Curriculum statement for the teaching and learning of Computing
Intent
At Church Walk C.E. Primary School, computing provision aims to teach our children to engage in an ever-changing world where work and leisure activities are being innovated by technology. It is our intention to enable children to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information in a safe, responsible and respectful manner. We also focus on developing the skills necessary for children to be able to use information in a discriminating and effective way. Our computing curriculum, based upon the Purple Mash computing package, enables children to develop their problem solving and reasoning abilities. It enables children to understand and apply the essential principles and concepts of Computer Science, including logic, algorithms and data representation, analyse problems in computational term, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems.
Computing skills are a major factor in enabling children to be confident, creative and independent learners in the modern world and it is our intention that children have every opportunity available to allow them to achieve this.
Underpinned by:
The teaching of skills
Pupils will be taught how to use a range of computer software, including spreadsheets, databases, email systems, word processing, multimedia presentations, app development, control programming and coding.
Application of skills
Pupils are given regular opportunities to apply the skills that they have been taught to support their learning in our other curriculum subjects. Previously learned skills are revisited so that they can be built upon regularly across the computing curriculum.
Vocabulary
Pupils will understand and use appropriate topic vocabulary, including that associated with programming, e.g. algorithm, debug, input, output, and variable.
Online Safety
Pupils learn how to use mobile technology and the internet safely and appropriately. Online safety is not only taught in computing lessons, but in PSHE lessons, assemblies and workshops.
Implementation
Curriculum Approach
Pupils engage with weekly lessons from the Purple Mash units of work. Pupils are supported and stretched through the topics which build upon previously learned knowledge and skills. Pupils working at greater depth are able to broaden their knowledge and skills within these units. Skills established in computing lessons are used throughout the curriculum to support and enhance the learning.
An example of progression:
In Reception, children explore MiniMash and use the paint pictures tools to colour and paint pictures, learning skills of clicking and dragging
In Year 1 and 2, children use different tools within 2Paint to produce art work
In Year 3 and 4, children create their own characters and backgrounds for coding and animation, using paint tools. They learn how to use and insert images in word documents and PowerPoint documents
In Year 5 and 6, children create their own images for games and animations, using painted pictures and coding, e.g. maze games and platform games. They also develop their word processing skills and use of images and tools in Word and PowerPoint.
SMSC
Computing topics discuss the moral dilemmas the internet can present and how to try and solve them. Pupils return to this aspect of right and wrong choices through online safety which is woven through the curriculum. They promote the social side of collaboration and the creativity this brings.
Online safety
Throughout a child’s time at Church Walk, they will receive regular teaching and learning about online safety. This comes as a unit of work in each year group through the Purple Mash computing modules and also through resources from Thinkuknow from the CEP Education team. Pupils also have regular opportunities through assemblies and workshops to learn about the importance of online safety.
Within school, pupils are able to use the internet through a secure filtered system. All staff and pupils agree to an acceptable use policy for using the internet within and outside of school.
The school website directs parents and pupils to where they can find helpful advice about how to stay safe online.
Sharing work
Pupils’ work in computing is saved in a shared drive to allow it to be accessed by themselves and teachers. Computing work is celebrated in assemblies alongside other curricular subjects. Pupils from Year 2 onwards can also share work via the Purple Mash platform and via Microsoft Teams. This includes homework from year 3 onwards.
Resources
Pupils benefit from a selection of hardware including laptops, ipads and data loggers. Purple Mash, Teams and Tapestry are available for use at home, as well as other online applications such as IDL and TT Rockstars.
Thoughtful Questioning
Questions woven through the planning for the units of work allow pupils to think deeply and logically about their work at hand. Pupils working towards the learning expectation are supported through careful questioning and peer support.
Computing long term plan - Reception
Computing long term plan - Year 1 and 2
Computing long term plan - Year 3 and 4 (Newlands)
Computing long term plan - Year 5 and 6 (Springfield)
Impact
By the end of each key stage, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the subject of computing programme of study.
Pupil Voice
Talking to pupils throughout the year groups shows pupils enjoy the units of work. They take pride in problem solving and developing computing skills.
Pupils can explain how to stay safe online and what to do when they see something that makes them feel unsafe.
Evidence in knowledge
Pupils understand where their knowledge fits into the outside world and why it is important to learn about computing technologies.
Pupils can use acquired vocabulary from the computing unit modules appropriately, such as debug, search, program.
Evidence in skills
Pupils develop a range of computing skills and knowledge through the Purple Mash units. Skills are built on progressively from year to year and pupils can apply them in different subject areas and contexts, for example typing and word processing skills in Literacy.
Reception Computing Scheme of Work
Online Safety Progression in the Scheme of Work‘Teach children how they should live and they will remember it all of their lives.’ Proverbs 22:6
Our Vision
Our vision is to provide a secure, happy learning community based upon Christian Values in which each child is encouraged to reach their full potential.
We aim to support the children's developing skills as learners by:
- Providing a secure foundation upon which individuals can grow into independent, challenged learners.
- Stimulating active learning experiences,that develop children's awareness of themselves as learners.
- Valuing every child irrespectve of gender, disability,age, race or culture and ensure that they have an active voice in school and know that their opinions matter.
- Supporting children in succeeding in their learning and finding opportunities to celebrate their success.
- Developing skills of independence, co-operation and self- motivation.
- Contributing to the wider community, both locally and globally.
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