Intent

A high-quality computing education equips students to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems.

The core of computing is computer science, in which students are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, students are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that students become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world. It is with this sentiment that we will approach computing at James Bateman Middle School.

Our computing curriculum aims to ensure that all students:

• can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
• can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
• can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology
• can keep themselves safe online

Implementation

A clear progression plan is in place to support cohesive, high-quality learning across our four main computing strands: programming, systems & networks, digital media and digital literacy (including online safety). Knowledge and skills are revisited and developed throughout the year in computing lessons, with students also increasing digital literacy through the use of technology in other subjects.

A majority of our schemes of work come from the Teach Computing Curriculum. Resources are designed by The National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) which is funded by the Department for Education and supporting partners as part of a significant investment in improving the provision of computing education in England.

Our lessons reference how the skills and knowledge they develop at James Bateman will be essential to students’ future in education and adulthood. This is enhanced through access to:

• 2 ICT suites
• multiple class sets of devices, such as iPads and laptops
• BBC micro:bits in both lessons and extracurricular clubs
• code.org accounts for programming at school and at home
• free mugs printed with their digital designs in Y8

Impact

Ready, resilient, respectful

Routines are quickly developed to ensure consistency and confidence. Students are encouraged to support each other in activities, often working in pairs, and learn about communicating respectfully online through various topics.

Evidence of knowledge/skills

Assessment of students’ learning in computing is an ongoing monitoring of their understanding, knowledge and skills by the class teacher, throughout lessons and using long-term projects or quizzes.

Student voice

Students will demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning in computing. They will articulate their understanding during review and retrieval of learning. Our schemes and extracurricular clubs will be guided by student interests and needs.

Click here to view the Autumn 1 term Knowledge Organiser

Click here to view the Computing progression map