Computing
Intent
At JOPS, we have chosen to follow the Kapow scheme of work which aims to inspire pupils to become curious and explorative thinkers with a diverse knowledge of the world – in other words, to think like computing experts. The intention is for pupils to develop the confidence to question and observe places, measure and record necessary data in a variety of ways and analyse and present their findings.
The scheme aims to build an awareness of how Computing shapes lives at multiple scales and over time. The hope is to encourage pupils to become resourceful, active citizens who will have the skills to contribute to and improve the world around them.
Implementation
The National curriculum organises the attainment targets for Computing under three strands:
- Computer science.
- Information technology.
- Digital literacy.
Kapow Primary’s Computing curriculum has been structured to ensure these strands run through each unit. These strands ensure a balanced coverage of the different aspects of Computing, supporting the development of both substantive knowledge (e.g understanding networks, algorithms and data) and disciplinary knowledge (e.g. applying skills to program, creating digital content and evaluating online information responsibly).
The Computing curriculum is organised into five key areas:
- Computing systems and networks
- Programming
- Creating media
- Data handling
- Online safety.
These five key areas group learning into meaningful and purposeful domains, reflecting how technology is experienced and used in the real world. They help ensure that both declarative knowledge (knowing what) and procedural knowledge (knowing how) are developed in parallel.
Computing is timetabled once per week. Online safety is also taught through Kapow, with a lesson at the start of every unit. In addition, further lessons may be taught, if a matter requiring a responsive learning opportunity arises. The school celebrate Safer Internet Day each year. The schools PSHE curriculum covers online safety also.
Impact
The impact of our curriculum is constantly monitored through both formative and summative assessment opportunities. Each lesson includes guidance to support teachers in assessing pupils against learning objectives and each unit has an end of unit quiz.
Children leave JOPS equipped with a range of skills to enable them to succeed in their secondary education and be active participants in the ever-increasing digital world.
The expected impact of following the Kapow scheme is that children will:
- Be critical thinkers and able to understand how to make informed and appropriate digital choices in the future.
- Understand the importance that computing will have going forward in both their educational and working life and their social and personal futures.
- Understand how to balance time spent on technology and time spent away from it in a healthy and appropriate manner.
- Understand that technology helps to showcase their ideas and creativity. They will know that the different types of software and hardware can help them achieve a broad variety of artistic and practical aims.
- Show a clear progression of technical skills across all areas of the National curriculum – computer science, information technology and digital literacy.
- Be able to use technology both individually and as part of a collaborative team.
- Be aware of online safety issues and protocols and be able to deal with any problems in a responsible and appropriate manner.
- Have an awareness of developments in technology and have an idea of how current technologies work and relate to one another.
- Meet the end of key stage expectations outlined in the National curriculum for Computing.