computing

“Computers are incredibly fast, accurate and stupid; humans are incredibly slow, inaccurate and brilliant; together they are powerful beyond imagination.” (ALBERT EINSTEIN)

INTENT

At St. Mary and St. Andrew’s Catholic Primary School, the computing curriculum inspires our pupils to become computer literate and confident with ever changing technology. We provide a structured and progressive curriculum that engages our pupils and we aim to empower them to become independent and resilient learners. Our goal is to equip our pupils with knowledge and skills above the minimum statutory requirements and prepare them for opportunities, responsibilities and experiences in later life.

The curriculum is planned to ensure that all pupils (including those with SEND) have an opportunity to engage with a challenging curriculum and achieve success. Any gaps in pupils’ knowledge are quickly identified and addressed to ensure that pupils are supported to meet the ambitious intended end points of the curriculum in computing. We currently use Purple Mash as a learning tool and platform for our computing curriculum. It focuses upon the development of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. Computing is progressively sequenced to ensure that pupils gain appreciation and understanding of areas such as: coding, online safety and spreadsheets. The theoretical aspect of computing is developed through discovery of the systems and component knowledge.

The statutory curriculum expects pupils to learn how to locate, retrieve and exchange information using technology. Pupils are able to achieve this through the use of web-based resources and e‑mail. Access to life-long learning and employment increasingly requires computer and communications use and pupils are taught to develop these skills efficiently. Access to the internet is a necessary tool for staff and pupils. It is an entitlement for pupils who show a responsible and mature approach towards its use. Online safety is a fundamental part of our curriculum. At every opportunity, online safety is taught and discussed with our children where appropriate. We aim to support the education and implementation of online safety with children and our families.

IMPLEMENTATION

We effectively develop and invest in our teaching staff to ensure that they are fully equipped with expert subject knowledge in order to support the delivery of our Computing curriculum. All staff can access unit and year group specific training from our Purple Mash scheme. Teaching is highly effective for all pupils. Teachers present the curriculum content clearly through composite and component parts supported by unit schemes of work which break the unit knowledge, concepts and skills down for each lesson in each year group. Each lesson within a unit of work is carefully crafted and builds upon what has been previously taught from one lesson to the next.

The teaching of the computing curriculum is planned and delivered to support pupils to transfer key knowledge into their long-term memory and therefore improve the progress they make. Essential vocabulary is identified within each lesson and unit of work to ensure that our pupils can discuss and evaluate the computing curriculum content effectively. Whilst delivering the curriculum, teachers constantly check understanding to ensure that pupils are learning the necessary knowledge and identify and address any misconceptions.

The following computing subject specific characteristics, which we expect the pupils to demonstrate, underpin all work in computing:

A passion for and a commitment to the subject.
Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts.
Use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output.
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 multiple services, such as the World Wide Web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration.
Use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in 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/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

IMPACT

We use both formative and summative assessment information in computing. Assessment informs learning to ensure that all pupils including disadvantaged and those with SEND achieve highly and acquire the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life. Staff use assessment data to inform their short-term planning and address misconceptions. This helps teachers provide the best possible support for all of our pupils. The end points for each phase have been carefully mapped out and further broken down. This means that the essential knowledge, skills and concepts in computing are progressive and build year on year.

The Computing subject lead carries out termly audits and monitoring of the Computing curriculum. Following the findings from these audits, the Computing curriculum is adapted to address any issues, making sure that all lessons build upon prior learning in order to embed key learning, knowledge and skills.

Our computing curriculum is proven to lead to successful learning. This is evidenced in the outcomes within the pupils’ electronic drives and following the practical work that the children have produced. By the end of KS2, our pupils can demonstrate that they are confident users of digital technology. They learn how to use desktop applications such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel; they are confident in creating folders, saving, copying and accessing their files, and can use the World Wide Web safely and efficiently. As a result, pupils make excellent progress and they know more and remember more as they move through the computing curriculum at St. Mary and St. Andrew’s.

Feedback from pupil voice questionnaires have indicated that children enjoy Computing lessons and it is a popular subject. Pupils have said that they have enjoyed creating games in their coding units and they particularly enjoy the challenges set within our scheme of work.