At Walnut Tree Walk, we understand the importance of providing pupils with the life-skills to embrace new technologies in a responsible and creative way. We recognise that technological devices and software are an integral part of daily life.
With society becoming increasingly reliant on technology to innovate, guide, and develop practice in many sectors, we aim to provide our pupils with a comprehensive and balanced curriculum that will equip them with the skills and opportunities to be able to operate in the 21st century workplace.
Walnut Tree Walk’s Computing curriculum has been created to build upon the three core aspects of Computing; Digital Literacy, Computer Science, and Information Technology. The progression framework allows pupils to make necessary connections within their learning as they progress through the curriculum.
Computational thinking skills are embedded into all lessons; these skills develop as the pupil moves through their journey of learning. Pupils are explicitly taught new and relevant vocabulary in each unit which enables them to articulate the purpose of their learning intention. This will provide opportunities for important vocabulary to be relayed to the children in context.
Pupils at Walnut Tree Walk are exposed to a wide range of technologies including Beebots, Spheros, iPads, Chromebooks, Lego Coding, and interactive whiteboards - allowing them to continually develop their technological creativity and skills. As pupils progress through their journey of learning, they are able to feel increasingly confident in using their computational thinking skills by drawing upon familiar technology and software.
Throughout each key stage pupils are taught how to use digital technology safely, respectfully, and responsibly. Pupils are taught in age appropriate ways what to do if something makes them feel uncomfortable whilst using technology, the importance of keeping personal information private, and how to recognise the difference between acceptable and unacceptable behaviours online.
They are also equipped with the tools for how to approach and handle a range of possible scenarios online. The younger children are explicitly taught who they are able to go to for help and support if they have worries about what they have seen online. KS2 pupils are given the resources and skills to recognise a range of options for disclosing concerns about content or uncomfortable experiences online.
By the time a pupil leaves Walnut Tree Walk at the end of Year 6 they are able to recognise how to keep themselves safe online, while understanding the importance of being an exceptionally good digital citizen.
Our Intent:
1. To develop computational thinkers who can apply their skills in a variety of scenarios.
2. To equip pupils with the confidence to be creative and resilient in their approach to all strands of Computing.
3. For pupils to leave Walnut Tree Walk as autonomous, independent users of technologies.
4. For pupils to have secure problem-solving and critical thinking skills that they can apply to all areas of Computing and their daily lives.
5. For pupils to have experiences that develop their understanding of themselves as individuals both within their immediate community, as well as part of a wider global community of responsible digital citizens
