Computing
Intent
At Bishop Wilson, we aim to provide all pupils with a solid foundation of knowledge with which they will be competent and confident when using a range of technology and experiences that balance all aspects of computing. By the time they leave Bishop Wilson, children will have gained key knowledge and skills in the three main areas of the computing curriculum: computer science (programming and understanding how digital systems work), information technology (using computer systems to store, retrieve and send information) and digital literacy (evaluating digital content and using technology safely and respectfully). The objectives within each strand support the progressive development and learning across the key stages, ensuring a solid ground for future learning and beyond.
Implementation
At Bishop Wilson, teachers use Kapow’s condensed Computing curriculum to plan and deliver high quality Computing lessons to pupils, starting in the EYFS through to Year 6. It ensures a broad and balanced coverage of the National Curriculum and provides pupils with a range of opportunities. It is a scheme which also supports cross-curricular links to all subjects, especially Mathematics and Science. Kapow’s Curriculum has been designed as a spiral curriculum with the following key principles in mind:
cyclical: pupils revisit the key areas throughout KS1 and KS2.
increasing depth: each time a key area is revisited, it is taught with greater complexity.
prior knowledge: upon returning to each key area, prior knowledge is utilised so pupils can build on previous foundations, rather than starting again.
EYFS
Computing and technology are vitally important subjects to deliver to EYFS children. Just as we ensure the children in our care are ready for the adult world by teaching them maths and literacy, we should also make sure that they are fluent in computer literacy and all-important e-safety. Not only will teaching this ensure children enter Year 1 with a strong foundation of knowledge. It will also ensure that children develop listening skills, problem-solving abilities and thoughtful questioning – as well as improving subject skills across the seven areas of learning. Computing in Reception doesn’t mean typing out a Word document or creating a code. In fact, teaching technology in the Early Years doesn’t have to involve computer work at all. Kapow’s computing scheme for EYFS is centred around play-based, unplugged activities that focus on building children’s listening skills, curiosity and creativity and problem solving. Allowing children the opportunity to explore technology in this carefree and often child-led way, means that not only will they develop a familiarity with equipment and vocabulary but they will have a strong start in Key Stage 1 Computing and all that it demands. The EYFS Computing lesson on Kapow looks slightly different to that of KS1 and KS2.
Technology in the Early Years can mean:
taking a photograph with a camera or tablet
searching for information on the internet
playing games on the interactive whiteboard
exploring an old typewriter or other mechanical toys
using a BeeBot
watching a video clip
listening to music
KS1 and KS2
For each year group, the curriculum is broken down into concepts and it is taught in units. Each unit is divided into steps, lessons. Step by step, strong foundations of knowledge and understanding are built and built upon.
A typical lesson using Kapow Computing lasts approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Computing is taught weekly in Key Stages 1 and 2 over four half terms. Children are taught in mixed ability classes throughout the school. The learning in each lesson will focus on objectives and connections are made cross-curricular where possible. Lessons incorporate a range of strategies from independent tasks, pairs work as well as unplugged and digital activities. This variety means that lessons are engaging and appeal to all learning styles. Differentiated guidance is available for every lesson to stretch pupils exceeding and those needing more support.
Kapow Computing lessons in both key stages follow the same sequence:
Step 1 – Attention grabber
Step 2 – Presentation (the children learning/embedding a skill)
Step 3 – Main event (the children having ago)
Step 4 – Wrapping up
Online Safety
Each year at Bishop Wilson we hold ‘Safer Internet Week’ around the same time as Safer Internet Day. It is celebrated globally to promote the safe and positive use of digital technology for children and young people and to inspire national conversation about using technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. During this week, children are delivered an online safety unit appropriate to their year group and do various online safety activities. In addition to this, we use ‘National Online Safety’ to support the delivery of online safety throughout the year, ensuring that we revisit the topic throughout the year frequently and when issues arise so children retain online safety in their long term memory.
Assessment
Assessment for Learning in Computing is present through the use of learning objectives and success criteria. Teachers use them to continually assess children through observation and monitoring of work. Teachers provide as much live, verbal feedback within lesson time. As part of the Kapow sequence, End of Unit assessments are completed by the pupils to enable teachers to track progress effectively and provide further intervention.
Home Learning Opportunities/Useful Links
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zyhbwmn
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zvnrq6f
Progression Documents
If you would like a paper copy of our Computing Progression Document, Vocabulary Progression Document or National Curriculum Map, please ask.