The Computing Curriculum
Rationale
At FMPS our school motto is ‘Forever Making Pupils Shine’ and this statement pervades all areas of school life and the curriculum. In computing at FMPS, we aim to deliver an engaging, practical and high-quality computing curriculum that gives all pupils the foundation they require in order to be masters of technology able to participate fully in a digital world.
What we intend our children to know
We want to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology creatively, purposefully and positively, and our broad, knowledge-rich curriculum encompassing computer science, information technology and digital literacy reflects this. We constantly ask the why behind children’s learning and not just the how. As computational thinkers, pupils will know how to analyse problems, have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs and use information technology with competence and confidence in order to create a range of content, express themselves and develop their ideas.
Ultimately, by the end of their journey at FMPS, we want to ensure that children have acquired the relevant skills, knowledge and dispositions to allow them to be successful in the next stage of their learning and beyond.
How we will ensure pupils learn the knowledge that we have identified
We aim to create skilful computer scientists capable of applying their knowledge in a variety of contexts. In order to achieve this, computing is embedded across the curriculum to allow children to apply new skills in all subject areas. However, computing is also taught explicitly to allow children to gain specific disciplinary knowledge. Our progressive and sequential curriculum allows for opportunity for pupils frequently recap knowledge to ensure foundations upon which to gain new knowledge are secure. The activities teachers choose for children are purposeful and deliberate, and throughout lessons, pupils collaborate and discuss ideas with their peers and encouraged to ask questions. Children are immersed in relevant age-specific vocabulary relating to support their understanding. We strive for pupils to be fluent with a range of software and hardware to best express their understanding.
Impact
Progress is demonstrated by children knowing more and remembering more. They will recall and apply knowledge from prior learning in context and build upon this across units, year groups and key stages. Teachers quickly identify misconceptions and gaps in learning and respond by tailoring planning to best suit the needs of those pupils.
Please see our Progression Grid below:
Please see our Computing Statement of Intent below:
Photos from our Computing Lessons in school can be viewed on the page below:
