Computing

At Willow Tree, it is our intention to enable children to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information. We also focus on developing the skills necessary for children to be able to use information in a discriminating and effective way.

We want children to know more, remember more and understand more in computing so that they leave primary school computer literate. Computing skills are a major factor in enabling children to be confident, creative and independent learners and it is our intention that children have every opportunity available to allow them to achieve this. We would like children to have experience using a variety of computing programs and equipment to provide them with a broad understanding of computing.

We intend to build a computing curriculum that develops pupil’s learning and results in the acquisition of knowledge of the world around them that ensures all pupils can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation. We aim to prepare pupils to live safely in an increasingly digital British society where they can evaluate and apply information technology.

Implementation

Computing at Willow Tree is taught through a scheme of work developed by the National Centre for Computing Education and adapted to meet the contextual needs of our pupils. The curriculum is split into clear units to ensure clear a progression of key concepts and skills across the school. All learning outcomes within the Computing curriculum can be described through ten key stands: Algorithms, Computer networks, Computer Systems, Creating Media, Data and Information, Design & Development, Effective use of tools, Impact of Technology, Programming and Safety and Security.

Willow Tree provides children with access to the hardware and software that they need to develop knowledge and skills of digital systems and their applications. This and safe use of digital system is extended into the wider curriculum where possible.