Computing

Intent

We believe that every child should have the right to a curriculum that champions excellence; supporting pupils in achieving to the very best of their abilities. We understand the immense value technology plays, not only in supporting the computing and whole school curriculum, but overall in the day-to-day life of our school.

We believe that technology can provide: enhanced collaborative learning opportunities; better engagement of pupils; easier access to rich content; support conceptual understanding of new concepts and can support the needs of all our pupils.

Our aims:

·       Provide an exciting, rich, relevant and challenging computing curriculum for all pupils

·       Enthuse and equip children with the capability to use technology throughout their lives

·       Give children access to a variety of high quality hardware, software and unplugged resources

·       Instill critical thinking, reflective learning and a ‘can do’ attitude for all our pupils, particularly when engaging with technology and its associated resources

·       Teach pupils to become responsible, respectful and competent users of data, information and communication technology

·       Teach pupils to understand the importance of governance and legislation regarding how information is used, stored, created, retrieved, shared and manipulated

·       Equip pupils with skills, strategies and knowledge that will enable them to reap the benefits of the online world, whilst being able to minimise risk to themselves or others

·       Utilise computational thinking beyond the computing curriculum.

Online safety has a high profile at Widewell Primary Academy. We ensure this profile is maintained and that pupil needs are met by the following:

·       A relevant up-to-date online safety curriculum which is progressive from Early Years to the end of Year 6

·       A curriculum that is threaded throughout other curriculums and embedded in the day-to-day lives of our pupils

·       Training for staff and governors which is relevant to their needs and ultimately positively impacts on the pupils

·       Scheduled pupil voice sessions and learning walks steer changes and inform training needs

·       Through our home/school links and communication channels, parents are kept up to date with relevant online safety matters, policies and agreements. They know who to contact at school if they have concerns

·       Staff have acceptable use policies which are signed and copies freely available

·       Our online safety policy (part of our safeguarding policy) clearly states how monitoring of online safety is undertaken and any incidents/infringements to it are dealt with

·       Filtering and monitoring systems for all our online access

·       Data policies which stipulate how we keep confidential information secure

Implementation

As a school, we have chosen the Teach Computing scheme of work. The scheme of work supports our teachers in delivering fun and engaging lessons which help to raise standards and allow all pupils to achieve to their full potential. We are confident that the scheme of work more than adequately meets the national vision for Computing. It provides immense flexibility, strong cross-curricular links and a strong focus on safety. Furthermore, it gives excellent supporting material for less confident teachers.

At Widewell Primary Academy computing is taught using a stepped approach. This ensures children are able to develop depth in their knowledge and skills over the duration of each term and allows them time to master each aspect before moving on. Teachers use Teach Computing resources to support the teaching of digital literacy.  We have iPads and Chromebooks to ensure that all year groups have the opportunity to use a range of devices and programs for many purposes across the wider curriculum, as well as in discrete computing lessons. Employing cross-curricular links motivates pupils and supports them to make connections and remember the steps they have been taught. The implementation of the curriculum also ensures a balanced coverage of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. Subject knowledge imparted becomes increasingly specific and in depth, with more complex skills being taught, thus ensuring that learning is built upon.

Impact

Our approach to the curriculum results in a fun, engaging, and high-quality computing education. The quality of children’s learning is evident, via their learning in class and explanations. Evidence such as this is used to feed into teachers’ future planning, which ensures that teachers are able to revisit misconceptions and knowledge gaps in computing when teaching other curriculum areas. This supports varied paces of learning and ensures all pupils make good progress.

Much of the subject-specific knowledge developed in our computing lessons equip pupils with experiences which will benefit them in secondary school, further education and future workplaces. These include researching, use of presentation within both computer and cloud based programs, use of creative tools and critical thinking.

Understanding the importance of e-safety is an integral part of computing at our school, which develops children's understanding of being respectful and responsible learners when using the range of technology available within school and at home.

In building upon this knowledge and understanding, children become lifelong learners, equipped to meet developing technology with confidence, enthusiasm and the skills that will prepare them for a future in an ever-changing world.