Computer Science Programme of Study

Intent for Computer Science

At Gildredge House, we aim to prepare our learners for their future by giving them the opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills that will equip them for an ever changing digital world. Knowledge and understanding of Computer Science is of increasing importance for student’s future both at home and for employment. Our Computing curriculum focuses on a progression of skills in digital literacy, computer science, information technology and online safety to ensure that students become competent in safely using, as well as understanding, technology. These strands are revisited repeatedly through a range of themes during student’s time in school to ensure the learning is embedded and skills are successfully developed. Our intention is that Computing also supports student’s creativity and cross curricular learning to engage students and enrich their experiences in school.

Underpinned by:

Digital Literacy Computer Science Information Technology Vocabulary rich environment
We intend for all pupils to develop practical skills in the safe use of ICT and the ability to apply these skills to solving relevant, worthwhile problems eg understanding safe use of internet, networks and email. We intend for all pupils to understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation. Also to analyse problems to computational terms and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems. We intend for all pupils to learn to use and express themselves and develop their ideas through ICT for example writing and presenting as well as exploring art and design using multimedia. We intend to create a progressive vocabulary rich environment, where talk for computing is a key learning tool for all pupils. Pre-teaching key vocabulary is a driver for pupil understanding and develops the confidence of pupils to explain digital thinking.

Implementation of Computer Science at Gildredge House

Support from parents at a Curriculum afternoon. Using the laptops in class.                                         
  • We teach the National Curriculum, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression map. This ensure that skills are knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all students.
  • In EYFS, pupils are prepared for the National Curriculum by developing a solid conceptual understanding of the key concepts above that will be built on throughout their learning journey at Gildredge House.
  • In KS1 – KS3, we follow a bespoke tailored curriculum which is supported by the National Curriculum. We use PurpleMash (EYFS & KS1) and Digital School House (KS2/3) as a guide to enable the Subject Leaders and the teachers to plan, deliver and assess.
  • Units of Learning are broken down into a series of small connected steps with each building on the children’s prior learning. Each lesson focuses on one small step or a series of small steps.
  • Through year group assemblies in Primary, the students are encouraged to discuss and engage with online safety matters. This content is planned by Project EVOLVE.

For more information on implementation and impact, read our Programme of Study

 

Empathy