Intent:
At Kennall Vale School, our goal is to equip children with the skills and knowledge necessary to use technology safely, creatively, and responsibly. As students progress through our school, they will become more independent in their use of technology, collaborate effectively to solve complex problems, and develop resilience through learning from mistakes. Technology is an integral part of daily life and will play a significant role in the future of our students. As such, we aim to guide our pupils in using technology positively, safely, and responsibly. We believe in empowering students to be creators, not just consumers, and our comprehensive curriculum in computer science, information technology, and digital literacy reflects this vision.
To achieve this, we follow a structured programme from the National Centre for Computing Education, known as Teach Computing. Computing is taught across all subjects, and students experience a wide variety of applications and software throughout EYFS, KS1, and KS2. In EYFS, technology is integrated into lessons to support all areas of learning, enabling students to engage with technology from the outset as appropriate.
We recognise the importance of making cross-curricular connections, allowing students to reinforce their learning and apply skills across subjects. Each lesson is carefully planned, aligned with the 2014 National Curriculum, and designed to ensure that the statutory requirements are met. As students progress through the school, they encounter more complex subject knowledge and develop increasingly sophisticated technical skills, building on the strong foundations laid in EYFS and KS1. For instance, in KS1, children are introduced to basic algorithms, and in KS2, they apply their understanding by designing, producing, and debugging programs.
Implementation:
At Kennall Vale, the computing curriculum follows a spiral approach, revisiting key themes throughout each key stage. This ensures that students regularly consolidate and deepen their understanding of core concepts. By revisiting topics annually, we help reduce knowledge loss and ensure that students continue to build on their prior learning, even if taught by different teachers.
Across KS1 and KS2, students will study six core units each year, alongside dedicated e-safety lessons. The core units are:
- Computing Systems and Networks
- Creating Media A
- Creating Media B
- Data and Information
- Programming A
- Programming B
In addition to these core units, all students have the opportunity to use a range of devices and software across the wider curriculum. In key stage 2 we use Showbie, Socrative and we are part of the Advantage Project.
Impact:
By thoroughly implementing the Teach Computing curriculum, we aim to achieve the following outcomes for our students:
- Students will have a clear understanding of the computing programme of study, and be able to apply their knowledge in computing science, digital literacy, and information technology.
- Students will be able to confidently articulate key concepts in computing, explain ways to stay safe online, and recognise acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in the digital world.
- Children will develop enthusiasm for technology, understanding how and why it is used in various contexts.
- Students will enjoy and value their learning in computing, appreciating its relevance to their personal development and future opportunities.
- Students will understand the importance of digital literacy, both in their personal lives and in the context of the technological, creative, and cultural industries.
- Pupils will be equipped to engage confidently and responsibly in the ever-evolving digital world, ready to participate in a wide range of career paths in the future.
At Kennall Vale School, we are committed to preparing our students to thrive in a digital world, fostering the skills, resilience, and creativity they need to succeed in the modern era.