Computing

Intent

At Windy Nook Primary School, our intention is that pupils acquire a broad range of knowledge and skills across the computing curriculum. Technology is everywhere and will play a pivotal part in students’ lives. Therefore, we want to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely.

• We intend to create a broad curriculum encompassing computer science, information technology and digital literacy to reflect 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 must 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.
• In the Early Years Computing is linked to Knowledge and Understanding of the World Development. For further information please refer to the Evidencing Subjects in the Early Years at Windy Nook Primary Document or click on the link for Birth to 5 Matters
• 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.
• In Key Stages One and Two, our focus on developing word processing skills and use of Microsoft Office is intended to equip our pupils to make a successful transition to the next stage of their education and into the wider world.

Implementation

• A clear and effective, bespoke cross curricular scheme of work that provides coverage in line with the National Curriculum is being developed. Teaching and learning should facilitate progression across all key stages within the strands of digital literacy, information technology and computer science
• Access to resources which aid in the acquisition of skills and knowledge.
• Children will have access to the hardware (computers, programmable equipment) and software that they need to develop knowledge and skills of digital systems and their applications
• Teaching and learning should facilitate progression across all key stages within the strands of digital literacy, information technology and computer science.
• Wider Curriculum links and opportunities for the safe use of digital systems are considered in wider curriculum planning.
• The importance of online safety is shown through displays within the learning environment and computer suite.
• Parents are informed when issues relating to online safety arise and further information/support is provided if required. Support will be given to parents through workshops and communication of issues as they arise.

Impact

Children will be confident users of technology, able to use it to accomplish a wide variety of goals, both at home and in school. Children will have a secure and comprehensive knowledge of the implications of technology and digital systems. This is important in a society where technologies and trends are rapidly evolving. We encourage our children to enjoy and value the curriculum we deliver. We will encourage children to develop knowledge and skills they can continue to build on in their next stage of education and beyond. The way pupils showcase, share, celebrate and publish their work will best show the impact of our curriculum. We also look for evidence through reviewing pupil’s knowledge and skills digitally through tools such as children’s digital portfolios and through observing learning regularly. Progress of our computing curriculum is demonstrated through outcomes and the record of coverage and assessment documents in the process of achieving these outcomes.