Intent

Computing at North Denes Primary School aims to develop ‘thinkers of the future’ through a relevant and engaging education in computing. We intend to equip children to use computational thinking that allows them to become active participants in the digital world. We want pupils to understand the advantages and disadvantages associated with online experiences and to become respectful and responsible users of technology with an acute awareness of how to stay safe online. We educate our pupils in how to use technology positively and safely. Our aim is to provide a computing curriculum that is designed to deliver broad and deep knowledge alongside the opportunity to apply and develop what they have learnt to the wider curriculum.

Implementation

We follow a broad and balanced Computing curriculum that builds on previous learning and provides both support and challenge for learners. We follow planning that ensures progression of skills and that covers all aspects of the Computing curriculum. Children’s work is stored on ‘SeeSaw’ and the school server for reference of progression and assessment. We want to ensure that computing is embedded throughout the whole curriculum and that opportunities are given for enhancing learning by using technology in a number of subjects. In addition to the planning we follow, North Denes subscribes to Discovery Education, which provides all children with access to Block Coding, Python and HTML resources, both at school and home.

Impact

At North Denes Primary School, the computing curriculum is regularly assessed to ensure best practice. Computing is assessed in many ways, such as:

• Work scrutinies
• Discussions with children
• Discussions with teachers
• Assessment grids completed by teachers, as a unit is completed. These give a clear outline of the level of understanding for every child in the school. 
• Monitoring of planning
• Attending relevant CPD
• Annual action plans, outlining a clear vision for the year ahead. 
• A governors’ report which written each year, highlighting the current attainment levels in school, areas of strength and next steps.