Computing

Our Vision

At Wilson we understand how integral computing and technology is within our children’s lives. We strive to provide pupils with the ability to use computational thinking and creativity to understand our ever-changing world as well as building in the foundations to understand and use computing programmes that will benefit them as they move on through the education system and beyond. At Wilson we are passionate about ensuring our children become digitally literate not only so they become active participants in a digital world, but also to help them navigate sites and programmes safely and with great confidence. We encourage our children to question and explore the world in which we live in and will continue to develop their enthusiasm for digital exploration.

As a school, we understand the importance of e-safety and the significance this will continue to have in our children’s lives. As such, through our whole school approach supported by Purple Mash, e-safety is at the forefront of our computing curriculum. We aim to work collaboratively with parents and carers to ensure our children remain knowledgeable and confident with how to stay safe online. Each child will develop their computing skills across three areas:

Digital Literacy - exploring how to use information and communication technologies in order to be able to evaluate, create and communicate confidently on a device or computer.

Information Technology - developing their understanding of how to use computers, networks and digital systems confidently and effectively.

Computer Science – studying how computers work and developing the skills to solve problems, create programmes and code efficiently.

Our computing curriculum has our children at the centre and is built to give them a sense of meaning behind their use and understanding of digital technology and how it will continue to play a huge role in their lives.

Our Curriculum

Computing Knowledge Progression

Computing Skills Progression

EYFS Knowledge & Skills

Curriculum Intent

Our computing curriculum encourages children to be active and safe participants in a digital world, with the ability to use computational thinking and creativity to understand our ever-changing world. At Wilson Primary School, we use the Purple Mash scheme to teach Computing.

Our intent is to develop the pupils understanding of a range of computing skills to allow them to access the internet and use the world wide web in a safe and respectful way, and ensuring the children gain essential life skills for their future learning and life. By providing the children with access to a range of units within Purple Mash focused on different computing skills, we aim to build their understanding of the three strands of computing; Computer Science, Information Technology, and Digital Literacy, which will play an immeasurable part of our children’s futures. They will understand the necessary precautions needed to stay safe online and the various places they can ask for help.

Curriculum Implementation

In order to meet the aims of the national curriculum for computing, we have identified the following key strands:

Digital Literacy (including E-Safety)
Information Technology
Computer Science.

At Wilson, pupils will explore knowledge and understanding through engaging activities and an introduction to the relevant specialist vocabulary. Students will also engage in practical activities in all lessons to allow them to apply and practise the taught computing skills.

Strong subject knowledge is vital for the teachers to deliver effective teaching too. The Purple Mash Scheme supports teachers continuing professional development and provides additional resources to support their ever-growing knowledge. Online safety is a priority in our computing teaching and lessons are regularly taught to enable children to keep this knowledge at the forefront of their minds when they are online, with reminders and safety teaching points where necessary within these lessons.

Curriculum Impact

Throughout each unit of Computing, teachers monitor learning, and address misconceptions through a variety of both formative and summative assessment opportunities; assessing pupils against the learning objectives and any relevant computing skills. Opportunities for children to communicate using computing vocabulary will also form part of the assessment process within each unit.

Pupils should leave Wilson Primary School equipped with the right skills and knowledge to succeed further in Computing and support their future learning too. They will have the necessary tools to confidently, meaningfully and critically explore the digital world around them as well as the knowledge and understanding of how to be safe and respectful to all whilst online.