Computing
COMPUTING LEAD: MR J GRADY
In an age when we are living in and increasingly digital world, teaching children computing is vital for all our futures. From global supply chains to buying our weekly shop, computing is central to all of our lives. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation and robotics are changing the way that we live, work and socialise.
We believe that schools play a vital role in teaching young people the skills they’ll need to thrive in a digital future, through the national computing curriculum. With technology playing such a significant role in society today, we believe ‘Computational Thinking’ is a skill children must be taught if they are able to participate effectively and safely in this digital world. A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems.
At Coppice Farm Primary, our pupils are introduced to a wide range of technology, including laptops, iPads, interactive whiteboards and other digital devices, allowing them to practise and improve the skills they learn. This ensures they become digitally literate so that they are able to express themselves and develop their ideas through information and computer technology- at a level suitable for the future workplace as active participates in a digital world.
INTENT
Here at Coppice Farm Primary, we want our pupils to be active and safe participants in a digital world with skills which enable them to learn, create and work in the modern and future world.
Our curriculum exposes pupils to a range of software and technologies which enable them to build their skills and knowledge to a level which prepares them for the modern world.
As well as developing their Computing skills within the Computing Curriculum stipulated by the National Curriculum, we are fiercely ambitious about the capacity for computing to support pupils to achieve high quality learning in other curriculum areas.
We see Computing and our Digital Offer as an aspect of school life which exists both as a curriculum subject but also as a powerful and motivating vehicle for high quality education.
IMPLEMENTATION
The Computing Curriculum at Coppice Farm draws upon the Teach Computing scheme of work to ensure an effective curriculum is designed and delivered.
The Computing leader has made the decision to use this scheme of work for a number of reasons:
- Pupils begin Key Stage One by navigating the Teach Computing Key Stage One This gives them a solid platform using technology, software and applications that are age- appropriate and builds steadily towards the skills required in Key Stage Two.
- Pupils in Key Stage Two progress into the Teach Computing Key Stage Two
Progression is not only in the skills and knowledge pupils are taught to acquire but also in the contexts and applications through which they apply their developing skills.
- The scheme is progressively planes and it provides a clear progression map through the computing
- The Curriculum is designed with the principles of revisiting and recall in both the skills the pupils apply and in the software which is used.
- Although the subject of Computing sits discretely within our curriculum, where meaningful cross-curricular links outcomes can be achieved, some application of skills in lessons may be linked to this learning
- E-Safety learning is embedded within units but is also the focus of Safer Internet lessons at least once a term. There is also a specific e-safety lesson based around Safer Internet Day for each year group. The school is committed to equipping pupils to operate proficiently, confidently and safely in the digital world.
The subject leader conducts a coverage check to ensure all National Curriculum objectives are met.
IMPACT
Within our computing lessons, we encourage a creative and collaborative environment in which pupils can learn to express and challenge themselves.
Our children will:
- be confident users of technology, able to use it to accomplish a wide variety of goals, both at home and in school
- will have a secure and comprehensive knowledge of the implications of technology and digital systems. This is important in a society where technologies and trends are rapidly evolving
- be enthusiastic and confident in their approach towards Computing
- present as competent and adaptable ‘Computational Thinkers’ who are able to use identified concepts and approaches in all areas of their learning
- be able to identify the source of problems and work with perseverance to ‘debug’ them
- create and evaluate their own project work
- have a secure understanding of the positive applications and specific risks associated with a broad range of digital technology
- be able to apply the British values of democracy, tolerance, mutual respect, rule of law and liberty when using digital systems
- transition to secondary school with a keen interest in the continued learning of this subject
COMPUTING @CFP OVERVIEW