Intent

At Witherley C.E. Primary School we intend to deliver high-quality teaching and learning opportunities that progressively cover the requirements of the National Curriculum Computing Programme of Study. This allows for a broad, deep understanding of computing and how it links to children’s lives, allowing children to apply the fundamental principles of computer science. We believe computing encourages pupils to use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programmes as well as allowing children to develop a richer digital literacy experience, as they document what they know and learn for others through blog posts, audio recordings etc. Computing nurtures children’s collaboration skills, as they work together and support one another in their learning. Alongside this, computing develops pupil’s skills using technology to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content. Critical thinking and analytical problem-solving skills are also developed through computing, which enables our children become responsible, confident, competent and creative users of technology. 

Implementation

At Witherley, computing is taught through a combination of building skills and subject knowledge using Twinkl Computing with a 2 year rolling programme. Computing is taught through a sequence of lessons intended to inspire pupils to develop a love of the digital world as well as giving teachers the confidence to deliver lessons containing revision, analysis and problem solving. The attached overview maps out clearly Long-Term Plans show the objectives from the National Curriculum that are taught.

What do we learn about in Computing?

• Basic Computer Skills
• E-Safety
• Word Processing
• Presentation Skills
• Data Handling
• Multimedia (sound, motion. text and images)
• Coding
• Programming
• Animation
• Computer Aided Design (CAD)
• Algorithms 
• Technology in our Lives

Foundation Stage

In the Early Years Foundation Stage Computing is taught as an ongoing part of the Early Years Curriculum within different key areas. The areas of learning that incorporate computing within the Foundation Stage are:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Physical Development
• Understanding of the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

The Early Learning Goals that are specific to Computing in the Foundation Stage are:

• Be confident to try new activities and show independence, resilience and perseverance in the face of challenge.
• Explain the reasons for rules, know right from wrong and try to behave accordingly. 
• Safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function. 

Impact

We want our children to leave Witherley C.E. Primary School loving computing and growing increasingly confident in applying their computing skills and subject knowledge. Our computing curriculum facilitates sequential learning and long term progression on knowledge and skills. Teaching and learning methods provide opportunities to recap acquired knowledge and skills. We want children to see the digital; world as part of their world, extending beyond school. We will see children growing in resilience and showing good perseverance skills in computing as they progress their knowledge and skills into KS3 and are able to do more as computer scientists, becoming respectful digital citizens going on to lead healthy digital lives.  

What do we have to say about computing at Witherley?

"I like using paint to make pictures and to use different colours. It's really good fun and I can use the mouse or the trackpad to use the paintbrush tool."

Indigo (Year 2)

"I like using the different colouring pencils on paint and I like getting the animal pictures on PowerPoint. I can change the shape to make them bigger and smaller."

Taylor (Year 1)

"I like typing on the computer because I can write stories and make sentences. I've even started to write a book on mommy's computer at home because I love it that much."

Dylan (Year 1)

"I like using the BeeBots best but I also like using the different maths games on the computer. I can play the darts games and I have to use the mouse really carefully for that so I can get the number score I want."

River (Year 2)

In Explorers we are developing our computing skills through PSED, Physical Development, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design. 
We are becoming more confident in trying new activities such as interactive games on our white board and using the Beebots. This is developing our resilience and perseverance and understanding of rules. The Beebots and interactive white board games require the development of techniques. We use the iPads to take photos. Talking about our well-being and sensible use of screen time is important.