Computing

Computing Statement of Intent:

At St Paul’s Primary School, we believe a high-quality computing education equips all children, including disadvantaged children and children with SEND, with the skills and knowledge in computational thinking and creativity to help them to understand the world that they live in and be able to be ambitious, successful young people. Computing is a significant part of everyone’s lives, and we believe that children should be at the forefront of new technology to complement and enhance their learning and experiences in a broad and balanced way. Computing has strong links to a variety of other subjects such as mathematics, science, design and technology and therefore we believe that, as an essential part of the curriculum, it is also integrated into all areas of learning, using a range of hardware, software and opportunities. At St Paul’s, we recognise that pupils are entitled to quality software and hardware and a structured and progressive approach to the learning of the skills needed, to enable them to use it effectively. We also recognise the importance of responding to new developments in technology and aim to equip pupils with the confidence and capability to use a range of different devices to enhance their experiences. We strive to provide a relevant, progressive and enjoyable curriculum for all pupils, as well as using it as a tool to enhance learning throughout the wider curriculum. Computing as a stand-alone subject has several key components, each of which we aim to teach and fully instill the value of amongst our pupils.

These are:

· Computer Science – Pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming.

· Information Technology – Pupils are equipped to purposefully create programs, systems and a range of content to develop products and solutions. They will be able to collect, analyse, evaluate and present data and information.

· Digital Literacy – Pupils are taught to use, access and express oneself through digital technology, including a critical understanding of technology’s impact on the individual and society, at a level suitable for the future and as active participants in a digital world.

We also firmly believe the importance of delivering a high-quality E-Safety curriculum, alongside the core values of these three stands. E-safety is embedded throughout the computing curriculum and supports and consolidates the strong presence of E-safety within our PSHE curriculum. As technology develops, so does the need for a better understanding of how to use it in a responsible manner. The education of E-safety is therefore essential, to ensure children are equipped with the skills to recognise risks online, to be critically aware of the materials and content they access online, along with guidance on how to accurately validate information accessed via the internet.

Implementation:

Pupils participate in regular Computing lessons in order to achieve the intent of the Computing and E-safety curriculum at St Paul’s. In addition to stand-alone lessons, skills taught are incorporated into other subjects, given the cross curricular nature of computing and the opportunities to expand and develop lessons that this brings. Lessons are delivered using a range of devices and through un-plugged activities where necessary. The delivery of computing and E-safety at St Paul’ is planned in line with the National Curriculum and allows for clear progression as children move through each stage of their education with us. Teachers use ‘Purple Mash’ as a scheme to support their planning and delivery, which caters for all children, including those with SEND and from disadvantaged backgrounds. Each year, children are taught the three main components of computing (Computer Science, Digital Literacy and Information Technology) which allows children to build on and progress from their previous experiences, developing their skills, vocabulary and understanding in order to be active, responsible digital participants. E-safety is referred to in every computing unit, in addition to discrete units taught at some point throughout the year. Our PSHE curriculum (Heartsmart) also contributes to our delivery of e-safety. We also use the NOS (National Online Safety) in addition to other resources, such as SMART CREW and ‘Internet Safety Centre’ to keep up with new issues and development. Our E-safety lessons build on prior knowledge and are adapted/modified to suit the requirements of the pupils within the class and current issues that may be relevant. Pupils also take part annually in ‘Internet Safety Day’, following the suggested theme, which reflects current issues. We recognise the need to continually maintain, update and develop resources to ensure the effective delivery of the National Curriculum and support the use of technology throughout the school.

In Key Stage One, children will 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 will be taught how to create and debug simple programs and use logical reasoning to predict the behaviours of simple programs. They will be shown how to use a range of technology purposefully to create, organise, store, retrieve and manipulate digital content as well as recognise common uses of technology beyond school. They will be taught to use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.

In Key Stage Two, the children will build on their knowledge and experience from Key Stage One and will design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals by decomposing them into smaller parts. They will use sequence, selection and repetition in programs, use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and correct errors in their own and existing programs. Pupils will be taught to understand computer networks, including the internet, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration. They will use search technologies effectively, learn to appreciate how results and selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content. Pupils will be taught to select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to create a range of programs, systems and content that achieve given goals. They will be taught to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable and unacceptable behaviour and be clear how to identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact to keep themselves and others safe

Statement of Impact:

Computing plays a huge part in ensuring the curriculum we deliver to our children is engaging and current. We ensure that the teaching and learning of computing enables all of our pupils to continue to learn and grow in this digital world we live in and provides them with the skills and knowledge to do this well and safely. We try to link skills taught to real-life situations to ensure that our pupils can see the importance and necessity of computing in our ever-growing, technological world. This is important in a society where technologies and trends are rapidly evolving.

The successful teaching and use of computing are evident in the enthusiasm our children have for the use of technology to aid and enhance their learning and also in the work produced with the use of computers and ensuring we do this by giving our children the opportunities to apply their computational skills.