Computing
Intent
At Yattendon School, our Computing curriculum reflects our vision to Inspire, Persevere and Achieve. We aim to develop confident, responsible and creative learners who understand technology and can use it effectively in an ever-changing digital world.
Through a carefully planned curriculum, pupils develop knowledge and skills in computer science, information technology and digital literacy. We want children to be creators, problem-solvers and critical thinkers who can apply their learning across different contexts and prepare confidently for the next stage of their education.
Computing provides opportunities for pupils to develop the characteristics promoted through Yattendon's Learnacy approach, particularly problem-solving, thinking together and reflecting. Through coding, debugging and evaluating their work, children learn to persevere when challenges arise and understand that mistakes are an important part of learning.
Our curriculum also promotes the values of responsibility, honesty, co-operation and respect, enabling pupils to become safe, responsible and respectful digital citizens who understand both the opportunities and risks of technology.
Implementation
Computing is taught through a progressive curriculum that builds knowledge and skills over time. Learning is carefully sequenced to ensure pupils revisit and deepen their understanding of key concepts across the three strands of computing: computer science, information technology and digital literacy.
Pupils develop computational thinking through programming projects using tools such as Scratch, Micro:bits and Crumble Kits. They learn to design, create, test and debug programs while developing their understanding of algorithms, sequencing, selection, repetition and variables.
Children learn how digital systems work, how information is shared online and how to evaluate the reliability of digital content. They use a range of technologies to research, communicate, create digital content, collect data and present information. Opportunities such as data logging, image manipulation and 3D modelling broaden their understanding of how technology can be used in the wider world.
Online safety is embedded throughout the curriculum. Pupils learn how to stay safe online, protect personal information, communicate respectfully and report concerns appropriately. Teachers use questioning, discussion and assessment to check understanding, address misconceptions and ensure all pupils can succeed and make progress.
Impact
By the end of Year 6, pupils leave Yattendon as confident and responsible users of technology. They can apply computational thinking to solve problems, create and debug programs, and select appropriate digital tools for different purposes.
Pupils understand how technology and the internet work, can think critically about online information and demonstrate safe and responsible online behaviours. They use computing vocabulary accurately and can explain their learning with increasing confidence.
The impact of our curriculum is reflected in pupils who embody Yattendon's vision to Inspire, Persevere and Achieve. They approach challenges with resilience, work collaboratively with others and are equipped with the knowledge, skills and values needed to flourish in secondary education and beyond.