Intent 

At Leyland Methodist Schools, we have created a Computing Curriculum that is tailored to meet the needs of our learners. We want our children to understand how Computing impacts their daily lives and how it can determine their future. It is undeniable that technology inspires and facilitates the learners of today and at LMS, we want to embrace this time and find the next Mark Zuckerberg or Sir Timothy John Berners-Lee.

This developing Computing Curriculum focuses on the individual and how they can be cultivated into a well-rounded learner. The goal is for each child to flourish into analytical, inquisitive, adventurous, creative and most of all perseverant learners. We want our children to produce algorithms, debug programs, understand everything technology but most of all be safe while working online. Our units are combined with Science, Design and Technology and Mathematics to create our exciting STEM units.

We believe a focus on these key skills may not only produce the next Computer Scientist or Game Maker, but will also provide all of our children with life-long skills.

Computing and the National Curriculum

The National Curriculum Programme of Study provides the foundation of our Computing Curriculum at Leyland Methodist Schools and underpins all work that we do. Sticking to these three definitive areas, Computer Science, Digital Literacy and Information Technology the children can develop their technological knowledge throughout. Computer Science makes up a lot of the curriculum, it focuses heavily on coding. Children are asked to write and explain how algorithms work, design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, use sequence, selection and repetition in programs and use logical reasoning to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs. Within Digital Literacy, children need to be confident and discerning when using and evaluating digital content, understand the opportunities networks offer for communication and collaboration and use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly. Finally, Information Technology offers the opportunity to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, collect, analyse, evaluate and present data and information and use search technologies effectively.

Using this as a baseline, we have also undertaken a thorough Curriculum Needs Analysis, studying the characteristics of our learners here in Leyland to ensure that our curriculum fulfils their requirements. We are developing a variety of topics which offer diverse and inspiring learning experiences in Computing linked to other areas of the curriculum.

To complement this, we have also developed a detailed Progression Document that maps out the key skills in learning throughout all aspects of Computing and shows what these skills look like at each level from Year 1 through to Year 6.

This progression document provides clarity for both teachers and learners alike – it signals clearly what the expected level of progress looks like at each Key Stage and therefore enables accurate assessments of children to be made.

Cultural Capital

At LMS we firmly believe that Computing offers the perfect opportunity to develop our children’s cultural experiences. The Computing Curriculum is starting to develop links that will enrich and enhance the learning and enjoyment of our children. We are currently in the process of making a programme of enrichment for all learners that will elevate our curriculum to outstanding levels. These opportunities include visits to the Science and Industry Museum where children have the chance to see where the first computer was made. Nicknamed ‘Baby’ this experimental machine was the first stored computer and started the journey to where we are today. Other opportunities include visits to local High Schools and Universities. Here the children have the chance to develop their key skills in an unfamiliar setting. These experiences provide vital opportunities for our learners to see and understand what excellence looks like and shows the start of technology so they can transfer this into their own learning.

Lastly, we also recognise the importance of celebrating and displaying the work of our Computer Technicians here at Leyland Methodist Schools and so we provide regular opportunities for their work to be shown throughout the year. At these Pop-Up STEM events, parents are invited in to see their children’s work displayed alongside other year groups and learn about what their child has been studying in Computing. STEM week allows the children to experience a week of learning incorporated with aspects of Computing. The week also allows children to work with STEM ambassadors who provide an insight to their profession.

Equality of Opportunity

Technology is all around us and we truly believe every child should benefit from this. With this in mind, creating a balanced and exciting Computing Curriculum for our Pupil Premium children is vital. At LMS, we provide opportunities to speak with successful business men/women from local companies around the Leyland area and from S.T.E.M ambassadors, hopefully raising aspirations and providing hope that they can achieve great things. These opportunities are funded through the Pupil Premium strategy for those who need it. Similarly, we have ensured that year groups with particularly high levels of vulnerable children have benefited from workshops and educational experiences.

Diversity

One of the key principles of Computing at Leyland Methodist Schools is encouraging and promoting diversity for our learners while staying safe online. From using our curriculum needs analysis, we are able to understand the needs of children in the Leyland area and therefore bring experiences and knowledge to them which normally may not be available. For example, during our STEM week, we invited women from traditionally male dominated industries to meet the children helping us to challenge the stereotypes. STEM provides an experience rich curriculum for the children of less affluent backgrounds so they too can develop real skills for life. We want all learners to be ambitious and hope the curriculum challenges these learners to ensure they work to their full potential.