Computing

Computing

Intent

At Danegrove School, we strive to deliver a high-quality computing curriculum which equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.

It is therefore the intent of the IT & Computing Curriculum to:

  • Develop the core understanding of the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming.

  • Equip our children to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content.

  • Ensure that pupils become digitally literate (able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology) – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

  • To promote safe and sensible use of technology

Implementation

EYFS

At Danegrove School, we strive to deliver a high-quality computing curriculum which equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.

In the Early Years, opportunities are presented to the children in order to meet their Early Learning Goals which are spread across a number of different areas of Learning and Development.

Children recognise that a range of technology is used in places such as homes and schools. They select and use technology for particular purposes.Children develop their skills in technology through a range of activities.  For example, when working with the teacher, children may be given tasks such as taking the photographs or making sound recordings.  The Early Years also have access to various resources including iPads, PCs and using Bee Bots to sequence a story.  Technology is also integrated into the role-play areas. For example, a telephone and computer may be accessible at a hospital set up.  Observations are made of the children accessing technology in school and also conversations with children regarding their use of technology at home.

Key Stages 1 & 2

In Key Stage 1, computing is taught using simple language based around child centred inquiries, building on prior knowledge and then understanding and learning how to apply this.

Computing is taught based on our Curriculum Map and suggested resources/links following the Barnet Partnership Computing Framework which follows the National Curriculum. However, these materials may be supplemented, or even replaced, by other resources at the class teachers’ discretion in order to ensure that the highest quality lessons are delivered.

Lessons are delivered in the computing suite where children have access to PCs. However, a selection of lessons are ‘unplugged’ lessons which develop the understanding of computing and computational thinking without the use of technology. These may be delivered in classrooms. Ipads are also used as an additional resource to follow the Curriculum.

Each lesson is based around delivering one or more of the national curriculum objective.

Meeting our intent

Computer Science

Danegrove’s computing curriculum is skills based. These skills are split into three main areas meet the National Curriculum Aims: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy (including e-Safety).

  • Develop the core understanding of the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming.

The skills in this area are focused on Hardware, Networks and data representation, Programming, and Computational thinking. In computational thinking, we focus on 4 pillars: decomposition; pattern recognition; abstraction; and algorithm Design. However, these fundamental principles are recapped frequently through a variety of opportunities. At the end of a teaching sequence, once the objective have been met, the class teacher will revisit prior learning as a way of ensuring progression is structured and sequential to achieve a pathway to long term planning.

The children learn the basics of programming using the block-coding program, Code for Life, before moving on to Scratch as well using the Rising Stars Program of Study.

Information Technology

  • Equip our children to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content.

Our curriculum offers a broad range of platforms for the children to develop their skills when using software, the internet, using data and their understanding of the wider use of technology.

Digital Literacy and Online Safety

  • Ensure that pupils become digitally literate (able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology) – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

  • To promote safe and sensible use of technology.

Whilst using a range of platforms, the children also focus on how to access digital content safely and with an appropriate amount of scrutiny. In order to prepare children for the working world, the children learn how to work safely online and also how to work collaboratively.

Impact

The intended impact of the Computing curriculum is that the majority of children in each year group are working at or exceeding the expected level for their age.

The impact of the curriculum is measured by:

  • Teacher assessments, completed at the end of each unit

  • Regular lesson observations

  • Saved portfolios of pupil’s work will evidence a sequence of their achievements and meeting the objectives set by the class teacher. These folders form the basis of teacher assessments using our Assessment Tracker.

Online Safety

Today’s pupils are growing up in an increasingly complex world, living their lives seamlessly on and off line. This presents many positive and exciting opportunities, but also challenges and risks. As a school, we strive to equip our pupils with the knowledge needed to make the best use of the internet and technology in a safe, considered and respectful way so that they are able to reap the benefits of the online world.

In order to do this, E-Safety is taught through a variety of channels at Danegrove:

  • As part of our Computing & IT Curriculum

  • As part of our PSHE/RSE Curriculum

  • During the celebration of special events such as the annual international Safer Internet Day

  • During everyday teaching & learning as teachers take opportunities as and when issues or concerns present themselves