Computing

Intent

At Oxhey Wood Primary School our computing curriculum aims to equip students with the foundational digital skills necessary to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information in an effective way. We intend to build a computing curriculum that prepares pupils to live safely in a society with a growing digital presence, where pupils can evaluate and apply the uses of technology critically to solve problems. Children will develop computational thinking, problem-solving skills, and digital literacy, enabling them to become confident, innovative and independent users. 

Implementation

All pupils have dedicated computing lessons each week in addition to time in the classrooms where technology is used to enhance subjects across our curriculum. The computing curriculum is delivered through our scheme of learning called Teach Computing.

The computing curriculum is designed around a spiral model. The overarching themes are Programming, Creating Media, Data and Information and Computer Systems. These themes are revisited every year. When pupils encounter a new unit within each theme annually, this enables them to consolidate their prior knowledge while building and deepening their understanding. This structured revisiting reduces the likelihood of knowledge being forgotten over time and promotes consistent connections across units.

Throughout the curriculum, pupils have regular access to the hardware such as computers, tablets, programmable devices and software required to develop their understanding of digital systems and their practical applications.

The safe use of technology will be taught throughout the computing curriculum. In addition, it will be reinforced in PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) through the themes of Respectful Behaviours, Online Behaviours, and Being Safe. Online safety is embedded across all year groups, teaching children how to navigate this increasing digital world safely. This is done both through discrete lessons and through whole-school assemblies that highlight the importance of using technology safely and responsibly, as well as embedding this into other areas of the curriculum. It is also discussed in relation to British Values of mutual respect, tolerance and individual liberty.