The school is very well equipped with Computing resources. We have two dedicated Computing rooms, allowing for all students to work on their own machines, along with further multi-access areas that cater for smaller groups. We also have numerous sets of Chromebooks spread across other departments throughout the school.

Our wireless network throughout the school supports the use of mobile devices in all areas throughout the school and by all subject areas.

Key Stage 2 Computing

Students in Key Stage 2 are provided with an engaging curriculum that should enable them to develop core skills that support future learning in both Computing and across the curriculum. 

All three elements of the Computing curriculum (Digital Literacy, Information Technology and Computer Science) are delivered equally through our bespoke resources. Students are taught a spiral curriculum which revisits and builds upon prior knowledge each year. Planning for each year occurs collaboratively before each class teacher adapts the lessons to tailor for their individual class. Computing lessons occur once a fortnight.

In Key Stage 2 Computing, pupils use an I can tracker for each unit to help them understand the key knowledge and skills they are expected to learn. The tracker allows students to monitor their progress and identify areas for further development.

A new tracker is provided for each unit, usually every half term. Students also have access to a Knowledge Organiser on Google Classroom, which contains key vocabulary and the questions they should be able to answer by the end of the unit.

Assessment is ongoing throughout lessons, with a short end-of-unit quiz used to check understanding and provide a summative measure of progress.

Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3, Computing is taught to all students in class groups for one hour a week. Again, our bespoke resources deliver all aspects of the Computing curriculum (DL, IT and CS) in depth. Students are beginning to be made aware of the options available to them in KS4 and which strands lead into them.

A wide range of topics is delivered by experienced, specialist teachers to ensure that students develop the skills and breadth of knowledge required for future learning and to support them in life outside of education. As well as enabling the students to become good digital citizens, and becoming socially aware of the use and impact of digital tools, we also develop an understanding of the principles of good design and programming, using various programming languages.

In Key Stage 3, students use an I can tracker for each Computing unit to help them take greater ownership of their learning. The tracker outlines the key knowledge and skills to be developed and encourages pupils to reflect on their progress throughout the unit.

Students use their tracker alongside assessment rubrics to understand what successful work looks like, identify their next steps, and work more independently. This helps them monitor their own development and take an active role in improving their work.

Each unit is also supported by a Knowledge Organiser, which provides key vocabulary and essential knowledge. Teachers assess learning throughout lessons, with end-of-unit assessments providing a summary of student attainment and progress.