Intent
At Southwood Primary School, we aim to provide children with a high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology.  The key aspects of computing are computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world. 

Key Stage 1 pupils are taught to:

• understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions
• create and debug simple programs
• use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
• use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content
• recognise common uses of information technology beyond school use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.

Key Stage 2 pupils are taught to:

• design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
• use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
• use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
• understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration
• use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content
• select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information
• use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

Implementation

Pupils are taught using a range of well-known software including Word, PowerPoint and Excel as well as a range of online programming software such as Scratch and resources like BeeBots.  This software enables children to be taught effective computing skills in word process and formula writing alongside more specific skills in coding and programming. Teachers use the ‘Teach Computing Curriculum’ scheme, published by NCCE, as a starting point for the planning of their computing lessons, which are often richly linked to engaging contexts in other subjects and topics. We have sets of laptops along with iPads based in each class within Year 2,3,4,5 and 6. These iPads are shared across the school when needed for computing and integrating through the curriculum. We have a range of laptops and iPads to ensure that all year groups have the opportunity to use a range of devices and programs for many purposes across the wider curriculum, as well as explicit computing lessons. Employing cross-curricular links motivates pupils and supports them to make connections and remember the steps they have been taught. It shows the children that they are able to use resources and software for different purposes. 

Children have access to the Internet when permission has been given and is taught how to use it appropriately along with how search engines and websites operate. Internet safety is taught regularly at an age-appropriate level and forms the basis within our computing curriculum. Children are also taught about vocabulary linked to computing and key skills for life including touch-typing and a range of software. Computing is also cross-curricular (when appropriate), progressing children's learning in all areas of the curriculum.

Impact

By the end of each key stage, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study.  Each year group has specific assessment goals for the year, which cover Information Technology, Computer Science (programming) and Digital Literacy Skill.  The quality of the children's learning is evident through achieving learning outcomes, accumulating new skills, displays and use of an evidence folder on the school's computers.  Teachers and pupils will save work into this folder to demonstrate the coverage of skills across lessons and topics.