Computing

Vision

Preparing the young people of Fairmead to be confident and constructive members of the digital world in which they live.

We recognise the unique position that computing holds within the curriculum and the vital nature of good digital skills and awareness. Computing is integral to the Values of Fairmead school.

Computing and the Fairmead School Values

Young people are introduced to a wide range of software packages and applications. They are encouraged to use computational thinking skills such as pattern recognition to adapt the lessons from one to another.

Young people can gain support in their computing projects from their peers. They are actively encouraged to support each other with difficult tasks and show appreciation when this occurs.

Young people are taught practical computing skills that support their employability including office-based applications and the use of developing technology.

Young people are taught about the importance of maintaining positive relationships online and how these are balanced with online safety. Young people are taught how to use technology in a respectful manner.

Young people are often encouraged to provide honest feedback on their own and peer's work. They are explicitly taught to identify strengths and weaknesses in a constructive manner that build trust between coworkers.

Young people are taught how to use a range of applications and are introduced to programming. This is intentionally aimed to challenge and stretch young people as an effective tool to explicitly teach resilience.

What this means

We will look to help young people to prepare digital skills at an appropriate level from the 3 levels identified

• Being aware of digital technology and how it works- young people who are aware of digital technology and can carry out basic tasks online and offline

• Being competent users of digital technology - young people who can use a range of software applications appropriately and are able to use web-based resources effectively as members of society.

• Being effective practitioners in the use of digital technology - young people who can combine practical skills with a more in depth understanding of how computing is used in everyday life. These young people will be able to successfully enter external accreditation programmes.

Practice

Depending upon the strand, young people will follow a curriculum which seeks to challenge them and prepare them for independence in adulthood. The curriculum is delivered through carefully constructed bespoke lesson resources linked to awareness, competence or effectiveness.

The computing curriculum covers both the level of digital skills recognised as appropriate by Fairmead school as well as reference to the National Curriculum at the appropriate level.

The computing curriculum is also used to deliver key statutory aspects of the RSHE curriculum in relation to online safety.

Difference

Young people will gain digital skills that enable them to either pursue further study at an appropriate level or support them in their later life or employment. Young people will have proof of their competencies through the award of AQA Unit Awards in different digital skills according to their ability and development at Fairmead.

Computing holds a unique position within our curriculum because of the way in which it links to the 3 pillars of Communication, Community and Careers. Every lesson is signposted within our Programme Of Study document to indicate which pillar it predominantly links to.

Teaching in computing is focussed on our Vision which in turn is focussed on preparing young people for life after Fairmead.