Computer Science
Curriculum Leader: Mrs Susan Cook
Intent: The intent of the computer science curriculum at Theddlethorpe Academy is to prepare our learners for the ever-changing digital world by teaching crucial computing skills. In order for our pupils to succeed, we want to provide them with the life skills necessary for them to accept and use modern technology in a safe and responsible manner.
The computing curriculum is made up of three main strands, which are linked together and are of equal importance:
- Information Technology is the application of skills. Pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content.
- Computer Science, the core of computing, 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.
- Digital Literacy ensures that pupils can use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology, ready for the future workplace.
Through our computer science lessons, we hope to help children not only become digitally literate and capable technology users, but also to foster their creativity, resilience, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities. We encourage the children to use technology independently, developing their confidence and enjoying themselves in the process. We want to make sure that every child can access our curriculum by utilising technology to promote learning across the board. Overall, we want our pupils to be able to function in the workplace and to be aware of the career options that are available to them within the world of technology; therefore, giving them a variety of experiences will help them better understand the world around them and to be responsible online citizens.
Implementation: The use of ICT is taught in discrete computer science lessons based on the scheme of Teach Computing. Having discreet lessons means that the children are able to develop depth in their knowledge and skills over the duration of each of their computing topics. Where appropriate, also, the use of various forms of technology is regularly integrated into lessons across the curriculum which mirrors the universal use of technology in everyday life. Every lesson in our scheme is planned so that it can be effectively taught using the infrastructure we have in place at school and so that it can meet the needs of all our pupils.