Computing
At Rolls Crescent our Computing curriculum is underpinned by the CLIC trust ‘active ingredients.’ These active ingredients have been chosen using research based evidence on how children learn and how they commit knowledge to their long term memory.
Intent
Our intent for the computing curriculum is to equip all students with the skills, knowledge, and understanding to thrive in a technology-driven world. We aim to develop confident, creative, and critical thinkers who can apply computational thinking to problem-solving across a range of subjects. Our curriculum is designed to:
- Build foundational skills in coding, data handling, and digital literacy.
- Foster an understanding of how technology works and its role in everyday life.
- Teach students to use technology safely, responsibly, and ethically.
- Encourage creativity and collaboration through a variety of computing tools.
- Ensure students are prepared for future technological advancements and careers by cultivating a positive, inclusive, and curious attitude towards technology.
Implementation
Our computing curriculum is delivered in a structured and progressive manner, ensuring that skills are developed from EYFS through to Year 6. Key features of our approach include:
-EYFS use interactive phonics and math games on the interactive whiteboard and guided practice games on iPads.
- Clear progression: Each year builds on prior learning, introducing more complex concepts in areas such as algorithms, programming, and data representation.
- Hands-on experiences: Pupils engage in practical activities using computers, tablets, and programmable devices, applying their learning to real-world scenarios.
- Coding and programming: Beginning with basic commands and block-based coding (e.g., Scratch), we advance to text-based programming languages as students move up the school.
- Digital literacy: Students learn how to use technology effectively for research, communication, and creativity, incorporating word processing, presentation tools, and image editing.
- Online safety: Integrated across all year groups, our online safety lessons help children understand how to stay safe, respect others, and protect personal information while using digital platforms.
- Cross-curricular links: Computing is integrated across other subjects (e.g., math, science, DT and art) to enhance learning and show the real-world application of digital skills.
- Use of technology in teaching: Teachers use a variety of digital resources and interactive tools to deliver engaging lessons, including coding software, simulations, and virtual learning platforms.
Impact
The impact of our computing curriculum is seen in the confident, independent, and reflective learners who use technology to enhance their learning and solve problems creatively. By the time students leave our school, they will:
- Possess strong foundational skills in computational thinking, programming, and data analysis.
- Be able to use technology as a tool for learning, communication, and collaboration.
- Demonstrate a responsible attitude towards digital citizenship, understanding both the opportunities and risks associated with the online world.
- Show resilience when tackling computing challenges, learning from mistakes, and debugging code.
- Be prepared for the next stage of their education with a positive mindset towards computing and emerging technologies.
We assess computing through a combination of formative and summative assessments, observing pupils’ practical skills, their ability to explain processes, and the quality of their outcomes in digital projects.