What if you created a highly localised scheme of work?
The new Computing curriculum is little more than a checklist. But what it lacks in detail, especially regarding progression, it more than makes up for in terms of the freedom it affords schools to interpret the new Programme of Study in a way that suits them.
With that in mind, have you ever researched your own area, or walked around pretending to be a tourist, and therefore seeing things for the first time? You may well find that there are companies you could work with, both to give a real-world perspective to your scheme of work and to satisfy the work-related learning requirement (even at primary level).
There may be lovely places that are not only wonderful to visit but which could also provide a rich source of ideas, and opportunities for activities like data-logging, developing useful apps and even geocaching.
Even if just some parts of your scheme of work were based in your locality, surely that would be better than the whole of the curriculum completely ignoring what is happening on your own doorstep?
cross-posted on www.ictineducation.org
Terry Freedman is an independent educational ICT consultant with over 35 years of experience in education. He publishes the ICT in Education website and the newsletter “Computers in Classrooms."
