‘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.’

Purpose of Study

The Epiphany School Computing curriculum enables all children to be prepared for their future by recognising how technology is an aid to learning; demonstrate an understanding of how to be safe and confident users of technology; and be creative and innovative learners. Children will be taught to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Our Computing provision aims to ensure all children leave our school being 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.

Intent: What do we aspire for our children in Computing at The Epiphany School?

The Epiphany School Computing curriculum is designed to ensure all pupils:

• Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly.
• Understand how to remain safe online.
• Analyse and solve relevant and worthwhile problems in computational terms.
• Be able to adapt easily to the information technology systems and approaches they will encounter in their future lives.
• Use logical reasoning to explain.
• Recognise common uses of information technology, both in and beyond school.
• Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation.

Implementation: How do we deliver our Computing curriculum?

The Epiphany School computing curriculum has been broken down into four strands:

Every child will develop key skills in all four strands within our Computing provision during their time at The Epiphany School. In addition to discrete Computing lessons, the use of technology is incorporated across the wider curriculum, reinforcing the teaching of essential skills for life and enabling learners to participate more readily and safely in a rapidly changing digital world.

Online Safety Teaching

Using the UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) framework, children will be introduced to eight  different aspects of online education through Computing lessons during their time at The Epiphany School. Pupils' initial understanding is assessed in order to plan a sequence of lessons; their understanding will also be assessed afterwards to see what impact teaching has had.

These lessons are taught alongside projects as part of Computing lessons where appropriate, and through stand-alone Online Safety lessons, linking to the PSHE curriculum. Additional Online Safety lessons take place during Safer Internet Week. Our Online Safety Champion is Mr Lodge.

Online Safety – Safeguarding

Today’s children are growing up in a digital world, living their lives seamlessly on and offline. This creates many positive and exciting opportunities for children to explore and connect with others. However, it also presents challenges and risks.

Our aim is to equip our children with the knowledge needed to make the best use of the internet and technology in a safe, considered and respectful way, so they are able to reap the benefits of the online  world. We build in opportunities to grow critical awareness of their own and other’s online behaviour, as well as to develop effective strategies for staying safe.

Impact: How do we know our curriculum is effective?

Assessment: Assessment will take place in line with the school’s assessment policy. Teachers should assess pupils throughout teaching and plan subsequent teaching and learning in response to this. Assessment will take many forms including teacher observation, rich questioning and talking with pupils, as well as reviewing children’s digital and written work.

High quality outcomes: Pupils should be articulate and knowledgeable about their learning. Outcomes may be presented digitally or recorded in books.   

Monitoring: Monitoring activities may include pupil interviews, informal discussion with staff, examination of planning or outcomes and learning walks in order to assess the effectiveness of the curriculum in meeting the intent.