1. Learning & Support
  2. Curriculum
  3. Computing

Computing

Intent

We offer a structured sequence of lessons, helping teachers to ensure that they have covered the skills required to meet the aims of the national curriculum. The content allows for a broad, deep understanding of computing and how it links to children's lives. It offers a range of opportunities for consolidation, challenge and variety. This allows children to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science. They develop analytical problem-solving skills and learn to evaluate and apply information technology. It also enables them to become responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information technology.

Implementation

We use the Planit programme of study which builds on the expectations of the National Curriculum. Each lesson contains revision, analysis and problem-solving. Through the sequence of lessons, we intend to inspire pupils to develop a love of the digital world and see its place in their future. Cross-curricular links are also important in supporting other areas of learning. Our teaching and related resources help children to build on prior knowledge at the same time as introducing new skills and challenges.

In KS1, the focus is on developing the use of algorithms, programming and how technology can be used safely and purposefully. In KS2, lessons still focus on algorithms, programming and coding but in a more complex way and for different purposes. Children also develop their knowledge of computer networks, internet services and the safe and purposeful use of the internet and technology. Data Handling is featured more heavily in upper KS2. Skills learnt through KS1 and lower KS2 are used to support data presentation., showing the progression Specific language is taught in a progressive way.

Impact

Learning in computing will be enjoyed across the school. Teachers will have high expectations and quality evidence will be presented in a variety of forms. Children will use digital and technological vocabulary accurately, alongside a progression in their technical skills. They will be confident using a range of hardware and software and will produce high-quality purposeful products. Children will see the digital world as part of their world, extending beyond school, and understand that they have choices to make. They will be confident and respectful digital citizens going on to lead happy and healthy digital lives.

What do we use?

As the landscape of IT is ever changing, more importance is placed upon learning transferable skills that can be applied to a variety of applications. The school undertook a very successful pilot project with a IT company  through which we explored the possibilities of cloud based IT. As a result, we rolled  out a cloud based system using google chrome pads. This has enabled  pupils to access their learning from home and has increased parents' access to their child's home learning.  We continuet to work with Ipads and Windows machines also so that the pupils have a thorough working knowledge of different systems.

The school subscribes to Espresso, a website that offers a range of content and tools that is simply unrivalled. It covers all year groups and subjects, plus whole-school initiatives such as SEAL and Heathy Schools. It also offers a multitude of resource types to suit all kinds of learning and teaching styles. Espresso even includes SATs-related resources. Espresso specialises in taking educational concepts and applying a 'real-world' context through video and other multimedia elements. This encourages pupils to think beyond the simple fact, resulting in the deeper and wider learning of concepts. Designed with both teachers and pupils in mind, Espresso is a resource that can be teacher-led or facilitate pupils working independently in a safe online environment.  http://www.espresso.co.uk/

We also subscribe to Expresso Coding which we use as our main route to teaching Coding.

The School uses Junior Librarian which is a web based library system, giving the children a real purpose for ICT.

  • Junior librarian:
  • Creates an engaging online library for pupils, staff and parents
  • Tracks reading progress and trends across the whole school
  • Makes reading cooler with an integrated eBook library
  • Embeds the library into the teaching of ICT and literacy
  • Engages with parents using the fantastic free imls app
  • Links our library and resources to our school VLE or website
  • Creates an asset register for all school resources
  • Automatic next book recommendations with ‘Who Next’

Children also other programmes, such as  Times Tables Rockstars, to practise and hone basic skills.