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Computing Information

Computing Curriculum Statement

Intent

Our intent is to provide our children with an engaging, exciting and text rich computing curriculum that allows them to develop as confident, experienced and responsible users of technology. We want our children to be equipped with the knowledge and skills that will allow them to be successful in our ever-changing world, both in the present and in the future.

We believe that childhood should be a happy, investigative and enquiring time in our lives and so where appropriate, computing knowledge and skills are applied to theme-based tasks to make learning creative, accessible and engaging. We want our pupils to be fluent with a range of devices, applications and hardware and aim that by Upper Key Stage 2, children have the independence and confidence to choose the best tool to fulfil whatever task or challenge they may encounter.

We understand that the use of technology brings with it inherent risks. We believe that our children should be equipped with the knowledge, skills and understanding to use technology safely and respectfully, in order to become positive contributors to our world’s ‘global village’.

We believe that our children should not only reach their best academically, but also develop a thirst for knowledge, foster a love of learning and leave our school with independent learning skills. We are fully committed to developing each child's unique potential within a secure and caring environment.

Implementation

Computing is taught as an area of learning, as well as being integrated, where appropriate, with other curriculum areas such as Geography, History, Science, Music, PSHE, Maths and Literacy. We have implemented a curriculum where pupils from the age of 4 to the age of 11 not only enjoy but also experience a range of activities that broaden their knowledge and understanding. We use the 'Teach Computing' scheme as a basis.

Computing consists of one unit per half term, which is either taught in a weekly lesson or as ‘Computing Days’, where children are able to immerse themselves in the progression of knowledge and skills of a particular area of learning and apply them within a given context.

The key knowledge and skills of each topic are mapped across each year group. This ensures that children develop their knowledge of computer systems and networks, various forms of digital media, data and information, and programming, progressively throughout the whole school. The skills in these areas are also developed systematically, with the programme of study for each year group building on previous learning and preparing for subsequent years. Knowledge and skills are informed and linked to enable achievement of key stage end points, as informed by the 2014 National Curriculum.

Throughout the Computing units taught in each year group, children learn to use and express themselves and develop their ideas. For example, when writing and presenting with desktop publishing or exploring art and design using digital media. Children develop practical skills in the safe use of computers and the internet, and the ability to apply these skills to real-life scenarios. For example, understanding safe use of social media, computer networks and email. We teach children to understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation. Children are also taught to analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical and progressive experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems. We also teach a progression of computing vocabulary to support children in the development of their computing knowledge.

Online safety is taught broadly and regularly. We understand that Online Safety concerns not only digital tools and spaces, but also behaviour. Where appropriate, Online Safety is taught within Computing lessons. For example when children learn about computer systems and networks they learn about the importance of how data on networks can be copied and shared, and the importance of securing data on networks. In addition, Online Safety is taught during PSHE lessons. For example, when children learn about bullying, cyber bullying is included in context. Children are also taught Online Safety during a blocked ‘Online Safety Week.' Assemblies delivered by outside agencies and targeted displays around the school also support learning.

Impact

The implementation of this curriculum ensures that when children leave St. George's C of E Primary School, they are safe, competent and creative users of technology. They will have developed skills to express themselves creatively using a range of digital media and be equipped to apply their skills in programming to different challenges and scenarios. Our children will know the risks of using digital technology and will be able to use it safely, respectfully and positively. They will have a secure and comprehensive knowledge of the opportunities and potential for the use of technology and digital systems in our world, both now and in the future. This is important in a society where technologies and trends are rapidly evolving. Children will be able to apply the British values of democracy, tolerance, mutual respect, rule of law and liberty when using digital systems. They will have increased cultural capital by seeing how computer networks, systems, devices, applications and hardware are used in real-life situations for their own benefit, and the benefit of wider society.