The computing sections of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2017) and the national curriculum computing Programmes of Study (2014) form the roots of Windmill L.E.A.D Academy’s computing curriculum. From this national documentation, Windmill L.E.A.D Academy’s computing curriculum has been devised, developed and personalised to our school community, having evolved from our values, vision, and mission statement.
Our computing curriculum is underpinned by the national curriculum statement for computing:
‘A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, 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.’
At Windmill, we understand that computing is at the heart of our children’s future. It will shape their future lives and careers and it is therefore crucial that our children are well equipped to using technology effectively and with confidence to enhance and support their learning, as well as explore and problem solve within technology. Computing is a part of everyone’s everyday life in so many ways, and will continue to be, developing beyond our imagination in the future for the children we teach. Good quality, varied and up to date computing teaching is crucial to ensure we provide our children with the start in life they need.
Through teaching computing we equip children to be able to become active participants in a world of rapidly-changing technology. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Additionally, we enable them to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information. We also help them develop the necessary skills for using information in a discriminating and effective way. This is a major part of enabling children to be confident, creative and independent learners.
At Windmill, we aim for all Windmill computing technologists to:
Our computing curriculum is divided into five concepts. These concepts are the ‘big ideas’ in computing and travel through the curriculum, being built upon, progressively, year upon year as our children move through the school.
The concepts are as follows:
Our computing curriculum is enhanced by the Purple Mash teaching and learning software.
If you would like any further information on computing at Windmill, please contact the school and ask to speak to James Colvin, our computing subject lead.
