Computing Curriculum
Aim
Computing follows the Rising Stars Computing scheme which was updated for 2020. Teachers have six topics to choose from in each year group and choose four to teach in a half term. Teachers have the choice to base this around another subject, making it cross-curricular or leave it as a stand-alone. Within this scheme, Rising Stars provides teachers with a lesson plan which can be adjusted as necessary to the pupils needs to meet the curriculum objectives. Espresso Coding is also taught for two half terms, teaching pupils how to design and debug programmes, change input, and output variables and detect errors in algorithms. Throughout school, pupils start with block coding and in Year 5 are taught python coding, while in Year 6 are taught HTML coding thus giving a range of coding styles. Rising Stars also provides lessons with key vocabulary that needs to be taught in each topic.
Subject leaders check the overview of the computing topics chosen by staff each year to check that throughout KS1 and KS2, all curriculum objectives are met more than once.
Implementation
At Snapethorpe, we also ensure that we cover a broad curriculum through Rising Stars and Espresso Coding. Annually, we cover topics on E-Safety through our Safer Internet Day, work for this is then displayed around the school. Hardware and software across the school has been updated and modernised to ensure that pupils are exposed to the newest technology. This includes a Computing suite with desktops computers, laptop trollies and iPad trollies, which provides pupils with a variety of technology and software to access. We hold competitions each year to promote the use of technology and build technological awareness.
Impact
As 2021-2022 was the first full year of assessment data since the covid lockdown, the data reflected an increase in technological awareness and skill. Fewer pupils were working towards age related expectation and many more children were at the expected level for their age. It was clear from the data that pupils with SEND and disadvantaged children were more likely to be WTS than non-SEND pupils.
Below you can find the whole school overview for the computing coverage per year group and the medium term plans for each unit as well as our online safety road map.
To find further information relating to learning in individual year groups, please use the year group tabs on the website homepage.
