Computing at Martock Church School

Our Computing curriculum is designed to provide a rich, engaging, and coherent learning journey that meets the requirements of the National Curriculum while being fully responsive to our pupils’ unique needs. We have chosen to implement the Kapow Computing scheme because it is research-based, cyclical, and continually updated to reflect the latest developments in technology and digital safety.

This ensures that our curriculum is relevant and prepares pupils for the digital world they live in.

Kapow Computing’s curriculum covers the three key strands of computing—computer science, information technology, and digital literacy—ensuring pupils develop a balanced and thorough understanding.

It supports the National Curriculum’s aims by fostering computational thinking, programming skills, and safe, responsible use of technology. The inclusion of up-to-date online safety content, tailored for both children and parents, is particularly vital in today’s digital landscape.

Given our school context—with 26% of pupils eligible for Pupil Premium, a significant proportion of SEND pupils (17%), and a small but growing pre-school cohort—this curriculum is appropriate because it offers strong differentiation and assessment tools. These allow staff to closely monitor pupil progress and tailor support effectively, addressing individual learning needs and promoting independence. The excellent CPD opportunities provided by Kapow empower our teachers to build strong subject knowledge and pedagogical expertise, which is crucial given our school improvement priority to strengthen subject leadership and teaching confidence.

Our Computing curriculum is aspirational, aiming not only to equip pupils with essential digital skills but also to nurture problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. It aligns with our vision of enabling all children to flourish in a nurturing environment and make a positive difference to the world. By embedding digital literacy and computational thinking from early years through to Year 6, we prepare pupils to thrive in an increasingly digital society and inspire them to become innovative, responsible digital citizens.

Whole School Aims

The Computing curriculum at Martock Church School is deeply connected to our school vision and values. We believe in giving all staff and pupils the chance to flourish through excellent opportunities, and computing is a key vehicle for this. Our curriculum promotes kindness, perseverance, respect, and collaboration by encouraging pupils to work together on projects, respect digital safety protocols, and persevere through problem-solving challenges.

As a No Outsiders school where everyone is different and everyone is included, our Computing curriculum reflects this ethos by ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. It supports all pupils, including those with SEND and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to experience success and build confidence. Through Computing, pupils develop skills that enable them to participate fully in the modern world, thereby making a positive difference to their communities and beyond.

Subject Vision

We teach Computing at Martock Church School to empower pupils with the knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary to navigate and shape the digital world confidently and safely. Our intent is for all pupils to develop computational thinking, programming skills, and digital literacy that are progressive and build on prior learning, enabling them to solve complex problems and communicate effectively in various digital contexts.

Aligned with our school improvement priorities, the Computing curriculum is designed to foster independence, particularly for our SEND pupils, by providing scaffolded learning and opportunities for pupils to apply their skills creatively and critically. We aim to improve outcomes through precise assessment and responsive teaching, supported by Kapow’s comprehensive tools and CPD. Our vision is to cultivate enthusiastic, confident learners who understand the ethical implications of technology and are prepared for future education and life beyond Martock.

Communication with Stakeholders

To ensure successful implementation of the Computing curriculum, clear and ongoing communication with all stakeholders is essential. We will:

• Share the curriculum rationale and progression maps with parents through newsletters, the school website, and dedicated curriculum evenings, highlighting how Computing supports pupils’ development and online safety.
• Provide workshops and resources for parents on online safety, leveraging Kapow’s up-to-date information to help families support learning at home.
• Engage pupils in sharing their learning through digital showcases, assemblies, and displays, fostering pride and ownership.
• Regularly update staff through CPD sessions and collaborative planning meetings, ensuring confidence and consistency in teaching.
• Work with governors to review curriculum impact and development, ensuring leadership oversight and strategic support.

These approaches address the school’s context, including improving parental engagement and pupil attendance by making learning visible, relevant, and valued.

Meeting Ofsted Expectations:

This Computing curriculum rationale directly responds to key points from the recent Ofsted inspection:

• Subject Knowledge and CPD: The Kapow scheme’s excellent CPD provision addresses the identified need for stronger subject knowledge among staff, particularly in foundational areas like phonics and early learning, supporting improved teaching quality.
• Assessment and Engagement: Kapow’s robust assessment tools enable staff to monitor pupil understanding in real time, reducing disengagement and ensuring that gaps in knowledge are identified and addressed promptly.
• Inclusion and Independence: The curriculum’s flexibility and scaffolding support SEND pupils to become more independent learners, aligning with the priority to improve SEND outcomes and reduce over-reliance on adult support.
• Online Safety: Up-to-date online safety content for pupils and parents supports the school’s safeguarding responsibilities and promotes responsible digital citizenship.
• Parental Engagement and Attendance: By providing clear communication and resources for parents, the curriculum supports increased parental involvement, which is linked to improved attendance and engagement.

In summary, our Computing curriculum at Martock Church School is a well-considered, ambitious, and inclusive programme that meets national expectations, reflects our school’s values and priorities, and addresses areas for improvement highlighted by Ofsted. It equips pupils with essential skills for the future while fostering a positive, collaborative, and safe learning environment.