ICT

INTENT:

Computing is an integral part of our everyday life and therefore it needs to be part of our school life too. We 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  broad and balanced opportunities to inspire pupils into seeing the benefits of technology and also understanding how to keep safe whilst using it. We want children to develop as respectful, responsible and confident users of technology, aware of measures that can be taken to keep themselves and others safe online. As well as our fundamental aim of being safe and respectful when using information and communication technology we want:

• To instil an enthusiasm and appreciation of Computing via engaging and well-planned lessons, allowing children to use their skills to create and develop new ideas.

• 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 provide a safe space in which pupils can navigate and interact with the digital world, whilst exploring their own personal expression and identity. 

IMPLEMENTATION:

We teach using the  ‘Teach Computing’ scheme of work which covers all aspects of the National Curriculum. This scheme was chosen as it has been created by subject experts and based on the latest pedagogical research. It provides an innovative progression framework where computing content (concepts, knowledge, skills and objectives) has been organised into interconnected networks called learning graphs.

The curriculum aims to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to thrive in the digital world of today and the future. The curriculum can be broken down into 3 strands: computer science, information technology and digital literacy, with the aims of the curriculum reflecting this distinction.

This scheme of work gives full coverage of the national curriculum for computing aims to ensure all pupils:

• can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation (Computer science)

• can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems (Computer science)

• can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems (Information technology)

• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology. (Digital literacy)

A key part of implementing our computing curriculum is to ensure that safety of our pupils is paramount. We take online safety very seriously and we aim to give children the necessary skills to keep themselves safe online. Children have a right to enjoy childhood online, to access safe online spaces and to benefit from all the opportunities that a connected world can bring them, appropriate to their age and stage. Online safety and responsible use of technology are topics covered in computing and PSHE lessons, assemblies and during events such as Safer Internet Day. We email fortnightly newsletters to families with keeping safe updates and post on our website. We use a 'keeping safe' board in our hall to regularly direct children to those posters which include info on keeping safe playing 'fortnite' or when going on Youtube for example.

To help with our implementation of the computing curriculum we have a variety of hardware available, including I pads, laptops, beebots and IWBs.

Technical support is provided by the Trust Lead, based at our local Secondary school-Alde Valley.

IMPACT:

When children engage with different technology they do so confidently and safely. They are supportive of each other and take a keen interest in learning about the ever changing systems and 'kit' that can be used to support learning and in other day to day activities at home and at school. 

Our "Teach computing' scheme of work has assessment 'stops' which we are able to regularly check in with children to adapt our teaching and ensure misconceptions are dealt with and any gaps emerging are planned for in the future and addressed. We use books to record some activities, some photographs, stored data on laptops and pupil discussions for gathering views.  Within Computing, we encourage a creative and collaborative environment in which pupils can learn to express and challenge themselves and each other.