How is Computing taught at Lydney C of E School?

Our Computing scheme at Lydney C of E School follows the spiral curriculum model where previous skills and knowledge are returned to and built upon. Units of work in Computing are usually taught on a weekly basis, although individual teachers may choose to combine or block some Computing lessons to suit the needs of their class and their year group’s curriculum as a whole.

The Kapow Computing scheme is closely mapped to the National Curriculum and details how the Computing units within KS1 and KS2 cover each of the national curriculum attainment targets as well as each of these strands within it. The Computing progression document shows the skills that are taught within each year group and how these skills develop year on year to ensure attainment targets are securely met by the end of each key stage.

EYFS

Computing is taught throughout the EYFS curriculum and not as a discrete subject. Children will have opportunities to explore technology and use technology to enhance their learning. 

Key Stage 1

In Key Stage 1, children will be taught lessons based on the 5 Kapow key areas: computing systems and networks, programming, creating media, data handling and online safety.  Lessons incorporate a range of teaching strategies from independent tasks, paired and group work.  Cross curricular links are made with other areas of learning where appropriate.  Lessons can be both plugged and unplugged.

Key Stage 2

At Key Stage 2, the children continue to be taught lessons based on the 5 Kapow key areas: computing systems and networks, programming, creating media, data handling and online safety.  Lessons build on what the children have learnt in KS1. 

Lessons incorporate a range of teaching strategies from independent tasks, paired and group work.  Cross curricular links are made with other areas of learning where appropriate.  Lessons can be both plugged and unplugged.

Inclusion, Quality First Teaching, Support and Assessment:

A ‘can do’ attitude is adopted by both staff and children in Computing sessions and the belief is that everyone can achieve and succeed in Computing.  Children are encouraged to persevere and learn from mistakes.   We want all pupils to become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world’.

Through the Kapow Computing scheme, differentiated guidance is available for every lesson to ensure that lessons can be accessed by all pupils and opportunities to stretch pupils’ learning are available when required. Staff also have access to CPD and supporting videos to enable them to confidently support a range of learners when teaching Computing.

Formative assessment is a key part of Computing lessons at Lydney C of E School and teachers observe, listen to and question their students to check understanding and to move learning forward.

Extra-Curricular Provision

Throughout the year, the school organises opportunities for children to become confident and responsible citizens online.  Each year, the children in Year 4 attend a performance called ‘In the Net’ which is a play about how to stay safe online.  We participate in Safer Internet Day.  We have regular visits from the Police to talk to the children about online safety.