Computing

Intent – What are we trying to achieve with our Computing curriculum?

At Leighton Academy, we understand the immense value technology plays, not only in supporting the computing curriculum, but in day-to-day life at our school. We aim to fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum, whilst also preparing children for their future careers, familiarising children with a range of technology and teaching them how to stay safe online. We believe all children should gain practical experiences in computing through collaborative learning opportunities and access to rich content. Our school offers a broad and balanced curriculum with strong cross-curricular links, which is exciting, relevant and challenging for all pupils.                                    

Online safety has a high profile at Leighton Academy. We ensure this is maintained and pupils’ needs are met. We aim to equip pupils with the skills, strategies and knowledge that will help them gain the benefits of the online world, whilst being able to minimise risk to themselves or others.  

Implementation – How do we deliver our Computing curriculum?

At Leighton Academy, we implement different approaches when delivering the computing curriculum across the Key Stages. 

In EYFS, we provide pupils with a broad, play-based experience of Computing in a range of contexts. Pupils learn through ‘Understanding the World’, which is facilitated through indoor and outdoor exploration, where ICT scenarios are based on real world experiences. In addition to this, pupils develop language skills, confidence and control through opportunities to use ‘Mini Mash’ on the interactive board and iPads. Learning follows the children’s interests, topical events and structured opportunities throughout the year.

KS1 and KS2 follow the Purple Mash scheme of work ensuring consistency and progression throughout the school. The scheme of work supports our teachers in delivering engaging, challenging and fun lessons, which allow all pupils to achieve to their full potential. Units are practical and engaging and allow computing lessons to be hands on. The units cover the three strands that make up the computing curriculum; Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. Computer Science underlines the knowledge and skills relating to programming, coding, algorithms and computational thinking. Information Technology covers the knowledge and skills relating to communication, multimedia, data representation and handling. Digital Literacy enables the development and expression of ideas through technology in a safe and controlled way. 

Additionally, computing lessons are incorporated in other subjects and delivered using a range of devices and software to keep the children engaged. Pupils may use laptops or iPads independently, they can work with their peers for support or work in small groups with a teacher. They also have the opportunity to log in and save work using their individual purple mash log in details and access their work outside of the classroom. 

At Leighton Academy, we understand that computing and safeguarding go hand in hand. Internet safety is paramount at Leighton Academy and we encourage and teach the children how to be safe online, inside and outside of the classroom. Alongside the Purple Mash online safety units, we teach additional lessons through the Thinkuknow website and celebrate the National Safer Internet Day. We also host Internet Safety assemblies with extra support from our local PCSOs. Teachers and parent can access up-to-date online safety information through National Online Safety software. To encourage online safety we have digital leaders within the safeguarding team to promote staying safe online from a child’s perspective. 

Impact – What difference is our curriculum making to our pupils

Through the implementation of our curriculum, pupils are developing fundamental skills and knowledge in computing. This helps our pupils progress throughout their years at Leighton Academy and prepares them for life outside of school. Our pupils will benefit from their experience with computing by: 

- Developing their knowledge and understanding of key computing concepts and improving their computing vocabulary

- Gaining experience and confidence with a variety of IT hardware and software

- Equipping children with the capability to use technology throughout their lives

- Teaching pupils to become responsible, respectful and competent users of data, information and communication technology

- Providing pupils with skills, strategies and knowledge that will enable them to reap the benefits of the online world, whilst being able to minimise risk to themselves or others

- Enabling children to think critically and analytically