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 computing devices spread across other departments throughout the school, along with several class sets of iPads. Our Year 5 block also has two trolleys of laptops and a trolley of iPads devoted specifically for the Year 5 children.

Our wireless network throughout the school supports the use of mobile devices in all areas. We currently have a number of laptop and iPad trolleys that are used throughout the school by all subject areas.

Key Stage 2 Computing

This curriculum provides a students at RBA to embark on teaching an effective and engaging curriculum.

The resources are drawn from a variety of respected and well-known sources that have been created by educators with vast experience in computing and which use research driven pedagogy. It has been divided into three sections: e-safety, which is taught predominantly in the Autumn term; digital literacy, taught mainly in Autumn and Spring; and coding, taught in the remainder of the year. There is a more equal split between coding and digital literacy/e-safety emphasising the fact that computing isn’t just about coding nor ‘ICT’. However, in order to give children the tools they need, Digital Literacy does feature throughout. Resources and lessons are linked in the individual year group plans and it is expected that teachers will adapt these to make them appropriate for their class.

Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3, Computer Science is taught to all students in class groups for one hour a week. We follow the Compute-IT scheme, covering the relevant course in both years 7 and 8.

Topics we cover tie in with the three aspects of the KS3 curriculum - Digital Literacy, Computer Science and Information Technology.

As well as enabling the students to become good digital citizens, and becoming socially aware of the use of digital tools, we also develop an understanding of the principles of good design and programming, using various programming languages.