Computing

Computing

The new computing curriculum develops both skills and knowledge. Children are taught computer science; this includes the craft of coding.

The children learn about programming, data, algorithms and networks. This enables them to develop an understanding of the principles of computer science. They develop computational thinking. There is also a focus on problem solving: using logic and ideas about systems, patterns (and pattern languages), abstraction and decomposition.

The new curriculum puts a clearer emphasis on three areas of learning:

Computer science - how computers work and how to write algorithms/solve problems to create a new computer program.

Information technology - how data is represented and managed on computers.

Digital literacy - how to understand digital information and interact with it safely and appropriately.

The aim of the new curriculum is to build an understanding of how computers work and how they can be used in pupils' lives - both in their future employment and enabling them to be 21st century global citizens.

Here at Ripley Junior School, the teaching of Computing is based largely around Purple Mash and is supported by other programs and software so that all children are supported and challenged.

Intent

At Ripley Junior School, we believe that Computing is an integral part of preparing children to live in a world where technology is continuously and rapidly evolving, so much so that children are being prepared to work with technology that doesn’t even exist yet. For this reason, we feel that it is important that children are able to participate in the creation of these new tools to fully grasp the relevance of and the possibilities of emerging technologies thus preparing them for the world of work.

At our school, we want to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely. We want our pupils to be creators not consumers and our broad curriculum encompassing computer science, information technology and digital literacy reflects this. We want our pupils to understand that there is always a choice with using technology and as a school we utilise technology to model positive use. We recognise that the best prevention for a lot of issues we currently see with technology/social media is through education.

We recognise that technology can allow pupils to share their learning in creative ways. We also understand the accessibility opportunities technology can provide for our pupils. Our knowledge rich curriculum has to be balanced with the opportunity for pupils to apply their knowledge creatively which will in turn help our pupils become skilful computer scientists.

We encourage staff to try and embed computing across the whole curriculum to make learning creative and accessible. We want our pupils to be fluent with a range of tools to best express their understanding and hope by Upper Key Stage 2, children have the independence and confidence to choose the best tool to fulfil the task and challenge set by teachers.

Implementation

At Ripley Junior School we currently use the Purple Mash scheme of work and supplement the activities as required.

We:

Provide a range of appropriate quality equipment for the teaching of Computing, which includes a class set of IPads and 90 Chrome books. This ensures that all year groups have the opportunity to use a range of devices and programs for many purposes across the wider curriculum, as well as in discrete computing lessons. Employing cross-curricular links motivates pupils and supports them to make connections and remember the steps they have been taught
Teach children the importance of using computers appropriately and developing skills for staying safe online.
Deploy appropriately challenging activities which develop children’s skills in:
- Computer Science
- Digital Literacy
- Information Technology.
Organise it so that pupils can work in small groups or whole class as appropriate to support pupils in their development of their skills,
Provide regular CPD for staff to ensure that they are equipped and able to teach the demands of the National Curriculum.
Ensure correct vocabulary is taught, used and referred to,

Impact

To ensure the implementation of Computing, the subject leader will:

Monitor work saved within saved work on Purple Mash,
Pupil interviews where children will have the opportunity to share their learning and thoughts on the curriculum and Computing,
Staff questionnaires to identify CPD need.

After the implementation of this robust computing curriculum, children at Ripley Junior School will be digitally literate and able to join the rest of the world on its digital platform. They will be equipped, not only with the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively and for their own benefit, but more importantly – safely. The biggest impact we want on our children is that they understand the consequences of using the internet and that they are also aware of how to keep themselves safe online.

As children become more confident in their abilities in Computing, they will become more independent and key life skills such as problem-solving, logical thinking and self-evaluation become second nature.

Progress of our computing curriculum is demonstrated through outcomes and the record of coverage in the process of achieving these outcomes.