Intent
Our vision for computing at Park House is to equip our pupils with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in an ever-changing digital world. We recognise that children are surrounded by technology in their everyday lives therefore, we aim to provide them with positive, responsible and safe experiences using computational thinking and creativity as a basis for understanding and changing the world. We intend to deliver a computing curriculum which encompasses computer science, information technology, digital literacy and online safety to ensure that children have a competent and confident understanding of these fundamental principles and can apply them to wider learning opportunities and clearly see how they fit into our everyday lives. As a school, we work hard to ensure that children are provided with a curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils and provides appropriate challenge. We ensure that there are varied opportunities to build upon their learning with links to other subjects such as mathematics, science and design and technology; we believe that, as an essential part of the curriculum, computing is a subject that not only stands alone but is also woven into other subjects and should be an integral part of learning. From EYFS to KS2 we aim to teach core transferable skills which are built upon as the children progress through school to ensure that key concepts become embedded.
The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all pupils:
Implementation
Our whole curriculum is shaped by our school vision which aims to enable all children, regardless of background, ability, additional needs, flourish to become the very best version of themselves they can possibly be. We teach the National Curriculum, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression. This ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children.
In Key Stage 1 the 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 to create and debug simple programs and use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs. They will be shown how to use a range of technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content as well as recognise common uses of information 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 2 the children will design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems 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 algorithms and programs. Children 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 are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content. Children 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 accomplish given goals. They will use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/ unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.
Currently, the delivery of our computing curriculum has been impacted by the restrictions of Covid 19 and use of the ICT suite. We have carried out a staff survey which indicated that the use of our current scheme Rising Stars was not felt to be sufficient and that there were many gaps in the apps and technology required to teach it successfully. We are exploring different options for September in order to provide a comprehensive computing curriculum which achieves our aims for the children. This includes a trial with Purple Mash and also accessing Code.org. We are will then review these programmes with staff members and review our implementation and assessment approach accordingly.
Assessment
Formative assessment involving questioning, in the moment marking and feedback, observation, challenge and questioning will be used in every lesson. At the end of each lesson or series of lessons a computing quiz/activity will be given to identify gaps in teaching and learning.
Monitoring
Computing will be monitored through scrutiny of work saved on the server, learning walks/ observations and pupil voice.
Impact
We will provide suitable learning opportunities for all children by matching the challenge of the task to the ability of the child and in doing so raise pupil’s understanding of computing and key vocabulary.
The use of assessment, CPD, observations and by talking to children ensures that the quality of lessons and confidence in the teaching of computing improves and as a result the enjoyment and positive outcomes increases.