Computing

“We need technology in every classroom and in every student and teacher’s hand, because it is the pen and paper of our time, and it is the lens through which we experience much of our world.” - David Warlick  (Educator, author, programmer, and early adopter and promoter of technology in the classroom) 

 Computing at St John the Baptist School intends to develop ‘thinkers of the future’ through a modern, ambitious and relevant education in computing. We want to equip pupils to use computational thinking and creativity that will enable them to become active participants in the digital world. It is important to us that the children understand how to use the ever-changing technology to express themselves, as tools for learning and to drive their generation forward into the future. 

 Whilst ensuring they understand the advantages and disadvantages associated with online experiences, we want children to develop as respectful, responsible, and confident users of technology, aware of measures that can be taken to keep themselves and others safe online.  

Our aim is to provide a computing curriculum that is designed to develop a broad and deep knowledge alongside opportunities to apply skills in various digital contexts. Beyond teaching computing discreetly, we will give pupils the opportunity to apply and develop what they have learnt across wider learning in the curriculum.  We want our pupils to be fluent with a range of tools to best express their understanding and hope by the end of Year 6, children have the independence and confidence to choose the best tool to fulfil the task and challenge set by teachers. 

Whilst ensuring they understand the advantages and disadvantages associated with online experiences, we want children to develop as respectful, responsible, and confident users of technology, aware of measures that can be taken to keep themselves and others safe online. It is important to us that our pupils understand that there is always a choice with using technology and as a school we utilise technology to model positive use.   

IMPLEMENTATION

Our scheme of work for Computing is adapted from the ‘Teach Computing’ Curriculum and covers all aspects of the National Curriculum. This scheme was chosen as it has been created by subject experts and based on the latest pedagogical research. It provides an innovative progression framework where computing content (concepts, knowledge, skills and objectives) has been organised into interconnected networks called learning graphs.