Intent 

Computing at The Whinless Downs aims to provide our children with the knowledge, skills and understanding to be safe and confident online citizens who are able to take a computational (systematic and logical) approach and to be creative in order to better understand the world they inhabit.  

We aim to raise pupil’s competence and confidence by giving them opportunities to experience a range of technologies which will provide the context to enable them to become digitally literate and responsible online citizens who understand how to stay safe.  

We want our children at the Whinless Downs (Academy Trust) to leave us: 

• Being responsible online users who know how to stay safe online. 
• Knowing how to present information effectively on a range of digital platforms.  
• Being able to plan, create and evaluate computer programs to solve problems.   

Implementation 

Computing is taught in a combination of explicit direct-instruction computing lessons and in sessions where computing is used to facilitate and develop knowledge, skills and understanding in other areas of the curriculum.  

Of paramount importance is ensuring our children know how to stay safe online. Whilst terms 1 and 2 of each year group are focused explicitly on digital literacy, we continue to keep the profile of digital literacy and online safety high during the rest of the year. Whenever the children are using computing, reference is made to prior learning that is appropriate for the computing learning they are engaging in and reminders are given regarding what to do if something makes you feel uncomfortable online.  

In terms 3 and 4 our children develop their knowledge of information technology and the necessary skills required to present information effectively; store and retrieve information safely and consider the needs of the audience.  

In terms 5 and 6 our children learn about computer science where they develop their ability to control a range of digital and physical systems, depending on their year group. This is the time where pupils will be coding and delving deeper into the power of computing to effect change.  

Impact  

Our Computing curriculum provides pupils with an effective start for being safe, responsible and knowledgeable online users. Children are enabled to develop the skills and confidence needed to present information clearly, selecting appropriate platforms on which to do so. They will be able to program solutions to problems using digital technologies, an essential skill for the future. Computing also provides children with skills to evaluate what they do and understand the impact of this on others. A successful computing education builds confidence and self-esteem and can have a positive impact on the whole child, including our more vulnerable and disadvantaged children, by empowering them to overcome the barriers they face.