Computing

Why you teach it - your purpose of study

Technology is everywhere and plays an integral part in our children’s lives. Therefore, at Smallwood C of E Primary Academy, we want to model and educate our pupils on using technology effectively, responsibly, and safely.

The National Curriculum for Computing  intends to ensure that all pupils:

·         can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation

·         can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems

·         can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems

·         are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology. 

INTENT

What you teach - your programme(s) of study

As a village school, with many families and pupils having access to a wide range of technology, we feel there is an even greater need for our pupils to have the knowledge and skills to use technology effectively, responsibly and safely.

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

How you teach it - your delivery of the above

Our Computing curriculum at Smallwood is designed so 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, see its place in their future and give teachers’ confidence. Cross-curricular links are also important in supporting other areas of learning. Our lesson plans and 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 UKS2. Skills learnt through KS1 and LKS2 are used to support data presentation. An example of keywords has been included, showing the progression of specific language involved in children’s learning so that teachers can also assess understanding and progress through vocabulary.

IMPACT

So what - your evaluations of the above

At Smallwood 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.