Computing

Computing Statement

Intent

At Shanklea, we believe that computing is an integral part of modern-day life and therefore we aim to equip children with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in a rapidly changing technological world. By the time they leave our school, children 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). We hope that due to regularly being exposed to ‘computational thinking’ in how to approach devices in a logical way, children will be able to apply their understanding to any technology that they encounter either now or in their future lives. We ensure technology is easily accessed during the school day for all children . We aim for our Computing and E-Safety curriculum to be ambitious and designed to give pupils, regardless of needs, the knowledge they need to take advantage of opportunities, responsibilities and experiences in later life. 

Aims

The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all pupils:

  • can understand and use the basic ideas and concepts of computer science, including logic, algorithms and presentation of data
  • can analyse problems in computational terms, and have considerable practical experience of writing computer based solutions in order to solve such problems
  • can select and use information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, to solve problems
  • are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology

Attainment Targets

By the end of each key stage, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study.

Subject Content

Key Stage 1

Pupils should be taught to:

  • understand what algorithms are, how they are implemented as programs on digital devices, and that programs following precise and accurate instructions
  • create and debug simple programs
  • use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
  • use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, move and retrieve digital content
  • recognise common uses of information technology beyond school
  • 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

Key Stage 2

Pupils should be taught to:

  • design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating systems; solve problems by splitting them into smaller parts
  • use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and a variety of inputs and outputs
  • use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
  • understand computer networks, including the internet; how they can provide many services, such as the World Wide Web, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration
  • use search engines effectively, understand how results are selected and sorted, and be cautious when evaluating digital content
  • select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information
  • use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable and unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact

Implementation

We have considered our Computing and E-Safety curriculum carefully and have found the Purple Mash Computing Programme offers an ambitious, engaging and well-supported scheme of work which meets the needs of all of our children. It facilitates learning within the national vision of Computing based on the National Curriculum, ensuring objectives are built upon every year. We focus our use of technologies with chrome books where every child has access to one within their lessons.  We also borrow additional technology (e.g. Beebots, spheros programmable robots) from Northumberland County Council to enhance and support our curriculum. 

The Purple Mash curriculum can support all of our learners by adapting the highly detailed lesson plans along with catch up programs to help plug any gaps that are found. 

All staff receive CPD through Purple Mash as well as having additional training videos so to support all staff with their subject knowledge which therefore ensures that they are well equipped to support all learners. 

Each classroom  has a consistent computing and E-Safety display, providing constant reminders of how to stay safe online, following SMART rules. This sits alongside our AUP for pupils.

Our skills progression document shows how knowledge and skills are built upon each year, recapping previous learning to ensure children remember more and skills are embedded. 

Impact

Purple Mash provides an assessment tool, built into the programme, which gives all staff a clear explanation of expected outcomes, detailing what a specific age related expectation would look like in each area of the curriculum. 

We use a range of strategies to assess the skills and knowledge children have attained through each topic, including the following

  •         marking and feedback from both teachers and peers
  •         relevant displays in classrooms and shared display boards
  •         leadership scrutiny (including learning walks, book looks and digital views)
  •         pupil voice
  •         planning audits and support if necessary