Our Aims:

Our computing curriculum is designed to support all of our children to learn how to use technology to further their understanding of the world around them and develop the skills to access a wider world increasingly reliant on technology.

Our aims are to ensure all of our pupils:

• can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation.
• can analyse problems i computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
• can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology

What does Computing look like at Callowell?

Our curriculum is designed around our school community, we use this driver to propel the curriculum offer to ensure the Callowell community are at the centre. Our Computing curriculum, currently supported by Purple Mash (2 Simple), is based on the aims and principles of the National Curriculum. We ensure that learning is progressive and inclusive with a focus on teaching high-quality vocabulary to improve subject specific oracy.

Our programme of study sees dedicated Computing lessons split into three strands: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. These give the children repeated practical opportunities to develop their coding skills combined with e-safety training and familiarisation with commonly used programmes to prepare them to meet their future technology needs.

E-Safety is an important part of our Computing curriculum. We equip our children with the knowledge and understanding that they need to keep themselves safe in an increasingly digital world. At Callowell, we have regular visits from our local PCSO to ensure that children understand the importance of E-Safety. 

How do we assess Computing?

Our Computing curriculum is designed progressively to ensure that children build on previous knowledge and skills learnt. We use regular retrieval practice sessions within class to further support this.

By the end of each key stage, children are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes studied within the National Curriculum programmes of study. Class teachers use formative assessment in all lessons to identify children's understanding of the computing concepts and key knowledge taught, alongside Evidence Me and Insight. This allows us to track the attainment and progress of children throughout their school journey. 

Useful links for E-Safety:

Contacting Childline | Childline

Keeping children safe online | NSPCC

Parent Zone | At the heart of digital family life

Parents and carers | CEOP Education