"We are currently preparing students for jobs that don't yet exist, using technologies that haven't been invented, in order to solve problems we don't know are problems yet." Richard Riley.

At Sacred Heart Primary, we see the teaching of Computing as an integral part of the school curriculum.  Our school uses Kapow to support the learning of each strand of the Computing curriculum.

Intent:

Staff at Sacred Heart understand the immense value technology plays in supporting the Computing and whole school curriculum, day-to-day life of our school and also the increasing role it plays in our pupils’ lives as they grow older. We believe that technology can provide: enhanced collaborative learning opportunities; better engagement of pupils; easier access to rich content; support conceptual understanding of new concepts and can support the needs of all our pupils.

Our aim is for all our pupils to develop their computational thinking skills and creativity. At the core of the Computing curriculum lies computer science. Our children are able to build on their knowledge using information technology skills and by becoming computer literate. The use of Kapow across the school underpins the curriculum needs for all of these areas. Where possible, links are made to each class topic. 

Implementation:

Computing at Sacred Heart is taught in a number of ways.

In the Early Years the approach is through cross-curricular learning with an emphasis on hands on experiences and is assessed through the Understanding the World, Early Learning Goal. Teaching is through context-based and role play experiences using many resources such as programmable toys.

Computing is taught weekly in year 1 and bi-weekly from Year 2 to Year 6 to allow children to build on their skills and, where possible, each unit has a real-life outcome. The strands of ‘Digital Literacy’, ‘Information Technology’ and ‘Computer Science’ are taught in each year group, with the skills and knowledge required becoming progressively more complex.

From Year One upwards, we use Kapow as a cohesive scheme of work addressing the statutory aspects of the National Curriculum. As a school, we believe in delivering fun and engaging lessons which help to raise standards and allow all pupils to achieve to their full potential

All Computing lessons begin with the children acknowledging the online safety rules which are adhered to across the school community.

Impact:

Children at Sacred Heart enjoy and value computing and know why it is important now and in the future. The children will understand and appreciate the value of Computing in the context of their personal wellbeing, the technological, creative and cultural industries and their many career opportunities. Progress in computing is demonstrated through regularly reviewing the children’s work, in accordance with the ‘Kapow’ assessment policy:

• Looking at pupils’ work, especially over time as they gain skills and knowledge
• Observing how they perform in lessons
• Talking to them about what they know.

The Computing curriculum will contribute to children’s personal development in creativity, independence, judgement and self-reflection. This will be evidenced in being able to talk confidently about their work and sharing their work with others.

Our School and what computing looks like:

During the first term of our Computing Curriculum each year group will complete a unit looking at different aspects of Online Safety. This is then built upon throughout the year, both in Computing lessons, PSHE and the wider curriculum. We also participate in Safer Internet Day each February.

Computing is taught weekly in year 1 and bi-weekly from Year 2 to Year 6 to allow children to build on their skills and, where possible, each unit has a real-life outcome. The strands of ‘Digital Literacy’, ‘Information Technology’ and ‘Computer Science’ are taught in each year group, with the skills and knowledge required becoming progressively more complex.

Year 1 follow the full Computing Scheme covering 7 different topics including E-Safety.

Year 2 – Year 6 follow the condensed Computing Scheme covering 5 units including E-Safety.