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Bowdon
Church School

  • Computing

    “A computer is like a violin. You can imagine it making beautiful music, but you have to learn how to play it.” 

    Bill Gates

    Intent

    At Bowdon Church School (BCS), the intent of our Computing curriculum is to empower pupils with the knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary to thrive in a digital world. We aim to:

    1. Foster Computational Thinking:

      • Develop students’ ability to think logically and creatively to solve problems, enabling them to apply computational thinking in various contexts.
    2. Equip for the Future:

      • Prepare pupils for a future where technology plays a central role in everyday life and various careers. Our curriculum aims to ensure that students are at the forefront of emerging technologies.
    3. Promote Digital Literacy:

      • Provide students with the skills to effectively use digital technologies to communicate, create, and collaborate. This includes understanding how to use software and hardware to produce high-quality work.
    4. Encourage Responsible Use of Technology:

      • Instil a sense of responsibility regarding the use of technology. We emphasise E-Safety, ensuring that pupils understand online risks, practice safe behaviours, and critically assess digital content.
    5. Integrate Learning Across the Curriculum:

      • Recognise that computing is not an isolated subject but one that enhances learning across various disciplines, such as mathematics, science, and design and technology. We aim to show how computing skills can be applied in different contexts.
    6. Engage and Inspire:

      • Create an engaging and enjoyable learning environment that inspires curiosity and a love for learning in technology. We want pupils to find joy in exploring and creating with digital tools.
    7. Promote Lifelong Learning:

      • Encourage a growth mindset, helping students develop resilience and a willingness to continue learning about technology and its applications throughout their lives.

    Through this intent, we aspire to provide a high-quality computing education that prepares our students to become informed, responsible, and skilled individuals who can navigate and contribute to a technology-driven world effectively.

    Implementation

    At Bowdon Church School (BCS), we implement our Computing and E-Safety curriculum through a structured approach that ensures pupils gain the necessary skills and knowledge progressively. Here’s how we deliver the curriculum:

    Regular Computing Lessons

    • Dedicated Time: Pupils participate in regular Computing lessons from Purplemash. They are designed to fulfil the objectives of the Computing and E-Safety curriculum. 
    • Integration Across Subjects: Computing is seamlessly integrated into other subjects, enhancing cross-curricular learning opportunities and demonstrating the relevance of technology in various contexts.

    Alignment with National Curriculum

    • Curriculum Framework: Our delivery aligns with the national curriculum for computing, ensuring a clear progression of skills and knowledge. The curriculum has been broken down into specific objectives for each year group via the Purplemash scheme of work.
    • Progressive Skills: Teachers plan lessons that allow pupils to achieve the stated objectives and build on prior knowledge.

    Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

    • Introduction to Technology: In EYFS, children are introduced to the concept of internet safety as they explore their environment and learn how technology is integrated into their learning experiences.

    Key Stage 1

    In Key Stage 1, pupils will learn to:

    • Understand Algorithms: Grasp the concept of algorithms and how they are implemented in programs on digital devices.
    • Recognise Program Execution: Understand that programs execute by following precise instructions.
    • Create and Debug Programs: Create and debug simple programs, using logical reasoning to predict program behaviour.
    • Purposeful Use of Technology: Use various technologies to create, organise, store, manipulate, and retrieve digital content.
    • Safe and Respectful Use: Learn to use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private.
    • Seek Help: Identify sources of help when they have concerns about online content or interactions.

    Key Stage 2

    In Key Stage 2, pupils will learn to:

    • Design and Debug Programs: Design, write, and debug programs that achieve specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems.
    • Problem-Solving: Solve problems by breaking them down into smaller parts.
    • Programming Concepts: Utilise concepts like sequence, selection, and repetition in programming.
    • Logical Reasoning: Explain how simple algorithms work and correct errors in programs.
    • Understand Computer Networks: Understand the basics of computer networks, including the internet and its communication opportunities.
    • Effective Use of Search Technologies: Use search technologies effectively, understanding how results are selected and ranked.
    • Combine Software Tools: Select and combine various software and internet services on different devices to create programs and content.
    • Responsible Technology Use: Use technology safely, responsibly, and respectfully, knowing how to report concerns regarding content and contact.

    Resources and Infrastructure

    BCS is committed to maintaining and developing its resources to ensure a consistent and effective approach to teaching computing. Our resources include:

    • Interactive Whiteboards: Equipped with sound in every classroom for engaging presentations.
    • Chromebooks: Available for Year 6 pupils for personalised learning experiences.
    • iPads: Provided for each class, along with additional sets for classroom use.
    • Laptop Trolleys: Available for various classroom activities to enhance learning.
    • Computing Suite: A fully equipped computing suite for dedicated lessons and projects.

    Impact

    The impact of our Computing and E-Safety curriculum is assessed through a variety of methods to ensure that all students are achieving their learning objectives and developing essential skills.

    Assessment Methods

    • Teacher-Led Evaluations: Teachers conduct both formative assessments during lessons and summative assessments at the end of instructional units to evaluate student understanding and progress.
    • Documentation of Progress: Progress is documented through photographs and notes recorded on Blippit, and it is also tracked on Insight.

    Expected Outcomes

    As a result of implementing the Computing and E-Safety curriculum, we anticipate that children at BCS will:

    • Become Digitally Literate: Students will be proficient in using technology effectively and safely, understanding its role in their education and future careers.
    • Understand Online Safety: Children will recognise the consequences of internet usage and possess the knowledge needed to keep themselves safe online.
    • Broaden Future Opportunities: A strong foundation in digital skills will open up a wider range of job prospects and career pathways for students as they enter the workforce.
    • Develop Key Life Skills: Enhanced confidence in computing will empower children to cultivate essential life skills such as problem-solving, logical thinking, and critical evaluation.

    Preparing for the Future

    The skills and knowledge gained through our Computing and E-Safety curriculum will prepare students for independence and competence in an increasingly digital world. By equipping them with the tools to navigate technology safely and effectively, we aim to foster a generation of responsible digital citizens ready to meet the challenges of the future.