Computing
Computing Curriculum Intent Statement
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, 35% 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 is based on the Primary Computing Scheme of Work created by Knowsley CLC. This scheme was selected as it offered full coverage of the National Curriculum, is well sequenced and is progressive.
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.
Computer Science
Computer science is a key thread as it supports our children who come from a community where 59% of 16- to 64-year-olds are considered to be semi-skilled and unskilled manual workers, or those on state benefit/unemployed (https://www.streetcheck.co.uk/postcode/ls83lz). By providing children with computer science skills such as programming, coding and understanding algorithms we are ensuring they have the skills identified as essential for future employment (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/303335/the_future_of_work_key_findings_edit.pdf). At Co-op Academy Oakwood, pupils explore computer science each year. In Year 1 they gain an understanding of algorithms through ‘My Friend Robot’; pupils explore coding in Year 2 and 3 through the units ‘Code a Story’ and ‘Dancing Robot’ and in Key Stage 2 they use their skills to create games in ‘Game Designer’, ‘Making AR games’ and ‘Coding Playground’.
Information Technology
Information technology and the use of computer systems to store, retrieve and send information is a key thread in our computing curriculum as it is identified as a key within the document Future of Skills and Lifelong Learning.
Digital Literacy
Digital literacy is a key strand in our curriculum as across the UK, Yorkshire and the Humber has the greatest percentage of adults who do not have the Foundation Level Skills set out in the Essential Digital Skills Framework with only 77% being able to complete all 7 tasks set and 7% of adults have no Foundation Level skills at all. (https://www.lloydsbank.com/assets/media/pdfs/banking_with_us/whats-happening/211109-lloyds-essential-digital-skills-report-2021.pdf) Based on this information the children at Co-op Academy Oakwood are more likely to be living with parents and family who have poor digital literacy and technology skills. We have chosen to design our computing curriculum to develop the skills of the children so that they have the skills needed for study and for the future. These units focus on presentation and typing including a unit in Year 3 ‘Key Board Adventures’; animation; presentations (‘Endangered Animals’ Year 4 and ‘Rainforests’ Year 3) as well as the creation of quizzes in Year 6 – ‘Quiz Show Host’.
We have chosen to have a focus on using technology safely as it is our statutory duty to protect our pupils and specifically address online safety, especially with regards to online peer on peer abuse, relationships on social media and the use of mobile and smart technology. Pupils will be taught about the four areas of risk online within part two: content, contact, conduct and commerce. Pupils will be expected to take responsibility for how they use technology both at home and in school. Our curriculum will support pupils in knowing how important this is. They will be taught how to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify ways to report concerns about content and contact. Explicit online safety will be taught through the computing curriculum and within the wider curriculum such as PSHE. Pupils will be taught the benefits and limitations of using technology.