Computing

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Computing and Online Safety at Bowesfield Primary

Long Term Plan Y1 – Y6 – click here

Long Term Plan EYFS – click here

Progression map – click here

Computing Curriculum

Computing is an essential part of modern, everyday life and will play an enormous role in our children’s future. At Bowesfield Primary School we provide our children with the vocabulary, knowledge and real life experiences to thrive in the digital world. Our curriculum allows children to develop their resilience in learning through problem solving activities involving computer science, information technology and digital literacy. We aim to enthuse children with the excitement of being part of the digital age by learning about the inspirational people who have shaped computing and inspire the computing experts of the next generation.

Our curriculum focuses on coverage of the three core areas:

Computer Science– the understanding of coding and programming across a range of physical devices and digital resources.
Information Technology – the range of skills required to operate and manipulate specific programs, systems, and content.
Digital Literacy – the knowledge required to use technology safely and to evaluate and react to any potential risks of the online/digital world.

Online Safety

The importance of online-safety is embedded and revisited within, and across each year group with the aim to develop understanding and confidence when using technology. We aim to develop a respectful attitude towards others when online and the confidence and resilience in dealing with challenging situations online.

We also participate in ‘Internet Safety Week’ in which each class is provided with age appropriate texts and tasks. Cross-curricular opportunities are identified in order to ascertain links between termly topics and to ensure that Computing is not just seen as a standalone area. Staff are encouraged to share any gaps in their knowledge and skill sets to inform appropriate and individualised training/CPD.

Computing in action

In our teaching of Computing we endeavour to expose students to a variety of software, programs, and equipment in order to offer a range of appropriate challenges and experiences. Specific vocabulary for each year group is outlined in the progression grids and this is regularly modelled by teachers within their lessons.

At Bowesfield Primary, we encourage a creative and collaborative environment in which pupils can learn to express and challenge themselves. The success of the curriculum itself will be assessed via the analysis of yearly progress data, conducting regular pupil voice sessions, lesson observations and skills audits. This will then inform future adaptions of the schemes of work and help to ensure that progression is evident throughout school.

In order to demonstrate that we have accomplished our aims, pupils at Bowesfield Primary School should:

Be enthusiastic and confident in their approach towards Computing.
Understand and use computing vocabulary in the right context.
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, to build resilience.
Create and evaluate their own project work.
Have a secure understanding of the positive applications and specific risks associated with a broad range of digital technology.
Be inspired by computing and key people.
Transition to secondary school with a keen interest in the continued learning of this subject.

Gallery of our terrifically talented technologists