Computing

Intent 

At Chigwell Row Infants, we strive to provide a strong foundation in computer science for all our students. Through hands-on experience with coding and problem-solving, we aim to equip them with the skills and knowledge to navigate and excel in a rapidly-evolving digital world. We also place a strong emphasis on digital citizenship, ensuring that our students use technology safely, respectfully, and responsibly. By the time they leave our primary school, we want our students to be confident, responsible, and creative users of technology, capable of tackling new challenges and opportunities with curiosity and critical thinking.

Implementation

There are several ways that we implement the aims of the UK primary school computing national curriculum in the classroom:

1. Incorporate coding and computer science activities into the regular lesson plan. This can involve using tools like Scratch or Code.org to introduce students to programming concepts and problem-solving.

2. Use technology as a tool to support learning in other subjects, such as creating presentations, conducting research, or collaborating with classmates.

3. Foster an environment that promotes responsible and respectful use of technology, such as setting ground rules for appropriate online behavior and regularly discussing the impact of technology on society.

4. Encourage creativity and self-expression through technology, such as by allowing students to create digital projects or presentations.

5. Provide opportunities for students to tinker with and explore different types of technology, such as hardware components like microcontrollers and sensors.

6. Incorporate digital literacy skills, such as online safety and protecting personal information, into the curriculum.

7. Collaborate with other teachers and educational technology specialists to stay up-to-date on best practices and incorporate new technologies into the classroom.

Impact

We measure the impact of teaching the aims of the UK primary school computing national curriculum in several ways:

1. Assessments: Use assessments such as quizzes, tests, and projects to evaluate student understanding and application of computer science concepts.

2. Classroom observation: Observe students during technology-based activities and take note of their engagement, problem-solving skills, and ability to use technology responsibly.

3. Student feedback: Ask students for feedback on their experiences with technology in the classroom and how they feel they have progressed in their understanding and use of technology.

4. Teacher surveys: Collect feedback from teachers on the effectiveness of the technology-based curriculum and any areas that may need improvement.

5. Student work samples: Review student work samples, such as coding projects or digital presentations, to assess their understanding and use of technology.

6. Future readiness: Track the success of students as they progress to more complex concepts to determine the long-term impact of the technology-based curriculum.

We use the Kapow curriculum to teach Computing. Skills are embedded in the EYFS Framework before fully engaging pupils in KS1 with early computer science skills such as sequencing and debugging as well as developing their digital literacy and e-safety knowledge.