How do we teach computing at Abbeyfield?

Intent

The computing curriculum at Abbeyfield Primary Academy aims to develop pupils’ understanding of our digital world by giving them the opportunity to experience a wide range of computer equipment, programs and software. We know that technology is everywhere and will play a pivotal part in students’ lives. Therefore, we want to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly, critically and safely. This is because we want children to be successful in the future.

The curriculum is planned to build pupils’ skills and knowledge systematically in order to ensure they develop a good understanding of key computing concepts whilst engaging in fun and creative units of work. Throughout our computing curriculum, children area taught computational thinking and creativity. They are taught how digital systems work and use this knowledge to create, run and debug programmes. We want children to leave Abbeyfield Primary Academy digitally literate: they are able to use technology safely and express themselves.

The National Curriculum

The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure all pupils:

  • can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation (Computer science)
  • can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems (Computer science)
  • can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems (Information technology)
  • are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology. (Digital literacy)

Implementation

In order to develop computing skills we teach children a range of skills including coding, programming and digital literacy. Central to our computing programme is a focus on online safety, cyber bullying and respecting others on line. Computing is timetable weekly with a dedicated 45 minute slot where progressive lessons have been mapped out each half-term using a visual learning journey.

Our scheme of work for Computing is adapted from the ‘Teach Computing’ Curriculum and aspects of the Sheffield Computing Scheme. It covers all aspects of the National Curriculum. This scheme was chosen as it has been created by subject experts and based on the latest pedagogical research.

The curriculum aims to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to thrive in the digital world of today and the future. The curriculum can be broken down into 3 strands: computer science, information technology and digital literacy, with the aims of the curriculum reflecting this distinction.

Year 1 Learning Journeys
Year 4 Learning Journeys
Year 2 Learning Journeys
Year 5 Learning Journeys
Year 3 Learning Journeys
Year 6 Learning Journeys

Core Concepts

We have broken up our computing curriculum into three core concepts.

Curriculum Overview

We have then used these strands to map out our curriculum overview for computing.

Vocabulary Progression

We believe strongly in deliberate vocabulary instruction. We have therefore mapped out the tier 2 and tier 3 words for each topic.

Impact

We encourage our children to enjoy and value the curriculum we deliver. We want learners to discuss, reflect and appreciate the impact computing has on their learning, development and well being. We therefore value the role of pupil voice in when measuring the impact of our computing curriculum.

The way pupils showcase, share, celebrate and publish their work will best show the impact of our curriculum. We also look for evidence through reviewing pupils’ knowledge and skills digitally through programs like Flowol, Scratch (and many more) as well as observing learning regularly. Progress of our computing curriculum is demonstrated through outcomes and the record of coverage in the process of achieving these outcomes. This is reported to families in their end of term reports.

Have a look at the gallery for some of the work that has been produced across school such as digital pictograms, digital artwork and creating stock motion animations!