Our Vision:

Our vision for Computing is for our children to leave our school with the skills and knowledge to equip them to be curious and independent learners that show resilience. We want to allow children to experience a rich, broad and balanced curriculum, as well as knowing how to keep themselves safe. Therefore, e-safety is taught at the beginning of every lesson to support the children's application to their own lives. Our vision will allow children to have a meaningful context of their learning to inform their investigative skills across the curriculum. The vision will support children to be aspirational, challenging stereotypes and prepared for life in the 21^st century. We want to equip and support teachers to confidently plan and deliver lessons which promote critical thinking and evaluation of learning.

How we teach Computing:

We deliver the Teach Computing Curriculum, a research-led programme created for the National Centre for Computing Education. Our approach uses a spiral curriculum, where four primary themes—Computing Systems and Networks, Programming, Data and Information, and Creating Media—are revisited annually. This structure ensures pupils build on prior learning while exploring ten distinct strands, including algorithms, computer systems, and the impact of technology.

Our lessons are inclusive and ambitious, utilising pedagogical strategies like "unplugged" activities to make abstract concepts concrete. We provide hands-on experiences using hardware such as beebots, micro:bits and crumbles to engage pupils in creative, tangible challenges. Online safety is woven throughout our units, ensuring pupils learn to use technology responsibly.

How we ensure access for all:

As our society becomes increasingly filled with computing and technology, our aim is to equip all children with the essential skills that we believe will lead to a successful life. Our school delivers an inclusive and ambitious computing curriculum designed for all pupils, irrespective of their skills, background, or additional needs. We ensure access through scaffolded activities, utilising visual prompts and pictorial step-by-step instructions to break down complex tasks into manageable steps. For pupils with SEND, we pre-teach essential vocabulary while also allowing access to key vocabulary lists for lessons and units to all children in the class. Conversely, we stretch more able learners by deepening understanding through open-ended challenges and higher-order questioning. By using unplugged activities to make abstract concepts concrete before "repacking" them into technical contexts, we ensure every child can succeed and thrive.

Using technology in school not only supports children to acquire and develop computing skills and knowledge but also to overcome barriers they may face in other aspects of their learning. Technology can be used by pupils to train or rehearse basic knowledge and skills from other subjects, for example, early reading, phonics and maths skills. It could also be used to assist learning by removing barriers such as translating software, enabling all children to access texts and communicate. Plus, technology can be used to ensure learning is enabled for all children, by adding an interactive multisensory aspect to their learning. Within computing lessons, children are taught the importance of being respectful online along with strategies to deal with concerns. This enables children to feel safe and secure, putting them in the best mindset to succeed. 

How we develop cultural capital:

At EWPS we strive to provide rich and engaging opportunities for children to see aspects of computing being used and applied in the real world. We like to take advantage of opportunities to meet experts and isolate their learning within computing or accords the STEM subjects, supporting children to get creative and allowing extended time to work on set projects. The quarterly Learning Fairs celebrate children's learning and achievements as well as taking ownership and responsibility for choosing and presenting their own fair. Every year we celebrate online safety day with assemblies, activities and chances to explore the annual topic through real-life scenarios and discussions. This year, the global event focused on the theme "Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI," encouraging young people to think critically about artificial intelligence and navigate digital spaces respectfully.

How we know your child is succeeding:

Your child will begin to develop into a responsible, confident, competent and creative young person when it comes to using computers and behaving online, including e-safety and online bullying issues and responsibilities. Succeeding in computing means a child must understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation. They will develop a sense of independence and resilience, enabling them to evaluate and apply their existing knowledge to confidently approach new or unfamiliar technologies and analytically solve problems. While also being aware of how to use computing as a way to extend their learning in other subjects and areas, through their digital literacy and information technology skills. 

How you can support your child:

Supporting your child's learning from home can easily be done. Every child has been allocated an account on RM Unify which can be accessed via the school website. From here your child can access Google Drive, Google Classroom and other learning platforms used within school. Your child can also complete tasks specifically assigned to them by their class teacher on Google Classroom, where you will also find their weekly homework. As a parent, you should be having regular discussions about your child's online activity and how to stay safe online to ensure you are aware of your child's online activity and are actively keeping them safe when they are online at home. You can play a vital role in your child’s computing journey by encouraging them to use technology purposefully and safely at home. Supporting their development of foundational digital skills, such as supporting them to independently log on and use a keyboard effectively. You can also help by reviewing essential vocabulary and content for their current unit found in your child's year group's quarterly curriculum newsletter. Additionally, help your child become a responsible digital citizen by practising the management of their own usernames and passwords. Finally, to keep all children safe, we strongly encourage parents to have an open dialogue with their children about their online activity, the apps, games and websites they are accessing and friends they are making. 

Subject Lead
Sophie Carneiro