Children who attend Applebee Wood have a diagnosis for a variety of complex learning needs. Many of the pupils have autism or other communication needs. Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. They are very vulnerable online as they find it difficult to understand the context of danger and may find it difficult to interpret people’s intentions, thoughts and feelings through online communication and are not always able to distinguish between reality and the online world. While the internet can be a very positive place to make online relationships, this exposes them to grooming, abuse or exploitation so we focus on helping them to develop strategies to keep themselves safe. We also recognise that for many of our pupils they perceive the people they communicate with online as their ‘friends’ and they often have limited friendships outside of school. They are therefore extra vulnerable online, and we prioritise this aspect of their education. 

Intent:

What will our pupils experience throughout their computing curriculum at Applebee Wood?

We want our children to experience and understand the potential and capabilities of technology whilst developing an awareness of how to maintain a safe and healthy digital life.

We want to help them to become independent members of the digital world they live in and:

• be curious and creative
• be knowledgeable in sending, receiving and participating in electronic communications safely
• be aware of the law around technologies and how this applies to them
• be confident using software for a given purpose
• question the validity of what they access
• make informed choices

Why do we want this?

Computational thinking: that is the golden thread running through the computing curriculum: looking at problems in a way that a human or a computer can understand in order to help us solve them. It draws together such concepts as logical reasoning, decomposition, patterns, abstraction and algorithms, as well as approaches such as tinkering, making, debugging, persevering and collaborating. These are all essential skills that can support their development in a myriad of other areas throughout their lives. 

Implementation: See the coverage map below

• Weekly sessions of Computing
• Weekly sessions of online safety - coupled with skills sessions
• Modules are structured throughout the year to cover three main areas of digital literacy, IT and computer science

• Recognised qualifications in ICT & Computing in KS4
• Primary Explorers access Computing through the learning experiences that take place during their ‘Exploring Technology’ sessions.

Computing as a discrete subject, and as delivered across the curriculum, is developed and co-ordinated by the subject leader (Mr Mahmood). The discrete lessons are delivered by subject specialist teachers in timetabled lessons. 

Impact:

Our main aim for Computing at Applebee Wood is for children to transfer this knowledge and have the confidence to implement these skills in functional everyday situations. We want them to be able to:

• Engage safely and creatively with a variety of technology and applications.
• Develop confident and independent learners.
• Plan, design, create, program and evaluate information.
• Make links to the application of Computing in real world situations.

Our approach to the curriculum results in a breadth of experience to develop our children’s understanding of themselves as individuals within their community and also as members of a wider global community as responsible digital citizens.

Useful websites...

Curriculum Policies and Curriculum Mapping