Intent

At Preston Candover C of E Primary School, we want pupils to become confident, articulate, resilient and empowered users and creators of technology. We want pupils to understand technology, rather than simply use it, and to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to use technology purposefully, creatively, critically, safely and responsibly.

Our Computing curriculum is ambitious for every pupil and reflects the three areas of the National Curriculum:

• Computer Science – understanding how computing systems work, computational thinking, algorithms, programming and problem-solving.
• Information Technology – using technology to create, manipulate, store and communicate information.
• Digital Literacy – participating safely, responsibly and effectively in an increasingly digital world.

We use the Teach Computing Curriculum as the foundation for our curriculum, organised through four overarching themes:

• Computing Systems and Networks
• Creating Media
• Programming
• Data and Information

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced so that pupils know more, remember more and can do more as they progress through the school. Key knowledge and skills are revisited and developed over time, with foundational concepts secured before pupils move on to more complex learning.

We want pupils to become increasingly independent in selecting and using appropriate digital tools, solving problems and creating digital outcomes. Computing also provides opportunities to develop creativity, communication, collaboration, critical thinking and resilience. Technology is used meaningfully across the wider curriculum, while ensuring that pupils receive sufficient dedicated time to develop computing-specific knowledge and skills.

We are committed to ensuring that all pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND, can access and succeed in Computing. Technology and accessibility features are used thoughtfully to remove barriers and enable pupils to participate, create and demonstrate their understanding.

We also want pupils to understand the impact of technology on themselves, others and society, becoming thoughtful, critical and responsible digital citizens.

Implementation

The Teach Computing Curriculum provides the foundation for our planning. As a mixed-age school, our long-term plan has been adapted to ensure a logical and coherent progression of knowledge and skills across our classes.

Learning is carefully sequenced so that pupils develop the prerequisite knowledge needed for future learning. Key concepts are deliberately revisited, consolidated and applied in increasingly complex contexts. Teachers use prior learning and assessment information to identify starting points, misconceptions and gaps before introducing new concepts.

Computing lessons typically include:

• explicit teaching of important knowledge and subject-specific vocabulary;
• links to prior learning and retrieval opportunities;
• clear modelling and explanation;
• regular checks for understanding;
• opportunities to practise and apply knowledge;
• problem-solving, testing and debugging;
• opportunities for pupils to explain their thinking;
• gradually reduced scaffolding to develop independence.

Programming is taught as a progressive body of knowledge, with pupils developing, testing and debugging algorithms and programs and explaining how and why their solutions work.

Each class has a planned weekly opportunity to access our Computing Suite, alongside other digital devices and resources where these enhance learning.

Cross-curricular use of technology is purposeful and supports learning in other subjects, but does not replace discrete Computing teaching. Pupils are taught the relevant knowledge and skills before being expected to apply technology independently.

Teachers are supported through the Teach Computing curriculum resources and professional development. The Computing subject leader supports colleagues with planning, subject knowledge, resources, assessment and online safety.

Pupils also have opportunities to become Digital Leaders, developing their own Computing knowledge while supporting others, contributing to Computing enrichment and promoting safe, responsible and effective use of technology.

 

     What makes a Preston Candover computer scientist?

End of KS1: A Preston Candover computer scientist understands how technology can be used for different purposes, can create and follow simple algorithms, use digital tools to create and communicate, and use technology safely and responsibly.

End of KS2: A Preston Candover computer scientist can apply their knowledge of computer systems, networks, programming, data and digital media to design, create, test and debug solutions, use technology purposefully and responsibly, and explain how computing works and its impact on themselves, others and society.

 

Please use the links below to explore our computing curriculum further: