How is Computing taught at this school?

INTENT

At Stoke Damerel Primary Academy, every computing lesson builds on knowledge, skills and understanding from previous lessons and prior learning. Lessons are taught in a logical progression, systematically and explicitly enough for all pupils to acquire the intended knowledge and skills. Lessons follow a recognisable sequence that is pertinent to the Teach computing scheme and moves learning forward. Wherever relevant, cross-curricular links are built upon and revised. Reading is a focus to ensure all children can access all areas of computing. All children, including the most disadvantaged pupils, the most able pupils and pupils with SEND receive the same challenge within the same broad curriculum. Children develop their vocabulary and knowledge in the subjects they learn. Children’s long-term memory is developed to ensure they remember the key facts and information for each unit of learning or topic. Children’s long-term memory is developed through the use of starter activities in computing to ensure they remember the key facts, patterns and skills for each unit of learning.

IMPLEMENTATION

All lessons are planned using high quality and appropriate resources, using excellent subject knowledge, based upon the Teach computing scheme. Children are equipped to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. All lessons contain challenging, relevant vocabulary to extend children’s word banks. Computer users at Stoke Damerel are taught to note connections, similarities and differences between units of study and develop the correct use of computer terms. Teachers employ a wide range of AfL strategies to support all learners and check pupils’ understanding (used to identify and correct misconceptions and to inform future teaching). Teachers use assessment to help pupils embed and use knowledge fluently.

IMPACT

At SDPA, well-constructed and well-taught Computing lessons lead to good results because those results reflect what children have learned. All learning builds towards age-related expectations with adaptive teaching provisions in place to support and challenge all pupils to develop depth of knowledge. Children will be able to recall and use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. All pupils will be able to present their understanding, findings, interpretations and opinions through speaking, writing, computing and a variety of artistic media.