Computing

Cavendish Computing Curriculum Intent

In line with the 2014 National Curriculum for Computing, our aim is to provide a high-quality computing education which equips children to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. The curriculum will teach children key knowledge about how computers and computer systems work, and how they are designed and programmed. Learners will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of computational systems of all kinds, whether or not they include computers.
By the time they leave Horizon schools’, children will have gained key knowledge and skills in the three main areas of the computing curriculum:

• computer science (programming and understanding how digital systems work),
• information technology (using computer systems to store, retrieve and send information)
• digital literacy (evaluating digital content and using technology safely and respectfully).

The objectives within each strand support the development of learning across the key stages, ensuring a solid grounding for future learning and beyond.

Cavendish Computing Implementation

At Horizon Academy Trust and Cavendish Primary School, computing is taught weekly. This ensures children are able to develop depth in their knowledge and skills over the duration of each of their computing topics.

Knowledge and skills are mapped across each topic and year group to ensure systematic progression. Employing cross-curricular links motivates pupils and supports them to make connections and remember the steps they have been taught.

The implementation of the curriculum also ensures a balanced coverage of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. The children will have experiences of all three strands in each year group, but the subject knowledge imparted becomes increasingly specific and in depth, with more complex skills being taught, thus ensuring that learning is built upon. For example, children in Key Stage 1 learn what algorithms are, which leads them to the design stage of programming. In Key Stage 2, this knowledge is built on where they design, write and debug programs, explaining the thinking behind their algorithms.

Digital Ambassadors

Our school has a team of volunteers who understand that the internet is an amazing place with lots of entertainment and information! However, they also know that when we are using the internet, at home and at school, we need to keep ourselves and each other safe. Digital Ambassadors provide support and guidance on all things internet safety.

Our Digital Ambassadors come from each class in Key Stage 2 and they work closely with Mr Caton, our e-safety officer. Alongside Mr Caton, the digital ambassadors promote online safety in school and support EYFS and KS1 in their online safety lessons at the start of each half-term.

What do we do?

Each Digital Ambassador:

• Reminds their class of our school online safety rules every time we use the internet.
• Gives advice on age appropriate games and apps for children of primary school age.
• Ensures children are knowledgeable about how to be safe online.

Our Digital Ambassadors:

Computing Documents:

Computing Policy

Computing Knowledge and Skills Progression

Computing Long Term Plan

Computing Vocabulary Progression

EYFS KS1 Foundational Knowledge