Computing

Intent

With an ever-changing technological world, it is our intention at Thomas Bewick School for our pupils and Post 16 students to have a greater understanding of how technology makes a difference in all aspects of life – at, home, in school and in our community. 

Technology already plays a pivotal part in many of our pupils’ lives, often acting as their voice and enhancing their life considerably. Through computing we encourage our pupils to evaluate, use and apply ICT to solve problems that will positively influence their way of life. For our Engager pupils this may mean using technology to make specific requests and their needs known, whereas our Steps into Work students may eventually want to explore careers in computing.  

We intend for our pupils and students to be taught the skills to become responsible and safe digital citizens; as many pupils have an increased vulnerability, it is important they have the knowledge to keep themselves safe online. Computing skills support children and young people to become confident, creative and independent learners, and it is our intention that they have every opportunity to allow them to become computational thinkers to achieve this. 

We are aware that each pupil or student is an individual and develops differently due to their autism, so our curriculum intends to be developmentally appropriate, ensuring it caters for each child and young person.

More information about how we implement our computing curriculum can be found in the document at the bottom of this page.

In June 2023, Thomas Bewick School received the NCCE Computing Quality Mark for their exemplary Computing Curriculum.

The Assessor stated:

‘I absolutely love what you are doing at your school and the descriptions of your current status and evidence referred to paint a great picture of excellent computing education in a special school setting.’

The certificate for the NCCE Computing Quality Mark can be seen below.