Computing

Intent

At Fairways, we aim to prepare our learners for their future by providing a stimulating and challenging environment where a lifelong passion for digital learning is nurtured.  We offer learners the opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills that will equip them for an ever changing digital world.  Our goal is for children to be articulate technology users with a varied vocabulary they can apply to a range of situations.    

We believe that computing is an essential part of the curriculum; a subject that not only is taught explicitly but is also an integral part of all learning.  Knowledge and understanding of computing is of increasing importance for children’s futures, both at home and for future employment.  Computing is a significant part of everyone’s daily life and children need to be equipped to use all the benefits of technology safely.  Computing within schools can therefore provide a wealth of learning opportunities and transferrable skills explicitly within the Computing lesson and also across other curriculum subjects.

High quality computing education ensures our learners become digitally literate so that they are able to express themselves and develop their ideas through information and computer technology and prepare them to be confident and capable participants in the digital world.

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.  Computers and technology are such a part of everyday life that our children would be at a disadvantage would they not be exposed to a thorough and robust Computing curriculum.

Implementation

We teach the National Curriculum, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression. This ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children.  Dedicated weekly computing skills lessons are enhanced with cross-curricular opportunities and recognised as part of the focus of our year group themes. 

A series of lessons are planned which develop progression and depth.  We have thorough and rigorous long term plans which ensure the curriculum is covered.  Medium term plans are used to direct coverage with reference to available software.  These plans are used as a guide for teachers to then personalise and differentiate in short term weekly plans to challenge all learners.   

Impact

After the implementation of our robust computing curriculum, children at Fairways will be digitally literate.  They will be equipped, not only with the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively and for their own benefit, but most importantly – safely.  Children will understand the consequences of using the internet and that they are also aware of how to keep themselves safe online.  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 will become second nature.

Subject leaders will be able to assess children’s ongoing progress through Target Tracker analysis, observation of lessons, monitoring of learners’ work and discussions with children about their computing skills and competences.