Computing

The intent for our curriculum:

At Wigton Infant School, we believe that all children need to have very good computing skills if they are to succeed throughout their education and in the workplace in future years. We aim to give pupils high quality, enjoyable and memorable learning experiences through access to a range of digital and electronic software and hardware.

We recognise that the world of technology is fast changing. Therefore, computing education needs to progress appropriately, in order that children move forward with the skills and knowledge necessary to be active participants in today’s, and the future’s, digital world.

We aim for pupils to have a foundational understanding of computing to include algorithms, simple programs, logical reasoning and prediction. We also aim for pupils to purposefully and creatively store, manipulate and retrieve digital content as well as recognising how technology is used across the wider world. Our intention is that pupils will also be able to use their computing skills across the curriculum and to inform and enhance life-long learning.

We also recognise that young children need a strong, but age-appropriate, understanding of how to keep safe when using modern computing technology and the internet. This will then allow pupils to feel protected, well-informed and able to self-regulate when using technology and the internet and all it has to offer.

How we implement our curriculum:

Computing is taught in discreet computing lessons but the use of technology is encouraged to support learning across all curriculum areas. We use The NCCE Computing Curriculum scheme of work to cover the three areas of the Computing National Curriculum: Digital literacy, Computer Science and Information Technology.

Every lesson in our scheme has been individually planned so that it can be effectively taught using the infrastructure we have in place at school and so that it can meet the needs of all our pupils. Our scheme has been closely referenced against the 2014 National Curriculum attainment targets in order to ensure progression and coverage. Having discreet lessons means that the children are able to develop depth in their knowledge and skills over the duration of each of their computing topics. Where appropriate, meaningful links will be made between the computing curriculum at the wider curriculum. In computing lessons the children will use either iPads or laptops in order to access a range of apps and software.

Online safety is taught regularly at an age appropriate level and forms the basis of all Computing learning. Children are also taught about vocabulary linked to computing and key skills for life including touch typing.

The impact of our curriculum:

After the implementation of this robust computing curriculum, children at Wigton Infant School 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, but more importantly – safely.  The biggest impact 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.

The subject leader regularly reviews each part of the Computing curriculum and Learning Walks and observations are carried out throughout the year.