Computing

Computing Intent

Alma Park’s Computing curriculum begins in EYFS. This foundation in Computing is based on computational thinking activities, such as sequencing. Children in EYFS also have the opportunity to use a variety of technology. The National Curriculum provides the skill and knowledge progression foundations that are then built on to provide a purposeful progression of knowledge, skills and vocabulary. This ensures that the National Curriculum end points are met.

Our pupils are given a breadth of experience to develop their understanding of themselves as individuals within their community and also as members of a wider global community and as responsible digital citizens. Pupils build on their knowledge and skills in different areas of Computing, such as computer science, information technology and digital literacy. This ensures they can use technology to support learning across the entire curriculum, confidently and safely.

The Computing curriculum gives pupils life skills to enable them to embrace and utilise new technology in a socially responsible and safe way in an ever-changing digital world. Alma Park follows the Rising Stars scheme - Switched on Computing. This provides opportunities to combine the different strands of the National Curriculum and ensures progression. By teaching computing in discrete lessons and with purposeful links to other curriculum areas, pupils develop creativity, resilience, problem solving and critical thinking skills. As a UNICEF Rights Respecting School Computing is delivered in a safe and inspiring environment which nurtures children’s talents, allowing them to thrive so that when they leave Alma Park they are responsible, active citizens. Computing at Alma Park promotes and encourages sustainability in various ways including: upgrading hardware rather than replacing it, ensuring computers are switched off after use rather than left idle and saving work electronically rather than printed. Diversity is embraced by giving opportunities to study a range of important people in computational history. Software and hardware resources are adapted when necessary to ensure SEND and disadvantaged pupils can access all aspects of the same curriculum.

At Alma Park we are always looking for opportunities to develop our curriculum and this involves seeking enrichment activities for our pupils using local community links.