At Co-op Academy Oakwood we are passionate about our computing curriculum being a vehicle for children's empowerment through enhanced opportunities. We have developed a curriculum to deliver insight, creativity and experience (ICE) to provide all our children with a broad, exciting and ambitious curriculum that will develop their knowledge and cultural capital so that they are able to succeed in life.

We know that our children, through no fault of their own, are at a disadvantage (45% have free school meals, 45% pupil premium) and need to be empowered so that they have the opportunity to make a positive contribution to society. Indeed, the children we teach come from an area of Leeds that has been historically and continues to be in the top 1% of deprivation nationally (https://observatory.leeds.gov.uk) and has all the associated aspects that this entails such as low life expectancy, childhood obesity and mental health issues. Deprivation Statistics Comparison for Gipton & Harehills, Leeds (ilivehere.co.uk).This knowledge underpins our drive to provide high-quality learning experiences. 

Acknowledging that our children come from diverse cultural backgrounds (46% have English as an Additional Language), allows us to place a clear focus upon developing their vocabulary so that they can fully immerse themselves in our exciting curriculum. Wherever possible the Co-op ways of being are woven throughout the curriculum so to deliver a genuine, long-lasting interest in computing. 

The computing curriculum at Co-op Academy Oakwood follows the National Curriculum and uses Purple Mash as its scheme. This scheme was selected as it offered full coverage of the National Curriculum, is well sequenced and is progressive. It also allows the academy to take advantage of each pupil having access to a Chromebook as it is web-application based. 

The scheme of work is personalised to our academy through the choice of units. The key threads through the computing curriculum are:

• computer science (programming and understanding how digital systems work), 

• information technology (using computer systems to store, retrieve and send information) 

• digital literacy (evaluating digital content and using technology safely and respectfully).

Insight – At Co-op Academy Oakwood we want pupils to develop a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards using and applying their computing skills. Pupils will be given opportunities to develop a range of knowledge and skills which they can use and apply in a wide variety of contexts and will be used to support learning in other subject areas. Above all our pupils will use technology to develop, enhance and use their reading skills to discover and research the world around them. 

Creativity – Technology will be used to solve problems, developing creative thinking skills and a logical approach when tackling new experiences. Pupils will be given many opportunities and freedom to be creative as they explore the many uses of technology within the world. We want pupils to witness the enormous potential of technology within their lives now and in the future. 

Experience – At Co-op Academy Oakwood our pupils have access to a variety of devices and technology which motivate and excites our pupils to want to learn and experience more. This offer expands and develops to reflect the technological advancements. Computing offers the opportunity to develop experiences in all areas of the curriculum as pupils can experience virtual visits. 

In a rapidly changing world, where technological advancements are made every day, we endeavour for our pupils to have the knowledge, skills and understanding to effectively use current technology and that of the future.