Computing Curriculum Rationale
At Rosebrook Primary School, our computing curriculum is designed to equip our pupils with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in an increasingly digital world. We follow the National Curriculum for computing, but we have also incorporated the Spark scheme for computer science and the National College’s e-safety resources to ensure our pupils receive a well- rounded and comprehensive computing education.
Our computing curriculum is centred around three key strands: E-safety, Computer Science, and Information Technology. Through these strands, we aim to develop our pupils’ understanding of important computing concepts, such as abstraction, logic, algorithms, and data representation, while also ensuring they can use technology safely and effectively across the broader curriculum.
The National Curriculum for computing provides a strong foundation for our curriculum, as it ensures our pupils develop competence in coding, creating digital content, and understanding computer systems. However, we have tailored this curriculum to meet the specific needs of our pupils at Rosebrook Primary School.
Given the high levels of deprivation and the significant safeguarding concerns in our school community, as highlighted in the school information, we have placed a strong emphasis on e-safety. We use the National College’s resources to ensure our pupils develop a deep understanding of online risks, how to stay safe online, and what to do if they ever feel worried, upset, or confused by something they encounter online. This aligns with our school’s improvement priorities, which include a focus on personal development.
Additionally, our use of the Spark scheme for computer science allows us to provide our pupils with a more ambitious and aspirational computing curriculum. The Spark scheme challenges our pupils to think critically, problem-solve, and apply their computing knowledge in creative ways, which supports our school’s vision of instilling a sense of ambition and determination in our pupils.
Whole School Aims
Our computing curriculum is fully aligned with the school’s vision and values. Our DREAM core values – Determination, Respect, Enthusiasm, Ambition, and Growth Mindset – are embedded throughout the computing curriculum, as we encourage our pupils to approach computing challenges with resilience, respect for others, and a belief in their own abilities to succeed.
Furthermore, our computing curriculum supports the school’s overall vision of “we can be whatever we dream.” By providing our pupils with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in the digital world, we are empowering them to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams, regardless of their background or starting point.
Subject Vision
At Rosebrook Primary School, we believe that computing is a vital subject that will play a crucial role in our pupils’ futures. Our computing curriculum is designed to inspire our pupils, ignite their creativity, and equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the digital landscape safely and confidently.
Through our computing lessons, we aim to develop our pupils’ understanding of key computing concepts, their ability to use technology effectively across the curriculum, and their awareness of online safety. By doing so, we are supporting the school’s improvement priorities, which include a focus on reading comprehension, oracy, and writing attainment.
Additionally, our computing curriculum aligns with the school’s vision of removing barriers and shattering the glass ceiling for our pupils. By providing our pupils with a comprehensive and ambitious computing education, we are empowering them to overcome any challenges they may face and to reach their full potential.
Communication with Stakeholders
To ensure the successful implementation of our computing curriculum, we will engage with our stakeholders in a variety of ways. First, we will share our computing curriculum rationale with our staff, ensuring that all teachers understand the intent, implementation, and impact of the curriculum. This will help to foster a shared understanding and commitment to delivering high-quality computing education.
Additionally, we will communicate our computing curriculum rationale to parents and carers, highlighting the importance of computing in their children’s education and the steps we are taking to ensure their children are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge. We also include regular updates about safeguarding linked to games and apps children may be exposed to. This could be done through newsletters, parent information sessions, and the school’s website.
Given the high levels of deprivation and the significant safeguarding concerns in our school community, we will also work closely with local agencies and support services to ensure that our
computing curriculum addresses the specific needs of our pupils and their families. This may involve collaborating with social workers, mental health professionals, and other relevant stakeholders.
Addressing Inspection Feedback
The feedback from the most recent Ofsted inspection highlights the strengths of our school, particularly in the areas of writing progress, support for pupils with SEND, and the school’s approach to safeguarding. Our computing curriculum rationale directly addresses these strengths and builds upon them.
For example, the inspection report noted that pupils make good progress in writing and are proud of their work. Our computing curriculum, with its focus on developing digital literacy and creativity, will further support and enhance our pupils’ writing skills, as they will have opportunities to apply their computing knowledge to create engaging digital content.
Additionally, the report highlighted the strong support provided for pupils with SEND, including the specialist provision in the ‘HUB.’ Our computing curriculum will ensure that these pupils are fully included and supported, with opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge in a way that is tailored to their individual needs.
Finally, the report praised the school’s approach to safeguarding, noting the vigilance of staff and the focus on helping pupils to keep themselves safe, particularly online. Our computing curriculum, with its strong emphasis on e-safety, directly addresses this area of strength and will further strengthen our pupils’ understanding of online risks and how to stay safe in the digital world.
By aligning our computing curriculum with the strengths identified in the Ofsted report, we are ensuring that we build upon our existing good practice and continue to provide our pupils with a high-quality, comprehensive, and relevant computing education.
Computing One Page Overview 2024