Aims:  (Intent)

We are aiming for Westbrook Primary School to be a place where:

• Children are creative learners who are inspired to think and investigate 
• Children develop, and apply,  skills and knowledge which equips them for life-long learning
• Children learn and apply skills/knowledge through first hand experiences
• Children are proud of their learning and aim to achieve their best
• Children believe in the value of teamwork, helping and caring for one another
• There are close links with the local community whereby parents are partners in the learning journey
• Staff, Governors and the whole community are ambitious and seek to provide only the very best education for our children

Computing Intent

Within an ever changing and technological world, we understand and value the importance of teaching Computing from a young age. We intend that children should master Computing to such an extent that they can go on to have careers within Computing and make use of Computing effectively in their everyday lives, without being completely reliant on technology. 

Our children will be taught to use technology responsibly and carefully, being mindful of how their behaviour, words and actions can affect others. They will be taught in a way that ensures progression of skills, and follows a sequence to build on previous learning. 

Our children will gain experience and skills of a wide range of technology in a way that will enhance their learning opportunities, enabling them to use technology across a range of subjects to be creative and solve problems, ensuring they make progress.

At Westbrook, we recognise that technology can allow pupils to share their learning in creative ways. We also understand the opportunities that technology can provide for our pupils. Our vocabulary-rich curriculum is designed to provide opportunities for our pupils to apply their knowledge creatively, which, in return, will help our pupils become skillful computer scientists.

Our children embark on their technological journey from the Early Years, where they have access to cameras, Interactive Whiteboards, and BeeBots. Teachers nurture children's curiosity by demonstrating how to use the equipment carefully and safely.

In Key Stage 1 (KS1), children continue their exploration of Computer Science by deepening their understanding of algorithms and learning how to program. They also gain knowledge about using passwords securely when logging onto a computer and are introduced to Google Workspace. They become proficient in accessing appropriate websites and begin to independently explore the World Wide Web. Furthermore, they engage with technology to produce image content using HUE cameras.

Transitioning into Key Stage 2 (KS2), children advance their coding skills using micro:bits and various online software. They expand upon their understanding of animation and filmmaking to create their own projects. Our children also acquire proficiency in using database software, learning how to input and retrieve data effectively.

Online Safety is an integral part of the computing curriculum and we want our pupils to understand that there is always a choice with using technology and we recognise that the best prevention for many issues is through education, so we always celebrate Safe Internet Day with our children and Parents. Pupils learn how to keep themselves safe online and what to do if they come across something that makes them uncomfortable.