Computing
Intent
At Rutherford House School, we recognise the importance of providing children with a broad and in-depth Computing curriculum. We aim to equip children with the skills and knowledge they will need to thrive in an ever-changing technological world.
We aim to instill a love of technology in our children, and encourage them to explore different opportunities that technology provides, from creating a simple document, to programming games and quizzes. Through a broad and exciting curriculum, we ensure that pupils will become responsible and active citizens in society who are able to use technology safely and effectively.
Implementation
We use a sequenced, progressive and balanced curriculum based around the 3 strands of Computing: digital literacy, information technology and computer science.
Computing lessons are engaging and challenging and children will use a range of devices, software and online resources. Pupils will also follow a structured Internet Safety curriculum taught at the beginning of each unit, following a set scheme of learning objectives. As well as stand alone Computing lessons, pupils will be able to explore how technology can be used in different subjects, such as digital mapping for Geography and data collection in Mathematics, with a strong focus on creating links between Computing, Science, Mathematics and Engineering (STEM).
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Digital Literacy: being able to find, sort, and manage information and solve practical technological problems. This is explored over the course of the Autumn term and children will learn the basics of what technology is and how it is used in our everyday lives.
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Information Technology: the use of computers for storing and creating information and using multimedia. This strand will be explored in two separate units during the Spring term, with Spring 1 focusing on ‘Creating Media’ and Spring 2 focusing on ‘Data and Information’, thus ensuring children have the opportunity to explore how technology can be used in a variety of ways.
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Computer Science: the study of computers using theoretical and algorithmic foundations. This unit will be explored throughout the Summer term and will be an opportunity to discover how algorithms are used to create games, animations and quizzes. This will begin in EYFS, where children will start using Bee-Bots, eventually progressing to using Scratch Junior and Scratch to create a programme.
Impact
Our Computing provision will have a significant impact on pupils’ academic and personal development. Pupils will demonstrate a deep understanding of technological concepts and skills and will also have the ability to apply them effectively in a range of contexts.
Children will be confident users of technology who are able to use appropriate tools and software to solve problems, create digital content, communicate effectively and collaborate with others. This will be evident in the complexity of the skills children have mastered throughout their time at school.
Furthermore, pupils will know how to stay safe online, understand the importance of ethical and legal issues surrounding technology and discuss the benefits and negative aspects of an increasingly technological world, thus preparing them for their future education and beyond.
E-safety resources for families
Read more about our online safety measures here. You can also view our E-safety policy on our policy page.
If you'd like to know more about how your child can use technology responsibly, have a look at:
- CEOP Safety Centre – internet safety (part of the National Crime Agency)
- Childnet.com
- Vodafone – Digital Parenting (a comprehensive guide)
- NSPCC – Share Aware.