Computing

Our Computing Subject Leadership is shared

Intent

At West Coker Primary School, we aim to prepare our learners for their future by giving them the opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills that will equip them for an ever-changing digital world. Knowledge and understanding of ICT is of increasing importance for children’s future both at home and for employment. Our Computing curriculum focuses on a progression of skills in digital literacy, computer science, information technology and online safety to ensure that children become competent in safely using, as well as understanding, technology. These strands are revisited repeatedly through a range of themes during children’s time in school to ensure the learning is embedded and skills are successfully developed. Our intention is that Computing also supports children’s creativity and cross-curricular learning to engage children and enrich their experiences in school.

Implementation

To ensure a broad range of skills and understanding, Computing is taught across three main strands: digital literacy, computer science and information technology. As part of information technology, children learn to use and express themselves and develop their ideas through ICT, for example writing and presenting as well as exploring art and design using multimedia. Within digital literacy, children develop practical skills in the safe use of ICT and the ability to apply these skills to solving relevant, worthwhile problems for example understanding safe use of internet, networks and email. In computer science, we teach children to understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, such as algorithms and data representation.

At West Coker Primary School, we give children access to a wide range of good quality resources and provide, when applicable, cross-curricular opportunities for children to apply their Computing knowledge and skills.

Online safety is taught within each term and aims to ensure children understand the benefits and risks of being online, how to remain safe, keep personal information secure and recognising when to seek help in difficult situations.

Impact

The implementation of this curriculum ensures that when children leave West Coker Primary School, they are competent and safe users of ICT with an understanding of how technology works. They will have developed skills to express themselves and be creative in using digital media and be equipped to apply their skills in Computing to different challenges going forward.