Computing Statement

At Bentley St Paul’s, the intent of our Computing curriculum is to equip all children with the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a digital world. We aim to foster a passion for technology and an understanding of its role in society. Our curriculum promotes not only computational thinking but also critical and creative problem-solving. Pupils will be able to talk about how to stay safe online, understand and follow the E-Safety guidelines and know how and where to report concerning websites, comments or behaviour. We are aware that our pupils have a wide range of experience with technological devices when they join our academy and through the use of Purple Mash we can build upon these skills and experiences.  We seek to develop:

Digital Literacy: Ensuring that all pupils possess the abilities to effectively and safely navigate their online environment, understand digital citizenship, and use technology ethically.

Computational Thinking: Encouraging students to break down problems, create algorithms, and engage in logical reasoning that can be applied across various subjects and real-world situations.

Creativity and Innovation: Providing opportunities for students to express their creativity through coding, multimedia presentations, and robotics, thereby inspiring future innovators and leaders.

Resilience and Collaboration: Facilitating collaborative projects that nurture teamwork and resilience by challenging students to overcome difficulties together within a safe and supportive environment that aligns with our Christian values.

opportunities to build upon them year after year. The individual coding tasks, for example, for each year group, builds upon the skills the pupils have previously learnt. There are challenges at the end of each activity to assess our pupils and how they have applied their skills. Each pupil has their own login to Purple Mash that can be accessed both in the school and at home. All saved work can then be monitored by teaching staff and marked collating all the evidence together to demonstrate the progress made within the sessions. Every class have a floor book which presents the learning for sessions within Computing displaying their learning and what they have explored. Computing is taught weekly at Bentley, with many cross curricular links enhanced by pupils using their skills in different ways. The key components include:

Curriculum Sequencing: Our long-term and medium-term plans are aligned with the National Curriculum for computing, ensuring that all key areas (computer science, digital literacy, and information technology) are covered comprehensively. Each unit progressively develops in complexity and incorporates cross-curricular links, particularly with maths and science, enhancing both engagement and understanding.

High-Quality Resources: We utilise a broad array of resources, including a suite of devices (tablets, laptops, and robotics), software applications, and online platforms that support interactive learning. Access to resources is equitable to ensure all pupils engage fully, regardless of background.

Professional Development: Our teaching staff receive regular training and support to enhance their computing knowledge and pedagogical skills. Through workshops, peer observations, and collaborative planning, teachers are equipped to deliver lessons that are engaging and suited to the diverse learning needs of our pupils.

Assessment and Feedback: Regular formative assessments inform our teaching and provide insights into student progress. Feedback is constructive, allowing students to reflect on their learning and set future goals. Summative assessments are carried out to evaluate mastery over key concepts at the end of unit studies.

Safe Online Practices: We implement a robust safeguarding policy to ensure students understand the importance of online safety. Regular sessions on cyber security, digital footprints, and responsible usage are integrated into the curriculum.

Pupil voice demonstrates how well the pupils understand computing, the language involved and their own understanding of how to use the skills across the curriculum. The pupils will be able to talk enthusiastically about their learning and ask appropriate questions, offer suggestions about how to use equipment in their activities. The impact of our computing curriculum is evidenced through:

Pupil Achievement: Students demonstrate high levels of attainment in computing, consistently achieving or exceeding age-related expectations at the end of key stages.

Enhanced Skills and Knowledge: Pupils show increased confidence and competence in using technology. This is reflected in their ability to engage in coding activities, produce high-quality digital content, and implement problem-solving strategies collaboratively.

Engagement and Enjoyment: Student engagement is evident in their enthusiasm for lessons and the pride they take in their projects. Surveys and feedback indicate that students are highly motivated and eager to explore new technologies.