Intent, Implementation, and Impact Statement for Computing

The intent of our Computing curriculum within the Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) context is to empower students by equipping them with essential digital skills that foster personal growth, emotional resilience, and social inclusion. We aim to create an inclusive and nurturing environment where students can engage with technology in a manner that promotes wellbeing and self-confidence.

Our curriculum is designed to:

Foster Creativity and Innovation: We encourage students to express themselves creatively through various digital mediums, helping them to develop their unique voices in both individual and collaborative projects.
Build Digital Literacy: By embedding critical digital skills within our lessons, students leave fully prepared for the modern world, including understanding online safety, responsible use of technology, and digital citizenship.
Support Emotional and Social Development: Programming and technology-related activities are integrated in a way that supports students' social skills and emotional regulation, encouraging teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
Individualised Learning: Recognising that each student has unique learning needs and emotional challenges, our curriculum is flexible and tailored to ensure every individual can progress at their own pace and engage meaningfully with Computing.

Our Computing curriculum is delivered through a structured yet adaptable framework, comprising:

Engaging and Interactive Lessons: We utilise a blend of teaching methods, including hands-on activities, practical workshops, and project-based learning, which foster engagement and retention of knowledge. Students are encouraged to explore, experiment, and collaborate in ways that are meaningful to them.
Integration of Technology Across the Curriculum: Computing skills are not isolated to standalone lessons but are embedded within a variety of subjects, supporting interdisciplinary learning. For example, students may use coding to create interactive stories in English or data handling tools in Maths to analyse real-world scenarios.
Focus on Personal Development: Each Computing lesson includes an element that promotes emotional wellbeing, such as discussions around online safety, the impact of technology on mental health, and lessons in empathy and respect in digital communications.
Ongoing Assessment and Feedback: We employ formative assessments to monitor students' progress continually. Constructive feedback is integral to our approach, helping students reflect on their learning, set achievable goals, and making necessary adjustments to their learning pathways.
Professional Development for Staff: We prioritise the continual professional development of our educators to ensure they are equipped with the latest pedagogical strategies and technological advancements. Regular training sessions and collaborative planning time foster a culture of knowledge sharing and best practice.

The impact of our Computing curriculum on students in SEMH settings can be measured through various qualitative and quantitative indicators:

Increased Engagement: Observations indicate a marked increase in student engagement levels during Computing lessons, with many students expressing enthusiasm for learning and applying new skills.
Enhanced Skills Development: Students demonstrate significant progress in their Computing capabilities, from basic digital literacy to more complex skills such as coding, online research, and effective communication through technology.
Improved Emotional Regulation: Participation in collaborative projects and problem-solving tasks has led to improvements in emotional regulation for many students, as evidenced by reduced incidents of anxiety and better management of social interactions.
Positive Feedback from Students and Parents: Surveys and discussions with students and parents show an appreciation for the relevance of the skills taught and a recognition of how these skills contribute to personal and professional opportunities.
Preparation for Future Pathways: Our students leave our SEMH setting equipped not only with Computing skills but also with the confidence to navigate digital landscapes safely and responsibly, having gained essential competencies that prepare them for further education or employment.

Overall, our Computing programme is a cornerstone of our educational offering, effectively supporting the holistic development of students within SEMH settings. By fostering an environment of creativity, safety, and inclusivity, we strive to inspire our students to become informed, responsible digital citizens.