Computing – curriculum information
At New Pastures Primary School we ensure our curriculum is fully inclusive to every child. We fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum for Computing, acknowledge the huge importance of computing technology in all our lives and, as such, want to equip our children to become digitally confident and safe. It is our intention to enable children to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information. We also focus on developing the skills necessary for children to be able to use information in an effective way.
Intent
Through teaching computing, we equip our pupils to participate in a rapidly changing world where work and leisure activities are increasingly transformed by technology
As technology continues to evolve, we aim to offer our children ever-widening opportunities to engage with this technology to enable them to become efficient adults entering into an increasingly digitalised world.
We aim to continue to improve cross curricular links with computing across the whole curriculum, ensuring that pupils understand, and apply their knowledge of, the technology available to them.
Implementation
We continue to support staff subject knowledge to ensure a good computing curriculum is being taught throughout school. Barefoot Computing, NCCE and other resources are used to teach a variety of computing skills in a range of engaging ways, including ‘unplugged’ activities.
A variety of teaching approaches and activities are provided that are based on teacher judgement and pupil ability. Where possible, these are linked to the current topic.
We have a wide range of resources to support our computing teaching including but not limited to, iPads, laptops, bee-bots, and flip cameras. Pupils may use laptops or iPads independently, collaboratively, alongside a TA or in a group with the teacher. Teachers and pupils are also aware of the importance of health and safety and pupils are always supervised when using technology and accessing the internet.
Our long-term plans follow the National Curriculum guidelines and ensure progression across all key stages. Lesson objectives in Computing lessons are shared with and made clear to all pupils. New vocabulary is explicitly referenced and these words are referred back to in other areas of learning. All pupils understand which skills are being taught and can talk about what they are doing to others.
Subject leaders will continue to source CPD and supporting resources to enable all staff to confidently teach Computing to the level appropriate to the children in their class.
A Computing long term plan is in place to ensure coverage and progression across all key stages.
We will continue to review and discuss the computing curriculum throughout the year to lead to further development within the subject. Internet Safety Day is celebrated each year across school during which all pupils participate in activities linked to keeping safe online.
Where possible, pupils are given opportunities to apply their computing skills across the wider curriculum.
Impact
When pupils leave the school they will have gained key knowledge and skills in the three main areas of the computing curriculum: computer science (programming and understanding how digital systems work), information technology (using computer systems to store, retrieve and send information) and digital literacy (evaluating digital content and using technology safely and respectfully).
Our pupils will have a solid grounding for future learning and beyond
We collect evidence of children’s work in Computing to help us to strive to improve our provision, and also to celebrate the many successes we have already achieved.
Computing data and curriculum coverage is checked so that we can support pupils’ learning and progression as well as staff knowledge.
We will measure the impact of our Computing curriculum through:
• Discussions with staff and children.
• Reviews of the Computing Policy.
• Monitoring of planning and pupils’ work.
