Computing 

Intent 

Our curriculum is informed by, but not limited to the PlanIt scheme and the national curriculum for computing and aims to ensure that all pupils: 

• can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation 

• can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems 

• can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems 

• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology 

Our aim is to provide all pupils a thorough and ambitious education in computing, equipping them to use technology, computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. It is now more important than ever that pupils understand how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely, and that they see good models of this. 

Throughout the programmes of study, the pupils work towards the key knowledge that has been identified within each unit and across each year group.  This knowledge is informed by the national curriculum and builds towards identified key stage end points in accordance with NC expectations.  Key skills understanding, analysing and evaluating are also mapped for each year group and are progressive throughout the school.  These too ensure systematic progression to identified skills end points which are in accordance with the expectations of the national curriculum.   

Our knowledge-based curriculum enables pupils to understand how computers and computer systems (such as the internet) work, and how they are designed and programmed. It ensures they know what to do if they have concerns about anything they encounter online, and how to be safe, responsible and respectful when using the internet. Equally, our offer provides many opportunities for learners to apply their evolving knowledge imaginatively, becoming fluent and creative in their mastery of computing. The depth and breadth of our coverage aims to provide all our pupils with a solid grounding for future learning and the ability to become active digital citizens in the modern world. 

At Town Farm, computing is taught using a subject-specific curriculum approach, in which lessons are taught weekly. Teachers use specified units from the PlanIt scheme as a starting point for the planning of their computing lessons. The key knowledge and skills that must be taught within each unit have been identified and carefully mapped to support the progression of pupils’ learning across the EYFS and key stages, building towards mastery of the end of key stage objectives from the National Curriculum.  

Implementation 

As they progress through the school, pupils build on their prior learning within each strand, covering new or deeper knowledge and developing their technical skills. The relevant, context-embedded computing experiences through which this knowledge-based curriculum is taught will benefit learners in secondary school, further education and future workplaces. From research methods, use of presentation and creative tools and computational and critical thinking, the computing curriculum gives pupils the building blocks that enable them to pursue a wide range of interests and vocations in the next stage of their lives. 

Impact 

Our approach to the curriculum provides engaging and meaningful learning for all pupils, in which the pupils understand not only the content that is taught but the opportunities offered to them by their computing education, enabling them to become creators and change-makers in our digital world.  

​​​​​​​

All this information also feeds into teachers’ future planning and enables assessment of pupil’s knowledge and skills. Through cross-curricular uses of computing in other subjects, teachers are able to revisit misconceptions and knowledge gaps in computing in tandem with other curriculum areas. This supports varied paces of learning and ensures all pupils make good progress.