Computing
At Lime Academy Larkswood, it is our intention that pupils will develop computational understanding and creativity. The subject of Computing will be taught explicitly, being built on year-on-year through a carefully planned progression of skills and knowledge. As a Trust, Kapow is used to deliver Computing lessons of the highest quality, providing step by step instructional videos to support the delivery and enhance the skills of the learners. We aim to prepare our 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, while learning the importance of how to stay safe online. As the curriculum builds year on year, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
The Kapow Primary scheme of work is designed with three strands which run throughout:
- Computer science
- Information technology
- Digital literacy
The Kapow Primary scheme is organised into five key areas, creating a cyclical route through which pupils can develop their computing knowledge and skills by revisiting and building on previous learning:
- Computer systems and networks
- Programming
- Creating media
- Data handling
- Online safety
Online safety is taught discretely in each year group and also threaded throughout units, enabling children to learn how to navigate the internet in an informed, safe and respectful way. We also run parent and child workshops to support e-safety at school and at home.
The expected impact of following the Kapow Primary Computing scheme of work is that children will:
- Be critical thinkers and able to understand how to make informed and appropriate digital choices in the future.
- Understand the importance that computing will have going forward in both their educational and working life and in their social and personal futures.
- Understand how to balance time spent on technology and time spent away from it in a healthy and appropriate manner.
- Understand that technology helps to showcase their ideas and creativity. They will know that different types of software and hardware can help them achieve a broad variety of artistic and practical aims.
- Show a clear progression of technical skills across all areas of the National curriculum - computer science, information technology and digital literacy.
- Be able to use technology both individually and as part of a collaborative team.
- Be aware of online safety issues and protocols and be able to deal with any problems in a responsible and appropriate manner.
- Have an awareness of developments in technology and have an idea of how current technologies work and relate to one another.
- Meet the end of key stage expectations outlined in the National curriculum for Computing.
Retrieval is a vital component of the curriculum sequencing. Prior learning is drawn upon, wherever the content is taught.
The Lime Computing Curriculum, enhanced by Kapow, ensures specific and associated subject vocabulary is planned sequentially and cumulatively from Year 1 to 6. Quizzes for each module, along with Knowledge Catchers, provide vital opportunities for retrieval and assessment.