In Computing, carefully planned sequences of learning allow the children to develop lasting knowledge and skills over the course of their time at Witton-le-Wear Primary School. The curriculum is progressive and is adjusted in line with the needs and views of learners, with continuous professional development ensuring that staff are equipped to deliver an evolving curriculum.
Witton-le-Wear Primary School intends to develop children that are articulate, thoughtful, and respectful citizens. To achieve this, our Computing curriculum affords opportunities for children to collaborate. These projects are embedded within the curriculum and allow pupils to solve problems and share their learning together. It is crucial that children learn about being responsible digital citizens. In an ever-evolving, digital world, it is so important that children learn how to respect and celebrate others, as well as keeping themselves safe online. During our annual ‘Internet Safety Week’, children have the opportunity to share key messages with peers and parents during assemblies and workshops. These experiences help bring learning to life, as well as stimulating some important discussions about respect, safety, and friendships. However, these themes are prevalent throughout all work that children do online, so that responsible behaviours are embedded and continue to be practised on a daily basis, not just for one week. These values feed into everything that we do as a school and helps promote mutual respect and tolerance of those with different views, beliefs, and faiths.
The Computing curriculum also helps children to develop a growth mindset by challenging them to solve complex problems. Through Computer Science, children develop a number of key skills, such as predicting, sequencing, analysing, and debugging. Learners are challenged to adopt a systematic approach and develop programmes through logical thinking and reasoning. While these problems can be difficult to solve, it is crucial that children learn from their mistakes and demonstrate the resilience to try again or adopt a different approach. These are essential life skills and encourage children to think more critically. This falls in line with the school’s ethos and allows children to frame their learning in a positive way.
