Curriculum Intent
Our goal is for students to understand and navigate the ever-evolving tech landscape by the end of each key stage. We envision Computing as a catalyst for critical thinking and creativity, fostering cultural awareness alongside technical capabilities. Our curriculum aligns with the National Curriculum expectations, ensuring students develop a solid foundation in computational thinking and programming. We prioritise inclusivity, making learning accessible for all, including SEND and disadvantaged pupils, through tailored resources and support. Ultimately, we aim to inspire confidence and ambition in every learner, preparing them for a digital world full of opportunities.
Curriculum Implementation
At Westfield, we embrace the Teach Computing scheme to guide our Computing curriculum from Years 1 to 6 and reference Education for a Connected World (2020). We teach Computing for one hour a week across the school. Our long-term plan illustrates clear progression and is supported by knowledge organisers and medium-term plans, ensuring that all pupils build on their existing knowledge. We employ a range of teaching methods, incorporating key pedagogical strategies such as collaborative learning and hands-on activities, which cater to all learners, including those with SEND. Summative assessments are employed to track progress, ensuring that knowledge is reinforced over time, ultimately equipping our students with essential Computing skills for the future.
Curriculum Impact
Children are expected to grasp critical concepts in programming, data handling, and online safety, equipping them with essential skills for the digital age. For instance, a Year 5 pupil recently developed a simple game using Scratch, showcasing their creativity and coding abilities. Feedback from students is overwhelmingly positive; one child remarked, “I love making things come to life on the computer!” Our focus on hands-on projects allows students to see tangible progress, preparing them well for secondary education and beyond. They leave our programme with confidence and a solid foundation for future learning in technology.
Our Computing subject leader is Miss Taylor, who oversees the curriculum and ensures Westfield are up to date with current advances.
Miss Taylor has previously led and taught computing to children between Year 1 and Year 6.
She is very passionate about children having the skills to navigate a digital world and has worked closely with HfL to ensure that we are on the correct path.
Support for parents:
Computing- Useful resources for parents https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zyhbwmn
KS1 resources to explore at home around computer science, digital literacy and information technology.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zvnrq6f
KS2 resources to explore at home around computer science, digital literacy and information technology. https://scratch.mit.edu/ideas
Scratch coding. KS1 Scratch is available for tablets and phones.
Blockly Games is a series of educational games that teach programming. It is designed for children who have not had prior experience with computer programming. By the end of these games, players are ready to use conventional text-based languages.
Star Wars coding
Minecraft coding
https://www.raspberrypi.org/at-home/
Join the weekly code-along using open projects based on a weekly theme, with different levels available for all abilities, allowing you to be open-ended with opportunities for making and creativity.
https://www.stem.org.uk/primary/resources/collections/home-learning-support
A selection of activities and materials across the STEM subjects, which are free for everyone to access.
Please note, all activities require parental support.
Online safety resources:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
https://saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/parents-and-carers
To view the current online safety news, please see newsletters below, please also visit our Online Safety page under the Parents tab for links to helpful websites:
- Online Safety Newsletter - Summer 2024 (269.85KB)
- Online Safety Newsletter - Spring 2024 (230.40KB)
- Online Safety Risk Assessment (116.57KB)