Computing

Computing Curriculum Intent

At Linden Road Academy, we value the fundamental role that technology plays in the life of the school and in the future of our children. In line with the 2014 National Curriculum for Computing, we aim to provide a high quality computing education which equips children to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and prepare for the changing world. We prepare our learners for their future by giving them the opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills that will equip them for an ever changing digital world. Knowledge and understanding of ICT is of increasing importance for children’s future. Our Computing curriculum focuses on a progression of skills in digital literacy, computer science, information technology and online safety to ensure that children become competent in safely using and understanding technology. Our intention is that this learning is embedded; skills are successfully developed and that Computing supports children’s creativity and cross curricular learning: engaging children and enriching their experiences in school.

Implementation

We aim to provide our children with a high quality computing education. Our whole curriculum is shaped by our school vision which aims to enable all children to flourish and excel becoming the very best version of themselves they can possibly be. We teach the National Curriculum, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression. This ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children. To ensure a broad range of skills and understanding, Computing is taught across three main strands: digital literacy, computer science and information technology. As part of information technology, children learn to use and express themselves and develop their ideas through ICT. Within digital literacy, children develop practical skills in the safe use of ICT and the ability to apply these skills to solving relevant, worthwhile problems. In computer science we teach children to understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation. At Linden Road Academy, we give children access to a wide range of good quality resources and provide cross curricular opportunities for children to apply their Computing knowledge and skills. Online safety is taught within each Computing lesson as a short starter activity as well as being taught as individual lessons each half term. Safer Internet Day is celebrated annually. Many skills will be covered in a stand-alone computing lesson and others will be incorporated into topic lessons. Wherever possible, the computing strand will be linked to the topic covered.

Impact

The implementation of this curriculum ensures that when children leave Linden Road Academy, they are competent and safe users of ICT with an understanding of how technology works. Our approach to the curriculum results in a fun, engaging, and high-quality computing education. They will have developed skills to express themselves and be creative in using digital media and be equipped to apply their skills in Computing to different challenges they will face in the future.

You can follow our Computing learning by searching on Twitter @LindenComputing or check out our Learning Showcase!