands of digital literacy, computer science, and information technology. Our curriculum allows our children to develop the skills and knowledge they need to adapt and flourish in Computing in a variety of domains:
- Computing systems and networks
- Creating media
- Programming
- Data and information
- Creating media
Our curriculum ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children.
One timetabled Computing lesson is taught each week in years 1 to 6, providing children the opportunity to use, apply and, where possible, develop their problem-solving skills through computing.
Technology is also used to support learning across the curriculum. Children have access to a wide range of quality hardware (computers, Chromebooks, iPads, programmable equipment) and software, allowing them to develop a broad knowledge of digital systems and their applications.
Impact
The implementation of the computing curriculum ensures that children are able to develop the skills to equip them to become independent, competent and safe users of computing technologies, who continually gain confidence and enjoyment from their activities. Children will be confident using a range of hardware and software, producing high-quality, purposeful products which they can discuss and reflect on. Children will see the digital world as part of their world, extending beyond school, and understand that they have choices to make. They will be respectful digital citizens going on to lead happy and healthy digital lives.