Intention

iCompute supports schools in teaching computing effectively and well by providing a rich, broad and balanced computing curriculum fully mapped to the National Curriculum for Computing and Key Stage 1 and 2. It offers pupils a computing education designed for mastery using research- led computing pedagogies and covers all three strands of the computing curriculum:

ëComputer Science
ëInformation Technology
ëDigital Literacy (incl. eSafety)

A positive teacher mindset and strong subject knowledge is key to student success in computing. iCompute aims to enhance pupils’ enjoyment, resilience, understanding and attainment in computing by empowering and equipping schools to deliver a quality computing education with comprehensive computing schemes of work that are designed for computing mastery.

Mastery in computing means acquiring a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of the subject. It is demonstrated by how skillfully a child can apply their learning in computing to new situations in unfamiliar contexts.

Every child can enjoy and succeed in computing when offered appropriate learning opportunities. iCompute uses growth mindset and problem-solving approaches that enable pupils to develop resilience, persistence and confidence. All children are encouraged to believe in their ability to master computing and are empowered to succeed through curiosity, tinkering and perseverance.

Pupils are taught through whole-class interactive teaching with pupils working together on the same lesson content at the same time. Lessons are sequenced so that concepts are developed in logical steps with particular attention given to fundamental concepts. This ensures that all children can master concepts before moving to the next stage, with no pupil left behind.

Curriculum equity is offered with all pupils being given the time and opportunity to fully understand, explore and apply skills and ideas in different ways, in different situations and in different subjects. This enables pupils to fully grasp a concept and understand the relevance of their learning.

Implementation

Subject leaders are supported by iCompute with a Subject Leader’s Toolkit offering guidance on curriculum design, research-led pedagogies for the teaching of computing and how to develop effective subject leadership.

iCompute offers expertise in primary computing education and has the knowledge and practical skills to design primary computing curricula. It supports schools around the world in implementing computing curricula fully matched to the National Curriculum.

iCompute supports schools to develop computing by providing detailed guidance and a range of tools that enable subject leaders to audit and evaluate computing subject knowledge and skills of staff throughout the school. It also provides resources to help improve subject leadership and action planning for improving teaching and learning in Computing in line with centrally prescribed aims; which includes indentifying CPD needs.

iCompute was the first commercial scheme of work in the UK offering full coverage of the National Curriculum and is written by a Computer Scientist and CAS Primary Computer Science Master Teacher. Nominated for prestigious BETT and ERA Awards each year since 2014 for innovation and computing curriculum resources, it is trusted and used by thousands of schools around the world. iCompute has a proven record of raising standards and attainment in computing.

iCompute supports schools to secure progression and attainment through curriculum resources that include a comprehensive assessment toolkit with guidance about how to assess computing, evidence pupil progression and record data. This includes:

• ë Long, medium and step-by-step short-term planning fully mapped to the National Curriculum for Computing at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2
• ë A model of curriculum progression throughout the primary phase for each strand of the National Curriculum
• ë Self assessment resources for pupils – ‘iCan’ statements for each unit of work
• ë Comprehensive tests and tasks (if subscribed to our Assessment Tests & Tasks pack) for core

units fully matched to the National Curriculum

• ë Pupil progress trackers informed by end of unit assessment guidance and (if subscribed to our

Assessment Tests & Tasks pack) associated end of unit assessment tasks and diagnostic tests. Divided into the three curriculum strands, the trackers enable leaders’ to demonstrate sufficient curriculum coverage and shape future learning by being able to identify any gaps in pupil knowledge, understanding and skills and take appropriate action.

Planning guidance is given along with suggested timetabling, medium term planning for each unit and detailed step-by-step short-term lesson plans. This enables leaders to monitor curriculum delivery and ensure that what is being taught aligns with curriculum design. 

Impact

iCompute's curriculum is designed to build on prior learning and lessons are sequenced throughout the primary phase for progression where all learning builds towards clearly defined end points:

ëend of unit
ëend of year
ëend of Key Stage

The curriculum, assessment toolkit and comprehensive, expert, guidance offered by iCompute enables leaders to ensure that all pupils learn the curriculum.

Assessment data collected as part of teaching enables each pupils’ progress to be monitored and is based on the Progression Pathways Assessment Framework designed by Computing At Schools (CAS) and the BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT) - groups responsible for the drafting of the National Curriculum for Computing on behalf of the DfE; but iCompute has much greater depth to further support accurate assessment and progression planning. Assessment data allows teachers to see, at a glance, where pupils are in their learning; to identify any gaps in coverage, knowledge, understanding and skills and to inform the curriculum and future teaching. The assessment toolkit includes pupil progress trackers for pupils with SEND based on the revised P-Scales for Computing compiled by ‘CAS Include’ which have been adapted by iCompute for greater depth.

The curriculum offers equity for all groups and it is intended that all pupils access it. By following and monitoring the curriculum and its delivery leaders’ are supported by iCompute in ensuring that all teachers teach the full range of lessons for each year group and that they are taught in accordance with the planning to ensure rigor, challenge and inclusion.