Computing | sauncey-wood-primary

COMPUTING
Intent
At Sauncey Wood, we believe that every child should have the right to a curriculum that champions excellence and Curiosity, supporting pupils in achieving to the very best of their abilities.

When planning and teaching computing, we believe that it is an essential part of the curriculum; a subject that not only stands alone but is woven into and is an integral part of all learning. Computing in general is a significant part of everyone’s daily life and children are at the forefront of new technology, with a thirst for learning what is out there. Computing within schools can therefor provide a wealth of learning opportunities and transferrable skills explicitly within the computing lesson and across other subjects.

Through the study of Computing, our children gain a wide range of fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding that equip them for the rest of their life. Computers and technology are such a part of everyday life and through accessing a robust and thorough Computing Curriculum, our pupils become digitally confident. We provide children with the knowledge they need to participate effectively and safely in the digital world beyond our school.

Implementation

We use the Purple Mash Computing Scheme of Work from Reception to Year 6. 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. It provides immense flexibility, strong cross-curricular links and has the flexibility to adapt to current events. We deliver the Computing curriculum through both explicit lessons and a broad range of cross-curricular experiences.

Reception use a range of computing and technology throughout their Curious Learning.

Year 1-6 have an explicit Computing lesson each week. Online safety is taught explicitly in computing and also throughout the curriculum.

Our Foundation Stage children learn about using the internet safely and keeping personal information private. They learn to explore the world around them and how technology is an everyday part of their learning and understanding of the world.

In Key Stage 1, the children learn to understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions. They learn to create and debug simple programs and use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs. They are taught how to use a range of technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content as well as recognise common uses of information technology beyond school. They are taught to use the technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concern about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies. Each of these skills is taught through half-termly units.

In Key stage 2, the children design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts. They use sequence, selection and repetition in programs, use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and correct errors in algorithms and programs. Children learn how to understand computer networks, including the internet, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration. They use search technologies effectively, learn to appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content. Children learn to select, use and combine a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals. They use the internet safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

Impact

Our Children are confident users of technology. They have taken part in Safer Internet days sharing their knowledge around how to keep safe online. Our pupils are equipped to be digitally literate so that they can make the most of future opportunities and challenges. Throughout their learning in computing, our pupils have opportunities to connect, consolidate and reinforce their skills within a broad and balanced yet purposeful curriculum. This develops our pupils giving them a greater depth of understanding of the world around them so that they are able to make links across subject areas and enhance their thinking skills. Computing is used to enhance all subjects across our Curriculum.