Computing

Intent: 

Computing at Flora Gardens Primary School intends to develop ‘thinkers of the future’ through a modern, ambitious and relevant education in computing. We want to equip pupils to use computational thinking and creativity that will enable them to become active participants in the digital world. It is important to us that the children understand how to use the ever-changing technology to express themselves, as tools for learning and as a means 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, responsible and confident users of technology, aware of measures that can be taken to keep themselves and others safe online.

Our aim is to provide a computing curriculum that is designed to balance acquiring a broad and deep knowledge alongside opportunities to apply skills in various digital contexts. Beyond teaching computing discreetly, we give pupils the opportunity to apply and develop what they have learnt across the wider curriculum.

 Implementation:

Our scheme of work for Computing is from the ‘Teach Computing’ Curriculum and covers all aspects of the National Curriculum. This scheme was chosen as it has been created by subject experts and based on the latest pedagogical research. It provides an innovative progression framework where computing content (concepts, knowledge, skills and objectives) has been organised into interconnected networks called learning graphs.

The curriculum aims to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to thrive in the digital world of today and the future. The curriculum can be broken down into 3 strands: computer science, information technology and digital literacy, with the aims of the curriculum reflecting this distinction.

The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure all pupils:

• can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation (Computer science)
• can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems (Computer science)
• can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems (Information technology)
• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology. (Digital literacy)

Internet safety is taken extremely seriously and is embedded within our curriculum. We have an E-Safety Policy that provides guidance for teachers, children and parents about how to use the internet safely. Each year group participates in lessons on e-safety, children understand how to stay safe when using technology and Internet safety days are held to address current issues. Parents are fully involved in these internet safety days and crib sheets and useful tips are communicated to families throughout the year.

To help with our implementation of the computing curriculum we have a variety of hardware available, including:

• 60 Chromebooks
• 20 Ipads

All children are provided with Google Education Suite and WONDE accounts and work can be accessed in school and remotely.

Both technical and curriculum support is provided by Strictly 3BM.

Impact:

We measure the impact of our Computing curriculum each half term through the following:

• Pupils evaluations of the computing topics which are used to inform future curriculum design and evaluating the effectiveness of the curriculum;
• A reflection on standards achieved against the planned outcomes through informal tracking of subject progressions for example;
  • Children can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation;
  • Children can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems;
  • Children can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems;
  • Children are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.
• Termly Computing Assessments on educater using the age-appropriate knowledge and skills progressions designed specifically for our pupils and their needs;
• A Portfolio of ‘wider curriculum’ opportunities within the online Curriculum Scrapbooks.

Embedding all of our Computing teaching is E-Safety so that pupils have the knowledge, skills and understanding to be safe and responsible online – Click Here for guidance from the London Grid for Learning.

Our E-SAFETY PAGE has lots of information for parents, as well as links to other websites that can help with e-safety.

For more information about keeping children safe online at home click here, visit this link for social media safety or for gaming safety information click here.

Has someone done something online that has made you or a child or young person you know, feel worried or unsafe?
Click here to make a report to CEOP.