Computing & Online Safety

At Outwoods, we recognise that a high-quality computing education equips pupils with the computational thinking and creativity necessary to comprehend and influence the world around them. We aim for all children to be confident and innovative in their computing abilities. It is our responsibility to ensure that we deliver lessons that provide each child with the opportunities to achieve this goal.

Our computing curriculum, derived from Teach Computing, guarantees comprehensive coverage of the subject. Structured in progressive units, this spiral curriculum allows us to revisit key themes regularly, building upon the knowledge and skills acquired year on year. The Teach Computing framework is designed around four central themes: computing systems and networks; creating media; programming; and data and information. Programming is taught twice yearly, allowing children to revisit the same concepts with increasing depth. Each subsequent year incorporates previously acquired skills while introducing new concepts. The Creating Media strand encompasses a wide variety of media types and skills, categorised into four key areas: text, graphics, photo and video, and audio. Our spiral curriculum ensures that we cover each of these areas over a phase, forging links wherever possible to reinforce learning.

We take pride in our ambitious, inclusive, and engaging Computing curriculum, which is enriched with "hands-on" opportunities throughout each year group. Our teachers have strong subject knowledge, confidently anticipating and addressing misconceptions while structuring learning into manageable segments.

Digital Literacy is taught through Project EVOLVE, a comprehensive toolkit that covers the essential knowledge, skills, behaviours, and attitudes relevant to our online lives, beginning from early years. By starting with the right questions, teachers employ formative assessment strategies to identify gaps in children's online safety knowledge and understanding. This targeted approach allows us to tailor our teaching, ensuring positive outcomes for all; no two classes receive the same curriculum offer, as we adapt to the needs of each cohort.

Termly assessments support our teachers in focusing on the appropriate objectives. We revisit this knowledge at the end of the term to evaluate the progression of children's understanding and skills. This intuitive toolkit empowers our children to navigate the online world effectively, maximising its benefits while prioritising their safety.

Our lessons are designed to foster meaningful discussion, providing honest and relevant information that shapes critical thinking and challenges misconceptions. At Outwoods, children actively engage in our Project EVOLVE lessons and report high levels of enjoyment as they explore and discuss topics pertinent to their lives.

In conclusion, we aspire for our children to leave Outwoods with a solid understanding of online safety, the ability to create engaging digital content, and insight into the range of career opportunities that Computing has to offer.