Computing
At Pool Hayes Primary, we have developed an engaging computing curriculum using Purple Mash that gives children the necessary skills to stay safe and develop their knowledge of coding and working creatively with technology.
Intent
At Pool Hayes Primary we value computing as it provides an opportunity to develop key skills necessary for digital natives to thrive in a digital world.
Within an ever changing and technological world, PHP understands and values the importance of teaching Computing and Online Safety from a young age. We acknowledge that future generations will rely heavily on their computational confidence and digital skills in order to support their progress within their chosen career paths.
Therefore, it is our school’s aim to equip children with the relevant skills and knowledge that is required to understand the three core areas of Computing (Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy) and to offer a broad and balanced approach to providing quality first teaching of this subject.
Computing is an integral part to a child’s education and everyday life. Therefore, we intend to support our pupils to access and understand the core principles of this subject through engaging and cross-curricular opportunities.
The teaching objectives for Computing at PHP are:
· To instil an enthusiasm and appreciation of Computing via engaging and well-planned (and supported) lessons, allowing children to use their skills to create and develop new ideas.
· To deliver a scheme of work, in conjunction with the National Curriculum and Purple Mash, which provides progression and a breadth of knowledge across all year groups.
· To ensure that teaching staff continue to access the opportunities to attend subject relevant CPD through the use of curriculum support (Lucy Jayes – Curriculum Consultant) in order to deliver sessions with confidence and to help identify areas in which they can use computational skills within a cross-curricular approach (as part of their termly topics).
· To identify real world examples and creative challenges in which pupils can explore and extend their understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts of Computing.
· To support children to develop and achieve as competent Computational Thinkers by integrating these core concepts and approaches across our whole school ethos.
· To ensure that pupils develop a respectful and responsible attitude towards using information and communication technology, especially with regards to their own and other’s safety.
· To provide a safe space in which pupils can navigate and interact with the digital world, whilst exploring their own personal expression and identity.
Safeguarding
At PHP safeguarding our children is paramount to everything that we do. As part of this safeguarding, we are always developing ways in which to make sure that all members of the school are taught how to keep themselves safe online. All users of the school’s computing equipment are asked to sign our Acceptable Use Policy on induction to the school, and each time they log onto the school’s computer network. All of the computers in school are connected to the school’s secure CC4 network (filtered using Fortinet and monitored by Smoothwall software). As part of annual Level 1 safeguarding training (and induction), all members of staff complete NSPCC online safety training with the DSL.
Implementation
learn computer science and embed and build upon skills across entire curriculum
We would recommend the timetabled computing session to focus on key elements: an explicit computer science lesson, an online safety session or a project. The computer science part of the computing curriculum will often, but not always, need a more explicit approach. That is not to say it can’t be embedded across the curriculum. An initial computer science session may look at introducing a new app or tool and giving children opportunity to experiment and familiarise themselves with the different elements and tools before it can be applied in a more focused approach across the curriculum.
Do you have to have a timetabled computing lesson each week? As much as possible yes, however, we know how packed the curriculum can be and how difficult it is trying to fit everything in. Therefore, some weeks computing can be covered by using technology to demonstrate learning in other subjects when covering more of the Information Technology and Digital Literacy strands.
Impact
PUPIL VOICE
Through discussion and feedback, children talk enthusiastically about their computing lessons and speak about how they love learning using a variety of devices and software. Children across the school articulate well about the potential risks of being online and can talk about ways to keep safe.
EVIDENCE IN KNOWLEDGE
Pupils know how and why technology is used in the outside world, and in the workplace. They know about different ways that computers, devices and technology can be used.
Children have an active knowledge of how to keep themselves safe online and can articulate their contextual knowledge when asked.
EVIDENCE IN SKILLS
Pupils use acquired vocabulary in computing, including coding, and online safety lessons. They have the skills to use technology independently, for example accessing age-appropriate software and games in EYFS and using a range of computer software independently in KS1 and KS2.
OUTCOMES
With support from Lucy Jayes, Teachers plan a range of opportunities to use computer technology, inside and outside school.
Pupils will make good progress through both curriculum areas evidenced in Purple Mash profiles and summative outcomes as recorded on DCPro.
Supporting children with SEN
In computing lessons, children with SEN are supported in a range of ways. This can include the use of technology to aid writing using dictation and accessibility tools as well as a diverse range of ways to evidence learning including using videos and voice recordings to explain concepts taught in class. Where appropriate, tasks are adapted and support is given by visual aids which break down instructions.
