Computing at Colden

Intent: what are we trying to achieve with our curriculum?

At Colden, we want pupils to be masters of Technology and not slaves to it. Technology is everywhere and will play a pivotal part in pupils’ lives. Therefore, we want to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely so that they not only can contribute to, but also shape our changing world.

By the time our pupils are ready to leave KS2 they will have the independence and confidence to choose the best tool for the task, apply their knowledge creatively and in turn become skilful computer scientists. We want our Colden pupils to develop their ability to be resilient, systematic, critical as well as to develop their love of learning and enjoy what the world of computing can bring.

Implementation: what are we trying to achieve with our curriculum?

At Colden, computing is taught using a blocked curriculum approach. This ensures children are able to develop depth in their knowledge and skills over the duration of each of their computing topics. Teachers use the Colden Computing curriculum, which has been developed collaboratively by staff. Knowledge and skills are mapped across each topic and year group to ensure systematic progression. We have been investing in Chromebooks over the past few years to ensure that every KS2 child has one when needed. This allows children to have access to a device for many purposes across the wider curriculum, as well as in discrete computing lessons. There are also sufficient to allow Reception and Key Stage 1 to have access to one for their computing lesson.

The implementation of the curriculum also ensures a balanced coverage of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. The children will have experiences of all three strands in each year group, but the subject knowledge imparted becomes increasingly specific and in depth, with more complex skills being taught, thus ensuring that learning is built upon. For example, children in Key Stage 1 learn what algorithms are, which leads them to the design stage of programming, where they design, write and debug programs, explaining the thinking behind their algorithm.

Impact: what difference is our curriculum making to pupils?

We encourage our children to enjoy and value the curriculum we deliver. We will constantly ask the WHY behind their learning and not just the HOW. We want learners to discuss, reflect and appreciate the impact computing has on their learning, development and well-being. Finding the right balance with technology is key to an effective education and a healthy lifestyle. We believe the way we implement computing helps children realise the need for the right balance and one they can continue to build on in their next stage of education and beyond. We encourage regular discussions between staff and pupils to best embed and understand this. The way pupils showcase, share, celebrate and publish their work demonstrates the impact of our curriculum and the progress they make through the school.