Computing at West Didsbury CE

Intent- Our curriculum is designed so that children will receive a high-quality computing education which equips them to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. We believe that it is an essential part of the curriculum at West Didsbury. Computing is part of our daily life within school and can therefore provide a wealth of learning opportunities and transferrable skills. These skills are taught explicitly within the Computing lesson and are revisited and consolidated across other curriculum subjects. Through the study of Computing, children will be able to develop a wide range of fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding that will actually equip them to safely  navigate the digital world. 

Implementation- We teach Computing through our 6 Key Concepts: Computers, Networks, Using Computer, E-safety, Net Searching and Coding. We are well equipped with interactive whiteboards, I-pads, laptops and other technological hardware and software. We encourage staff to incorporate technology throughout the wider curriculum and use these skills to research and present work in a variety of ways. 

In EYFS, we aim to give children a broad, play-based experience of computing in a range of contexts, including outdoor play. Early years learning environments enable children to interact with computing scenarios based on experience in the real world. Children gain confidence, communication and language skills through indoor and outdoor exploration with technological resources such as remote-controlled toys, Ipads and telephone sets. Children will begin to develop spatial reasoning and understanding of technology in our diverse world. 

In Key Stage 1, children begin to recognise the common uses of information technology within school and how technology impacts their lives and the wider community. The children work collaboratively to use technology purposefully and begin to build their programming, creativity and logical reasoning. There is strong focus on keeping safe, privacy and how to communicate when encountering problems. 

In Key Stage 2, the children will continue to be responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology. They will recognise the need to remain aware of potential uses of any emerging technologies. Children will build upon technical vocabulary to further deepen their understanding. They are taught to design and build programs, develop ideas and create a range of content across different platforms. They will consider the deep links with mathematics, science and design and technology and how these provide insights into both natural and artificial systems.  

Impact - The children will be digitally literate and will have the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively, and safely, in a range of contexts. Our computing curriculum equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and adapt to the ever-changing digital world. The impact will be evidenced through assessment in sessions and in evidence saved on the school system. Pupil voice and communicating and reporting to parents will also play a part in evidencing the impact. Our school website and social media pages will continue to showcase the excellent work by our children.