Computing Intent

At St Peter's CE Primary, we follow the Kapow Computing Curriculum. Kapow Primary’s Computing scheme of work aims to inspire pupils to become curious and explorative thinkers with a diverse knowledge of the world – in other words, to think like computing experts. The intention is for pupils to develop the confidence to question and observe places, measure and record necessary data in a variety of ways and analyse and present their findings.

The computing curriculum fulfils the requirements of the National Curriculum and aims to build an awareness of how Computing shapes lives at multiple scales and over time. The hope is to encourage pupils to become resourceful, active citizens who will have the skills to contribute to and improve the world around them.

The three strands

The National curriculum organises the attainment targets for Computing under three strands:

• Computer science.
• Information technology.
• Digital literacy.

Kapow Primary’s Computing curriculum has been structured to ensure these strands run through each unit.

These strands ensure a balanced coverage of the different aspects of Computing, supporting the development of both substantive knowledge (e.g understanding networks, algorithms and data) and disciplinary knowledge (e.g. applying skills to program, creating digital content and evaluating online information responsibly).

Implementation

Spiral curriculum

Kapow Primary’s Computing scheme of work has been designed as a spiral curriculum with the following key principles in mind:

• Cyclical – pupils return to the key knowledge and skills again and again during their time in primary school.
• Increasing depth – each time a skill is revisited, it is covered with greater complexity.
• Prior knowledge – pupils build upon previous foundations rather than starting again.

Impact

Kapow Primary Computing lessons include ongoing assessment opportunities, such as questioning, retrieval practice and interactive activities.

These enable teachers to assess understanding in real time and adapt their teaching accordingly.

Each unit provides an Assessment quiz and Knowledge catcher, which allow teachers to measure pupils’ understanding at key points.

These tools help gauge how well pupils have retained key knowledge and skills over time.

Special Books are used to showcase children's work and responses to lessons.