Computing

Intent

Computing is integral to pupils’ lives. We aim to foster pupils’ curiosity and creativity so they will go on to be successful in the STEM careers of the future.

We aim to:

• Provide an exciting, rich, relevant and challenging Computing curriculum for all pupils.

• Enthuse and equip children with the capability to use technology throughout their lives.

• Instill critical thinking, reflective learning and a ‘can do’ attitude for all our pupils, particularly when engaging with technology and its associated resources.

• Teach pupils to become responsible, respectful and competent users of data, information and communication technology.

• Teach pupils to understand the importance of governance and legislation regarding how information is used, stored, created, retrieved, shared and manipulated.

• Equip pupils with skills, strategies and knowledge that will enable them to reap the benefits of the online world, whilst being able to minimise risk to themselves or others.

• Use technology imaginatively and creatively to inspire and engage all pupils, as well as using it to be more efficient in the tasks associated with running an effective school.

Implementation

With a fully networked computer suite and at least one computer in every classroom together with digital cameras, scanners, video equipment and programmable toys, we aim to cover the National Curriculum for Computing. Our curriculum is broad and ensures the three strands of computing, Computing, Information Technology and Digital Literacy, are embedded into our modules.

We use Purple Mash to support our Computing Teaching. This provides a progressive approach and ensures children gain a wide range of different technological experiences using a variety of tools. The overlaps between units serve to deepen understanding of computational concepts and provide opportunities for pupils to apply and extend understanding and make links in their knowledge and capabilities.

We aim to build on previous learning and ensure opportunities for pupils to revisit prior learning. We also look for opportunities to incorporate the computational skills into other subjects.

Children are set and can complete work on Purple Mash, using 2Dos. These are viewed by the teacher, usually within the lesson, to provide active on the spot feedback and guidance.

Impact

When children leave Hollywood Primary school they will:

• Have experienced a wide-ranging number of learning challenges in Computing and know appropriate responses to them.

• Talk enthusiastically about their learning in Computing and are eager to further their learning in the next stages of their education.

• Understand what algorithms are and be able to create and sequence basic algorithms, understanding how they are implemented as programs on a digital devise; and that programs execute by following precise and clear instructions.

• Use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content and recognise common uses of computers in everyday life (e.g. from traffic lights, to smart TVs, games consoles, tablets and computers).

• Be able to use technology safely and respectfully and know where to go for help and support.

• Develop digital literacy by learning how to use a computer effectively.

We measure the impact of our curriculum by:

• Monitoring work produced by children within lessons and verbal feedback they give

• Reviewing work on Purple Mash and providing teacher feedback

• Discussing children’s learning in pupil interviews

• Assessing progress against objectives at the end of a module