Computing
Intent
At Cottingley Village Primary School we aim to provide a modern, ambitious, and relevant education in computing which will allow all children to become independent, confident and responsible users of technology.
In an ever-changing world, we aim to equip children with the knowledge and skills they need to use computational thinking and creativity to solve problems, enabling them to become active participants in the digital world and inspiring them to be the creators and inventors of tomorrow. It is important to us that the children understand how to use technology to express themselves, as tools for learning and to drive their generation forward into the future.
Whilst ensuring they understand the advantages and disadvantages associated with online experiences, we want children to develop as respectful and responsible individuals online and to become aware of measures that can be taken to keep themselves and others safe.
Implementation
Through school, from EYFS to Year 6 our children work as coders, digital designers, creators of technology and as responsible digital citizens. They develop the knowledge and skills needed to answer and reflect upon key questions in every unit taught.
Computing lessons are taught weekly to enable our children to build upon knowledge and skills, whilst other opportunities are integrated within other subjects embedding learning in a cross-curricular way. Our long-term plan shows when each strand will be taught.
The new computing curriculum has a greater focus on computers and computation and specialist skills so some elements will require separate discrete teaching. Our curriculum is designed to enable our children to consolidate, build upon and deepen their computing skills through a progression of key skills and concepts. The National Curriculum programs of study are delivered in a coherent and progressive manner across the school. This is delivered though carefully planned learning opportunities broken down into 5 key concepts:
- Computer Science: Using Computational Thinking to explore, modify, create and debug algorithms and programs, including physical systems.
- Media: Making digital artefacts including text based documents, presentations, 2D and 3D plans and models, films, animations, music and spoken word recordings.
- Data Handling: Collecting, analysing and processing data.
- Digital Literacy (Understanding networks and computer systems, Managing online information, Copyright and ownership): Locating and interpreting information from a variety of sources. Being aware of bias, inaccuracy and implausibility.
- Online Safety (Self image and identify, Online relationships, Online reputation, Online Bullying, Health, well-being and lifestyle, Privacy and security): Learning to use digital technologies in a safe and responsible manner and how to respond to risks online. The school uses a mixed platform of online lessons taking into account the DFE document Education for a Connected world, Project Evolve and Common sense media Resources.
Our children begin their journey with technology in Early Years, with access to iPads and BeeBots. Teachers facilitate children’s curiosity with challenge and modelling how to use the equipment carefully and safely. They use a range of APPs and explore how to use them to explore virtual platforms and environments. Here the children develop the building blocks for computational thinking through play and exploration in a variety of contexts.
In KS1 children continue their journey with the iPad’s to create a range of digital artefacts including sounds, pictures and videos. They begin to use laptops and develop their mouse pad control and learn how to log on and off a computer using usernames and passwords. They learn about online safety, creating online relationships and what to do if they encounter something or someone which makes them feel uncomfortable. They explore what personal information is and why it is important they don’t share it with someone on the internet. Coding progresses from Beebots to a computer-based programme where children learn what algorithms are and learn how to create their own by programming a variety of sprites. They begin predicting the outcome of algorithms and code using logical thinking and to debug their work when something doesn’t work out the way they imagined.
In KS2, children develop their coding skills by controlling on-screen sprites or devices to solve a problem and create simple games for different purposes or audiences. They will also learn about the concepts of selection and variables and how these effect and change what happens within the programmes they write. As the progress they will get the opportunity in years 5 and 6 to apply these skills to physical systems programming BBC Microbits to achieve a range of desired outcomes. Their digital media skills are developed discretely through weekly lessons and then combined across the curriculum to produce more precise digital artefacts created using a range of different programs - These include presentations, podcasts, documents, graphs and charts, videos and animations. The children continue to be taught internet safety throughout each year of KS2. They learn how to create positive and safe relationships online and the things they can do if they feel uncomfortable about anything they see or any communications they have. They explore the concept of cyberbullying and its effects on people's lives. Children learn how to become responsible for their online presence and how to act responsibly. They discuss how often they access online media and explore concepts like online addiction and online bias.
The curriculum offered is inclusive and offers opportunities for all learners to achieve and contribute. Our aim is to use technology in many ways to help all learners progress. As a powerful tool, not only for independent learning, but also for communication and collaboration, it can empower pupils by helping to build confidence and self-esteem. Computing enthuses and engages pupils when learning, as it is exciting and hands-on. We know that pupils that enjoy their education will engage better in their learning and have more positive learning outcomes as a result.
As a school, we work alongside Exceed Academies Trust and 'Stem - Teach Computing' to ensure our resources match the needs of the children in our care.
Impact:
Through the high, quality first teaching of Computing taking place at Cottingley Village Primary our children will show a secure knowledge and understanding of Computer Science, Media, Data handling, Digital Literacy and Online safety. They will have the ability to use a range of technology to communicate ideas confidently to a range of audiences, making digital creations like text-based documents, presentations, 2D and 3D plans and models, films, animations, music and spoken word recordings.
They will use computational thinking to explore, modify, create and debug algorithms and programs for a range of different purposes. Our children will use technology to collect, analyse and process data and use the internet to locate and interpret information from a variety of sources being aware of bias, inaccuracy and implausibility. They will use digital technologies in a safe and responsible manner and understand how to respond to risks online.
Our Computing Curriculum is high quality, well-thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression and build on and embed current skills. Children will become increasingly proficient in a wide range of equipment and have good, transferable knowledge and understanding of online safety which is transferred into their own lives.