Intent

At Cotmanhay Junior School, we believe that computational thinking is vital in helping children to solve problems, design systems, and understand the potential of technology. We believe it is a skill that empowers, and one that all pupils should be aware of, and develop competence in.

We want our children to become digital creators, using technology to support other areas of their work and lives, and to understand the responsibilities of being digital consumers on their time, relationships and wellbeing. We teach children to become good digital citizens, to know how to stay safe and keep others safe online, and the importance of what they share in creating their own digital footprint.

Our computing curriculum follows the National Curriculum. By personalising the Rising Stars scheme Switched On Computing, we offer a broad, modern and ambitious computing curriculum; one that caters to all our children’s needs. We recognise the deep links that computing has with other subjects, including mathematics, design technology and science.

Being a proficient user of technology has become an integral part of everyday life. We want children to be able to use these technologies to their advantage. These skills will provide children with a firm foundation in computing from which they can build on throughout their lives, preparing pupils for today's world, and the future. 

Implementation

Impact

Pupils make good progress from their own personal starting points. Pupils self-assess their learning, and have time to reflect on their progress and understand the impact computing has on their learning and well-being. End of unit teacher assessments help guide class teachers, and the subject leader, with strengths and next steps of applying our computing curriculum to the real world.

By the end of Year 6, pupils are able to use technology safely and responsibly. Pupils apply their understanding of computing to solve many problems, and present and share their work in a creative way within school and at home. Pupils have a strong skill set to take to Secondary school, being able to use technology effectively to support learning in other subjects such as English and mathematics. Pupils speak positively about computing lessons, and engage well in lessons. There is the opportunity to develop learning further in Coding Club to help embrace the future.