At Manor Farm Academy, Years 1-6 use the ‘Teach Computing’ framework when delivering computing lessons. We support pupils in the acquisition of knowledge, through the use of key concepts, terms, and vocabulary, providing opportunities to build a shared and consistent understanding.
We teach computing through the use of physical computing and make activities that offer tactile and sensory experiences to enhance learning. Combining electronics and programming with arts and crafts (especially through exploratory projects) provides pupils with a creative, engaging context to explore and apply computing concepts. Computing is used throughout the curriculum and children use it to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information.
In addition to our weekly computing lessons, we also deliver weekly e-safety sessions using ProjectEvolve. E-safety is an integral part of Computing at Manor Farm Academy. Children discuss the importance of e-safety each time they access digital media. The SMART computing rules, of staying safe online are embedded throughout the school in all subjects.
At Manor Farm Academy, we recognise that the teaching of Computing is essential for our pupils to navigate and thrive in the 21st Century. Our curriculum emphasises independence, creativity, exploration, and connectivity. We teach our pupils in utilising various platforms that enhance their ability to connect with others, express their creativity, and present their learning formally. Our Computing curriculum has been thoughtfully designed to reflect contemporary practices and the evolving demands of the modern world.
We aim to equip our pupils with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for everyday computing tasks, ultimately preparing them for the modern and ever changing digital world. Throughout their computing lessons, pupils will develop a diverse set of skills, including keyboard usage, operation of cameras and filming equipment, debugging and reprogramming applications, and creating their own games. At Manor Farm Academy, we are committed to delivering a dynamic and engaging Computing curriculum that challenges and inspires children. Our curriculum, which is continually updated, celebrates all aspects of computing, incorporating tools such as cameras, iPads, programmable toys, filming equipment, computers, and laptops. This approach fosters individual creativity, allowing students to express themselves in their work while promoting independence and building upon their skills and knowledge from previous lessons, ensuring they are well-prepared for the modern world.
Manor Farm Academy follows a comprehensive progression document to best embed and cover every element of the computing curriculum. The knowledge/skills statements build year on year to deepen and challenge our learners. We follow the Teach Computing Curriculum, a scheme accredited and funded by the Department of Education.
The scheme is structured in units that are based on a spiral curriculum. This means that themes are revisited regularly, at least once in each year group. Computing is taught weekly in KS1 and KS2 and the skills that the children learn are used across the wider curriculum. We recognise that all classes have children with a wide range of abilities and our curriculum has this in mind. All lessons build on the learning from the previous lesson and, where appropriate, activities are scaffolded so that all pupils can succeed and thrive. Pupils that require it are provided with additional resources such as visual prompts to ensure they reach the same learning goals as the rest of the class.
Through challenge in the curriculum tasks deepen understanding of a concept and this challenges pupils to apply their learning in different contexts and make connections with other learning experiences. We achieve this in a variety of ways: by setting tasks that are open-ended and can have a variety of responses, by setting tasks of increasing difficulty (not all children complete all tasks), by providing resources of different complexity that are matched to the child’s ability, and by offering challenges through questioning and tasks.
Computing at Manor Farm Academy is guided by our four academy values: respect, ambition, individuality, and curiosity. These principles ensure that pupils receive engaging and challenging instruction in computing. We prioritise understanding the reasoning behind their learning, focusing on both the “why” and the “how.” Our pupils are encouraged to discuss, reflect on, and appreciate the impact of computing on their educational journey, personal development, and overall wellbeing.
Whilst developing an understanding of an appropriate balance with technology as this is essential for facilitating effective education and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Our approach to computing helps pupils recognise the importance of achieving this balance, which they can build upon in their subsequent educational stages and beyond. We promote ongoing dialogue between staff and pupils to effectively embed and enhance this understanding.
At Manor Farm Academy, our computing curriculum equips pupils with the skills to navigate the ever changing digital world of technology and beyond. Our curriculum focuses on three key areas: Digital Literacy, Computer Science, and Information Technology, providing pupils with daily opportunities to engage in various aspects of computing using a diverse range of digital tools. This approach ensures that they develop the skills necessary to operate safely and effectively in today’s digital environment.
The first component, Computer Science, is integrated throughout our curriculum, allowing pupils to develop programming abilities, grasp algorithmic concepts, and apply these computational skills to both digital and non-digital contexts through unplugged lessons.
The second component, Digital Literacy, focuses on equipping students with a strong understanding of e-safety and the four C’s: Content, Contact, Conduct, and Commercialism. Our curriculum emphasises safe internet usage through interdisciplinary lessons that enhance their overall digital competency.
Finally, the Information Technology component empowers students to express their digital creativity through various applications and projects, including podcasts, films, and presentations. This aspect of the curriculum also ensures that students acquire essential computer skills, such as creating, storing, saving, and retrieving digital documents.
Pupils have the opportunity to explore a variety of digital career paths associated with their units of study, fostering inspiration for all. Pupils throughout the academy participated in National Coding Week, where they were able to express their curiosity and individuality through a range of computing and coding activities. All of the children across the academy have access to digital technology across all their lessons, and they have demonstrated their learning and high aspirations by showcasing their work on the digital platform, Padlet.
Manor Farm Academy has participated in online career discussions with reputable computing organisations, such as TechSheCan, and have engaged with local businesses that utilise digital technologies during events like Lincolnshire Day and Construction Day.
Furthermore, pupils have had the opportunity to interact with local authorities and participate in a workshop focused on internet safety.
The Computing Lead is currently collaborating with the Trust to enhance the effective implementation of AI throughout the academy.
