Computing 

"To build safe, independent lives for autistic young people through support, understanding and enablement" 

In the ever-changing, digital world in which we live, we endeavour to deliver a Computing curriculum which equips our pupils with the skills they need in order to remain safe online and to use technology for positive purposes as part of their everyday life and for their future.

We strive to achieve this through inspiring, motivating and enthusing the pupils through a cross-curricular approach, linking learning where possible to other curriculum areas. We aim to use Technology creatively, to improve engagement, to break down barriers to learning and to extend it.

Throughout their digital journey, our children will develop a wide knowledge- base through exploring, appreciating and understanding the digital world in which we live in and how it has evolved, as well as developing a breadth of computing/IT skills.

Implementation:

From Explorer 1 to 3, pupils will develop their computing knowledge and skills using a spiralised model, building on prior knowledge through a progressive series of objectives.

Our curriculum is adapted, and makes reference to, the National Curriculum. It is designed to ensure that coverage and progression is built upon as our children move through the school, enabling them to gain an ever-increasing knowledge within the computing curriculum, whilst embedding previous knowledge and skills to help enable them to lead safe, independent lives.

In addition to this, we strive to make the curriculum meaningful and relevant to our children and where possible, linked to our cross-curricular, enquiry-based Curriculum, providing a framework for them to be curious about our digital world, ask questions and find solutions by showing computational creativity.

Within the Explorer 4 curriculum, pupils will focus on Life skills computing units, working towards accreditation from the AQA unit awards. Our Pathfinder pupils will continue to study the use and application of computers within their core subjects, being encouraged to use word processing, analytical and multimedia programs to present, interpret and research their learning. During timetabled Computing lessons pupils will work towards qualifications at their levels of challenge on Concrete, Core or Challenge Pathways. Pupils who choose Computing as a Major or Minor Pathways option will study at greater depth. 

Following a two-year cycle, pupils will develop their digital literacy skills, their multimedia skills, their programming and coding skills as well as their knowledge of online safety. We want our children to be engaged in their learning and we aim to always make the learning fun, relevant and meaningful.

Through the enquiry led approach, computing learning will be fully immersive as well as cross-curricular. Pupils will link ideas across all foundation subjects, aiding knowledge retention and securing a better understanding of new skills and concepts.

Pupils across the school have access to individual i-pads, Chromebooks or HP Laptops, dependent on age and ability. We incorporate technology, where possible, across the curriculum, and to support our implementation, we use a range of schemes such as Purple Mash and Project Evolve (E-safety), as well as other online resources such as BBC Dancemat, BBC Bitesize, Turtle academy, ‘Hector’s World’ or ’Smartie the penguin’, the PHSE Association, the NSPCC and a range of other resources such as Beebots and Midi keyboard controllers (Pathfinder).

Computing

• Computing progression map download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineComputing progression map

Impact of the Computing Curriculum:

All Springfields pupils will leave the academy with a range of AQA unit awards in computing in addition to a qualification at their level of challenge following one for three Pathways:

Concrete - Entry Level in Computing

Core - Functional Skills 1 Computing/ICT

Challenge - Level 2 Qualifications through Pathways Option

This ensures pupils have the knowledge and skills that will enable them to lead a safe, independent life in our ever-changing digital world.