Computer Curriculum Journey

Intent

At Oakwood Junior School the planning and teaching of computing is an essential part of the curriculum; a subject that not only stands alone but is woven through our curriculum. Computing, in general, is a significant part of everyone’s daily life and children should be at the forefront of new technology, with a thirst for learning what is out there.  Computing within schools can therefore provide a wealth of learning opportunities and transferrable skills explicitly within the Computing lesson and across other curriculum subjects.

Through the study of Computing, children will be able to develop a wide range of fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding that will actually equip them for the rest of their life.  Children are provided with essential knowledge that will enable them to participate effectively and safely in the digital world beyond our gates.

 Implementation

At Oakwood Junior School, we use Teach Computing to provide us with a platform to teach a set of key concepts which are explored through each computing unit. These concepts include:

• Computing systems and networks: (systems, networks and how they are used, the internet, hardware and software)
• Programming: (interpreting, creating and evaluating algorithms, programming to accomplish specific goals, detecting and correcting errors)
• Data and information: (collecting, analysing, evaluating, presenting data and information)
• Creating media: (design and development, communicating and collaborating online, evaluating online content, respectful and responsible communication, presenting, creating content) 

Our Computing curriculum is carefully designed to provide a broad and balanced learning experience, aligned with the objectives set out in the National Curriculum. The curriculum is structured around three key strands: Computer Science, Information Technology, and Digital Literacy.

Computer Science focuses on developing pupils’ understanding of how computers and computer systems work, as well as how they are designed and programmed. Information Technology emphasizes the purposeful use of a range of existing software to create products and solve problems. Digital Literacy equips pupils with the essential skills, knowledge, and understanding required to engage safely in an increasingly digital world.

We also recognise the value of developing computational thinking, which empowers our pupils to understand and influence the world around them. This teaches essential life skills, including pattern recognition, abstraction, evaluation, prediction, and decomposition—enabling learners to solve problems logically and effectively across a range of contexts.

Together, these components ensure that pupils receive a comprehensive computing education that prepares them for future learning and participation in the digital age.

Impact 

Our computing curriculum ensures coverage of the National Curriculum. Progression documents ensure that skills and concepts are covered and developed year on year to ensure learning and skills are securely met by the end of each key stage. Through the explicit teaching of computing skills, both the teachers and the pupils assess their learning continuously throughout the lesson. Our assessment systems enable teachers to make informed judgements about the depth of their learning and the progress they have made over time. Assessment and feedback allow children to identify their areas of strength and reflect on areas for improvement. Namely through; looking at children’s work, especially over time as they gain skills and knowledge; observing how they perform in lessons, and talking to them about what they know. Additionally, monitoring gives crucial feedback to inform and address any gaps in learning or teacher subject or pedagogical knowledge.

Our children will build secure knowledge, skills and understanding in computing and will be prepared to access the computing curriculum in Year 7. Pupils develop an understanding of how subjects and specific skills are linked to future jobs. The computing curriculum will contribute to children’s personal development in creativity, independence, judgement and self-reflection. This would be seen in them being able to confidently talk about their work and sharing their work with others. As children become more confident in their abilities in Computing, they will become more independent and key life skills such as problem-solving, logical thinking and self-evaluation become second nature.