Computing

Meet our subject leader.

Mr. Clegg

I love computing, it provides a fun and engaging way to develop crucial skills like problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking, and digital literacy. From a child's view it allows them to explore their interests through interactive projects, all within a world they are already familiar with and excited about; essentially, it lets children learn by doing something they find enjoyable, opening doors to future possibilities in the digital world.

At Penwortham Primary School, our intent for the Computing curriculum is to equip all pupils with the necessary skills, knowledge, and understanding to thrive in a digital world. We aim to foster a passion for technology that inspires creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Our curriculum is designed to provide a clear progression in skills and knowledge from Early Years through Key Stage 2, ensuring pupils become competent, confident, and responsible users of technology.

We strive to achieve excellence through our school values: Aspire, Belong, Care and Discover.

Intent

Aspire- Promote Computational Thinking: Inspire pupils to set high expectations in core concepts such as algorithms, programming, and data representation across varied contexts, enabling pupils to approach problems logically and methodically.
Belong- Foster Collaborative Learning: Encourage teamwork through group projects that develop interpersonal skills and a sense of community.
Care-Encourage Digital Literacy: Ensure pupils understand the importance of safe, responsible, and ethical use of technology. This includes developing an awareness of online safety and digital citizenship
Discover-Cultivate Creativity and Innovation: Provide opportunities for pupils to express their ideas through technology and engage in project-based learning that encourages exploration and experimentation.

Implementation

To achieve our intent, we implement a well-structured, progressive computing curriculum that encompasses the following elements:

Curriculum Framework: Our computing curriculum is aligned with the National Curriculum and is organised into key areas: programming, digital literacy, computer science, and online safety. We enable pupils to progress through stages of increasing complexity, ensuring mastery of each key concept.
Cross-Curricular Integration: We incorporate computing across other subject areas to provide authentic contexts for learning. For instance, students may create digital presentations in history or analyse data in science, promoting interdisciplinary learning and real-world problem solving.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities: Our students engage in project-based tasks using a variety of tools, including coding platforms (like Scratch and Python-https://codingforkids.io/), robotics (such as LEGO Mindstorms), and multimedia software (like Adobe Express). These experiences stimulate engagement and foster collaboration.
Professional Development for Staff: Continuous professional development is essential. We ensure that teaching staff are well-trained in the latest computing trends and technologies through workshops, peer observations, and partnerships with local tech firms. This helps to enhance pedagogical strategies and content knowledge.
Assessment and Feedback: We adopt formative assessment practices that allow for ongoing evaluation of pupil progress. Regular feedback is provided to students, enabling them to reflect on their learning and set personal goals for improvement.

Impact

The impact of our computing curriculum is evidenced through several key indicators:

Pupil Engagement and Achievement: Our pupils demonstrate high levels of engagement and enthusiasm for computing. Data shows that the majority of students achieve at or above age-related expectations, with many exceeding the expected standards in computing skills as evidenced by internal assessments and national benchmarks.
Skill Development: Students exhibit a strong grasp of digital skills, programming concepts, and e-safety practices. They are able to demonstrate critical thinking and resilience when tackling computing challenges, preparing them for future academic and career pathways in a technology-rich environment.
Positive Behaviour and Attitudes: Our emphasis on collaboration, creativity, and ethical digital citizenship fosters positive behaviours. Surveys indicate that students feel safe and confident in using technology, and they exhibit respect towards peers in digital environments.
Parental Engagement and Community Links: We actively involve parents and the community through workshops and tech fairs, helping to foster supportive networks for students' technological explorations. Feedback from parents highlights increased enthusiasm for technology-related learning at home.
Continuous Improvement: We regularly review our computing curriculum and practices based on the latest research, feedback from stakeholders, and insights from Ofsted. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that we remain at the forefront of best practices in computing education.

Through this comprehensive intent, implementation, and impact framework, we aim to provide an outstanding computing education that prepares our pupils for the opportunities and challenges of the future.