Computing

What will children learn?

At Radwinter CofE Primary School, we aim to prepare our learners for the future by giving them the opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills that will equip them for an ever-changing digital world. Our computing curriculum uses cross-curricular, as well as discrete, teaching to embed their knowledge around the three key areas: information technology, digital literacy and computer science.  We recognise that technology can allow pupils to share their learning in creative ways. We also understand the accessibility opportunities technology can provide for our pupils. Our knowledge rich curriculum has to be balanced with the opportunity for pupils to apply their knowledge creatively which will in turn help our pupils become skilful computer scientists.

How will children be taught?

Information technology and digital literacy are woven through a variety of subjects throughout the children’s day. The learning of information technology strives to make communication and publication purposeful for the children. We believe that it is important for the children to have secure, concrete understanding of the theory that underpins their computing understanding, so our curriculum combines both plugged and unplugged learning opportunities. 

Through discrete teaching of our computer science curriculum, we aim to strengthen children’s problem-solving skills, as well as arm them with the knowledge they need to immerse themselves in the vast creativity of the digital world. Overall, we want our learners to leave with the skills they need, but also the feeling of enjoyment that technology brings to our world.

In order to deliver this curriculum, we are always building our bank of resources.

Currently available to the children we have the use of 20 Ipads that all have internet connectivity, as well as an additional 10 laptops. The children also have access to our ICT suite, which hosts 6 desktop computers and a wall mounted screen to provide sharing opportunities. We use Teach Computing as a platform from which to teach our computing units. We have found that Teach Computing offers the children the chance to explore the breadth of computing, but it also provides the depth and problem solving that we strive to achieve. The children access their Online Safety through their PSHRE curriculum, where they are constantly revisiting this theme. 

What will outcomes for children be?

We encourage our children to see the joy and value in the curriculum that we deliver. Through ‘why’ and ‘how’ questioning, we allow the children the opportunity to express their knowledge and understanding, alongside demonstrating their creativity. Knowledge and vocabulary are assessed at the start of each unit as a baseline, and are reintroduced and reflected upon throughout each lesson. This indicates what needs to be taught for the first time and what can be explored at a greater depth. We believe that a successful implementation of our curriculum will give the children the tools to realise the right balance of technology in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  

If you would like further information on the curriculum we teach, please contact the school directly.