Vision Statement and Curriculum Intent

At Stock, our Computing curriculum aims to inspire pupils to become curious and explorative thinkers with a diverse knowledge of of the world. We want the children to think like computing experts, understanding logic and being able to solve problems. The intention is for pupils to develop the confidence to question and observe places, measure and record necessary data in a variety of ways and analyse and present their findings.

Our computing curriculum is based on the Kapow Primary scheme of work, which is designed to build an awareness of how Computing shapes lives at multiple scales and over time. The hope is to encourage pupils to become resourceful, active citizens who will have the skills to contribute to and improve the world around them. 

The National curriculum organises the attainment targets under three strands:

• Computer Science

• Information technology

• Digital literacy

The strands ensure a balanced coverage of the different aspects of computing, supporting the development of both substantive knowledge (e.g. understanding networks, algorithms and data) and disciplinary knowledge (e.g applying skills to program, creating digital content and evaluating online information responsibly). 

Our scheme also supports the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of children by encouraging them to:

• Explore different perspectives

• Reflect on ethical issues

• Collaborate with others

• Appreciate cultural diversity through subject-specific content.

The lessons also promote British values by incorporating activities that encourage debate, respect for differing opinions and an understanding of societal structures. At Stock, through Kapow’s curriculum, we broaden the pupils’ experiences by introducing them to influential innovators, real-world applications of technology and the ethical and social dimensions of the digital world. They gain key knowledge and skills that help them to participate confidently and responsibly in a technology-driven society.

Implementation

At Stock, we teach Computing lessons for 50 minutes every week to meet the needs of the National Curriculum.

Our scheme is organised into 5 key areas; this ensures that, through a spiral curriculum, the pupils can develop their computing knowledge by repeated revisiting and building on previous learning.

The areas are:

• Computer systems and networks

• Programming

• Creating media

• Data Handling

• Online safety

The Kapow scheme that we use ensures a broad and balanced coverage of the National curriculum requirements, and the units provide pupils with opportunities to learn and apply a range of transferable skills. The skills are not taught in isolation but the units link to other subjects to enable the development of further transferable skills and ensure cross-curricular learning. Differentiation is a key part of all lessons and this enables all pupils to access their learning and stretch themselves. In addition to this, Knowledge organisers support pupils in building a clear base of factual knowledge by encouraging recall of key facts and vocabulary through the units.

Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Disabilities

Our Computing curriculum is designed to be fully adaptable for pupils with SEND. Each lesson includes an adaptive teaching section to ensure that activities can be modified to meet the needs of all learners. The scheme of work that we follow provides a range of strategies to support and challenge all pupils, such as:

• Scaffolding

• Multi-sensory approaches

• Clear instructions and structured tasks

• Opportunities for collaborative and independent learning

An adaptive approach to teaching means that the scheme ensures all pupils can access and succeed in their learning. Both through the transitional catch-up units that we will be using and the step-by-step curriculum design, all children, including SEND, will avoid sudden jumps in complexity, allowing for steady and manageable progression.

More Able Children

Teachers may identify children as more able in Computing either through end of unit summative assessment or through observation in lessons and formative assessments. In Computing, we may identify a child as more able if they:

• Demonstrate exceptional problem-solving skills 

• Show a keen interest in exploring new technology independently

• Exhibit creativity in programming and digital content creation

• Apply new concepts in innovative ways beyond the standard curriculum expectations

More able children are challenged through the Kapow Curriculum, aiming to deepen their understanding and fluency in computing concepts.

Impact

The expected impact of our curriculum is that children will:

• Engage confidently in purposeful dialogue in practical technological situations

• Make increasingly accurate attempts to solve complex computing problems

• Demonstrate understanding of digital systems by applying knowledge responsibly

• Use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs

• Develop awareness of ethical issues associated with digital technology

• Meet the end of Key Stage 2 expectations outlined in the National curriculum for Computing

Assessment

The impact of our curriculum is constantly monitored by class teachers through formative and summative assessments. Our scheme of work includes guidance for teachers in assessing pupils against learning objectives. Teachers use lesson starters (recaps) to identify gaps in children’s knowledge and subsequently plan opportunities to close any identified gaps.

At the end of each unit of work, assessments are undertaken to establish the knowledge of pupils, consisting of written and practical activities. These assessments are moderated in staff teams annually. Standards of teaching and learning in Computing are monitored by the subject leader and the headteacher through pupil interviews, work scrutiny, and learning walks.

We will review and develop the curriculum annually to ensure it continues to let our pupils' light shine as they develop an affinity for computing, aspire to be sensible users and also confidently achieve in navigating the digital world safely.

Research which underpins our curriculum design

Our Computing curriculum fulfils the statutory requirements outlined in the National curriculum (2014) and was created based on the principles outlined in the Ofsted research review series: Computing.