Computing

At Northwood Park Primary, our Computing curriculum is rooted in our core values:

Be Kind, Be Brave, Be Proud. We strive to deliver a forward thinking, engaging and enriching Computing curriculum that prepares every pupil so they can safely navigate the digital world. We want all pupils to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to use technology safely, responsibly and creatively.

Computing at Northwood Park

We believe that every child should have access to high quality computing experiences, regardless of their background or starting point. Through Computing, children develop important skills such as problem solving, logical thinking and resilience. It also gives them the opportunity to be creative and express their ideas using a range of digital tools.

We want children to understand how technology works, not just how to use it. Our aim is to build curiosity and confidence so that pupils feel comfortable exploring and using different forms of technology.
By the end of Year 6, we want all pupils to leave Northwood Park Primary as confident and responsible users of technology who are ready for the next stage of their education.

Computing objectives are taught following the Purple Mash scheme of work. Children are also given opportunities to work more broadly with digital technology across all areas of the curriculum to enhance digital learning opportunities and apply skills and knowledge learnt through Computing lessons.

We ensure that all pupils are supported through:
• Clear instructions and modelling
• Scaffolded tasks where needed
• Opportunities to revisit and practise key skills
• Flexible approaches to allow all children to succeed
• Technology is used to support learning and help close gaps across all areas of the curriculum.

Where appropriate links to other subject areas are made, teachers embed the use of the Computing Curriculum to make purposeful learning opportunities for our pupils. By the time children leave Northwood Park, they are confident in using a range of digital tools and have a good understanding of how technology works.

Online Safety

Online safety is a key part of our curriculum. We teach children how to stay safe online, how to behave respectfully and what to do if they are unsure or worried about something. This is complemented with cross curricular links to our PSHE curriculum and is supported through assemblies and workshops. Pupils understand how to stay safe online and can make sensible choices when using digital devices. They know how to communicate appropriately and respectfully in digital spaces. Our pupils have the opportunity to develop their Computing leadership skills as part of the Digital Defenders Team. Our Designated Safeguarding Lead provides advice and guidance to staff, children, parents to ensure they know how to keep themselves safe online, making sure they are aware of any changes to the digital landscape.

At Northwood Park, we are currently working towards achieving the Online 360 Safety Mark as well as working in collaboration with Online Behaviours. All of our children know who to report any online safety concerns to and our Designated Safeguarding Lead

Our curriculum is carefully planned so that learning builds step by step from EYFS to Year 6. It is based on the three key areas of the National Curriculum: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy.

Children are able to create and present their own digital work and can talk about what they have learned using the correct vocabulary. They show confidence when solving problems and are able to persevere when things do not work straight away.
All pupils make progress from their starting points, and teachers use assessment to support and guide learning.
By the end of Year 6, pupils leave our school as capable and responsible users of technology, ready for the next stage of their education. Lessons are structured to include teacher modelling, guided practice and independent work. Children are encouraged to explore, work together and solve problems, helping them to build confidence and resilience.

EYFS

Computing in the Early Years supports the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework. Children are taught to understand the world through the exploration of technology, cause and effect and how digital tools are used in everyday life. Through age appropriate activities, children develop curiosity, problem solving skills and early digital literacy, helping them make sense of the world around them. Computing also supports Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) by encouraging collaboration, turn taking and resilience, as children learn to work together, manage challenges and build confidence when using technology.

Key Stage 1

Pupils are encouraged to develop a secure foundation in understanding what algorithms are. Children use this knowledge to develop programming skills which includes creating and debugging simple programs. We use a variety of resources including Scratch Jr and BeeBots. In addition to this, pupils are taught to use a range of technology purposefully, creating digital content which links to our Golden Thread curriculum. Online safety is a key component of the Computing curriculum and children are taught how to navigate the ever-changing online environment safely and responsibly to enhance their digital skills.

Key Stage 2

In Computer Science, children learn how digital systems work. They continue to develop their skills in sequencing and debugging algorithms and create more sophisticated programs. In Information Technology, pupils continue to use a range of digital tools to create and present their work. This includes using software to produce documents, presentations and multimedia projects. In Digital Literacy, children are taught how to use technology safely and responsibly. Online safety is revisited regularly so that pupils develop a clear understanding of how to keep themselves safe.