Intent
We believe that computing is an essential part of the curriculum, both as a subject and a subject that is an integral part of all learning. In our modern world, children are surrounded by computers and this subject underpins all new technology. Through an engaging and varied curriculum, we aim to develop a thirst for learning by providing a wealth of learning opportunities and transferrable skills.

In Computing, children will learn the skills, knowledge and understanding that will equip them for the rest of their life, including key vocabulary associated with computing. The subject will teach pupils how to create their own algorithms in order to instruct computers, how modern day technology can provide means to store and present information, and the ability to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibility. The combination of these three areas will ensure children leave the academy with a broad base for learning in the digital world of today.

Implementation
Our computing curriculum has been adapted using The Teach Computing Curriculum that was created by the Raspberry Pi Foundation on behalf of the National Centre for Computing Education.

The Computing Curriculum uses the National Centre for Computing Education’s computing taxonomy to ensure comprehensive coverage of the subject. This has been developed through a thorough review of the computing programme of study. All learning outcomes can be described through a high-level taxonomy of ten strands:

• Algorithms — Be able to comprehend, design, create, and evaluate algorithms
• Computer networks — Understand how networks can be used to retrieve and share information, and how they come with associated risks
• Computer systems — Understand what a computer is, and how its constituent parts function together as a whole
• Creating media — Select and create a range of media including text, images, sounds, and video
• Data and information — Understand how data is stored, organised, and used to represent real-world artefacts and scenarios
• Design and development — Understand the activities involved in planning, creating, and evaluating computing artefacts
• Effective use of tools — Use software tools to support computing work
• Impact of technology — Understand how individuals, systems, and society as a whole interact with computer systems.

In EYFS, Children experience a hands-on approach to technology during continuous provision. The units for key stages 1 and 2 are based on a spiral curriculum. This means that each of the themes is revisited regularly (at least once in each year group), and pupils revisit each theme through a new unit that consolidates and builds on prior learning within that theme. This is designed to reduce the amount of knowledge lost through forgetting, as topics are revisited yearly. It also ensures that connections are made even if different teachers are teaching the units within a theme in consecutive years.

ONLINE SAFETY
This is an integral aspect of our Computing Curriculum and many units can be linked to the content of the lessons and the National Curriculum and Education for a Connected World framework. Not all of the objectives in the Education for a Connected World framework are covered through our Computing Curriculum, as some are better suited to personal, social, health, and economic education (PSHE); spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development (SMSC); and citizenship or through enrichment days/weeks such as National Bulling Week. In addition to this, we have designed an Online Safety Curriculum to explicitly teach areas from the Education for a Connected World framework, so children are being taught about online safety regularly throughout the year. This ensures that through the Computing Curriculum, the Online Safety Curriculum or through other curriculum areas, the coverage required for the Computing National Curriculum is provided.

Impact
After the implementation of this robust computing curriculum, the pupils will be digitally literate and able to join the rest of the world on its digital platform. They will be equipped, not only with the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively and for their own benefit, but more importantly – safely. The biggest impact we want on our children is that they understand the consequences of using the Internet and that they are also aware of how to keep themselves safe online.

To view the Computing Curriculum Overview click here. 

To view the E-Safety Curriculum Overview click here.