Being a Computer Engineer at Gomeldon Primary School
Intent
At Gomeldon, we aim to prepare our pupils, in particular our most disadvantaged learners, for their future by giving them the opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills that will equip them for an ever changing digital world. Knowledge and understanding of ICT is of increasing importance for children’s future both at home and for employment. Our Computing curriculum focuses on a progression of skills to ensure that children become competent in safely using, as well as understanding, technology. These strands are revisited repeatedly through a range of themes during children’s time in school to ensure the learning is embedded and skills are successfully developed. Our intention is that Computing also supports children’s creativity and cross curricular learning to engage children and enrich their experiences in school.
Our Computing curriculum supports our “R Values”:
Resourcefulness: pupils will solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They will use a range of digital resources adapt to working in a variety of settings (such as home, school, playground, local area).
Reflection: pupils will use their creativity and imagination to approach a range of projects and challenges. They will acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on their previous learning in disciplines such as Mathematics, English, Science, and Art. Pupils will reflect on their own work, and the work of others, and suggest improvements.
Resilience: pupils will learn how to use computing effectively whilst staying safe online, become resourceful, innovative and enterprising. They will need to return from set-backs to change and improve their learning which may not initially work, or where someone has suggested changes.
Relationships: pupils will often need to work in a pair, or as part of a team, to complete their projects or challenge. Pupils will critique and evaluate and their ideas and the work of others in a constructive way. Pupils will recognise and celebrate the successes of others and take a supportive approach when other children face challenges.
Implementation
Our whole curriculum is shaped by our school vision which aims to enable all children, regardless of background, ability or additional needs, to flourish to become the very best version of themselves they can possibly be. We teach the National Curriculum, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression. This ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children.
To ensure a broad range of skills and understanding, we use the Kapow scheme of learning. Kapow lessons develop pupils’ knowledge across five areas:
- Digital Literacy
- Online Safety
- Computational Thinking
- Computers
- Hardware
At Gomeldon, we give children access to good quality resources and provide cross curricular opportunities for children to apply their Computing knowledge and skills. Online safety is taught within each Computing lesson as a short starter activity as well as being taught as a unit each year. Online safety procedures are communicated with all staff and parents.
Impact
The implementation of this curriculum ensures that when children leave Gomeldon School, they are competent and safe users of ICT with an understanding of how technology works. They will have developed skills to express themselves and be creative in using digital media and be equipped to apply their skills in Computing to different challenges going forward.