Computing
Intent
At Vittoria Primary School, our intent for Computing education is to provide an outstanding learning experience rooted in key values of excellence, respect, creativity, kindness and resilience. We aim to equip our pupils with the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to navigate and thrive in a digital world, while fostering critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that every pupil:
- Exhibits excellence in their understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including algorithms, data representation and programming.
- Practises respect for computing resources and online interactions, understanding the importance of digital citizenship.
- Demonstrates creativity through innovative problem-solving using technology, encouraging exploration and experimentation in coding and digital projects.
- Exemplifies kindness by collaborating with peers in projects, understanding the importance of teamwork and support in digital environments.
- Builds resilience as they face challenges in their learning, persistently debugging code and solving complex problems.
Our ambitions are rooted in the science of learning, ensuring a sequential curriculum that effectively supports retrieval practice leading to the retention of key facts. We also recognise the importance of cultural capital and enrichment, enhancing learning through diverse contexts and experiences, and prioritising oracy skills development. We are committed to supporting all learners, ensuring that children with SEND receive the necessary scaffolding and differentiated instruction to thrive in Computing education.
Implementation
To realise our intent, we have designed a robust Computing curriculum that is structured and progressive, ensuring continuity and depth of learning from Year 1 to Year 6. Our implementation strategy includes the following key components:
1. Curriculum Framework:
- Our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for Computing and incorporates scientific principles of learning, ensuring concepts are taught sequentially.
- We enhance engagement through cross-curricular themes, where Computing supports and enriches learning in subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and Art.
2. Quality Teaching and Learning:
- We employ a range of pedagogical approaches, including direct instruction, practical activities, and collaborative projects, all designed to nurture creativity and support diverse learning needs.
- Staff receive ongoing professional development, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge to deliver Computing content and utilise technology effectively.
3. Engagement with Technology:
- Pupils have access to a wide range of tools and resources, including tablets, computers, and robotics equipment, which facilitate experiential learning.
- We incorporate coding platforms (e.g., Scratch, Python) that enable pupils to develop programming skills progressively, reinforcing their resilience in tackling challenges.
4. Assessment and Feedback:
- Regular formative assessments monitor pupil progress and inform instructional practices, while retrieval practices ensure key knowledge is retained over time.
- Pupils engage in self-assessment and peer assessment to foster a growth mindset and promote reflective practices.
5. Digital Citizenship and Online Safety:
- Our curriculum includes dedicated lessons on digital citizenship, cultivating respectful online interactions and learners’ understanding of ethical implications.
- We involve parents and guardians through workshops on online safety, ensuring collaborative support extends beyond school.
6. Support for SEND:
- We employ differentiated strategies and targeted interventions for pupils with SEND to ensure equitable access to the Computing curriculum.
- Our approach includes personalised learning goals, scaffolding, and the use of technology to support learning, ensuring all pupils can achieve success.
Impact
The impact of our Computing curriculum is evident through the following outcomes:
Pupil Engagement and Achievement:
- Pupils exhibit high levels of enthusiasm and participation in Computing lessons, reflected in positive attendance and engagement rates.
- A significant proportion of pupils achieve age-related expectations or above in Computing, corroborated by continual assessment data and national benchmarks.
Skill Development:
- By the end of Year 6, pupils demonstrate a profound understanding of computer science concepts and possess advanced problem-solving and coding abilities.
- Pupils consistently apply their digital literacy skills across various subject areas, showcasing their capability to use technology effectively and responsibly.
Digital Citizenship:
- Pupils demonstrate awareness of their responsibilities as digital citizens, showing respectful and responsible behaviour online.
- Feedback collected from pupils evidences their understanding of online safety and ethical technology use.
Parental and Community Engagement:
- Parents report increased awareness and positive attitudes towards Computing education as a result of their involvement in workshops and school events.
- Community partnerships enrich our curriculum, broadening pupils’ exposure and real-world application of their Computing skills.
In summary, the Computing provision at Vittoria not only fosters a love for technology and essential skills but also embodies our core values, preparing pupils to thrive in an increasingly digital society while supporting their overall development.
