Intent:

At Brushwood, we aim to provide pupils with a high-quality computing education which equips them to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. We intend for pupils to not only be digitally competent and have a range of transferable skills for the future workplace, but also to be responsible online citizens. We hope to instil a sense of enjoyment around using technology and to develop pupils’ appreciation of its capabilities and the opportunities technology offers to create, manage, organise and collaborate.

In line with the national curriculum, we will aim to ensure that all pupils:

• can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
• can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
• can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

Implementation:

Underpinning our computing curriculum are the three key strands: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. In the first strand, pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. In the second strand pupils are taught to use information technology to create programs and systems, and in the third strand, pupils are taught to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology.

We follow the Kapow Primary Computing scheme which is further organised into five key areas, creating a cyclical route through which pupils can develop their knowledge and skills by revisiting and building on previous learning. These are: Computer systems and networks, Programming, Creating media, Data handling and Online safety.

Pupils are taught through whole-class interactive teaching with pupils working together on the same objective. Lesson incorporate a range of teaching strategies from independent tasks, paired and group work as well as unplugged and digital activities. This variety means that lessons are engaging and appeal to those with a variety of learning styles. Lessons are adapted to suit the needs of all pupils in the class, supporting and stretching learning.

Enrichment opportunities occur through linked theme weeks, enrichment time clubs, extra curricular activities and visits from individuals and companies who share their work.

In 2019 Brushwood was accredited the National Online Safety award. This has enabled all stakeholders an opportunity to safeguard the children in our school community by providing everyone with up-to-date information on terminology and resources to teach children how to keep themselves safe online. This training is in-line with the Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance for 2020. 

Impact:

The impact of our curriculum is monitored through:

• Pupil voice - questionnaires and pupil book reviews

• Engagement in enrichment activities

• Subject leader monitoring - lesson visits, work scrutiny, action plan and assessments.

• Governor reports