Computing

At Wilbraham Primary school we recognise the importance of Computing. We intend to offer a curriculum that allows all children to explore and realise the need for the right balance and one they can continue to build on in their next stage of education and beyond. We want to develop a lifelong passion for Computing within our children.

The 21st Century Classroom

In our goal of preparing today's children for tomorrow's world, access to the latest technology has become vital in the 21st Century classroom.  We have invested a vast amount into great ICT resources and as a result have gained a reputation for innovation in this area.  We have a dedicated ICT suite which has just been refurbished with new computers with touch screen monitors and a green screen area so children have the ability to create and edit multimedia.  We also have at least one networked computer in each classroom which connects to an interactive whiteboard which has revolutionised the way we teach.  Each year group also has a set of iPads and laptops for children to use which means that children can work one device between two children.

Teachers now have a range of computer tools to help bring many subjects to life and pupils love contributing to the very lively blogs each year group have on our website.

Children throughout the school also have plenty of opportunity to make their own films, animation and multimedia productions.

Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems.  The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming.  Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content.  Computing also ensures 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.

Intent:

Technology is heavily relied upon now more than ever and it is essential that as educators, we provide the opportunities for children to feel well-equipped and confident in such a fast-changing world and to be aware of the positive impact, but also the dangers which come with it. We want our pupils to feel secure and informed about how to use technology safely and responsibly, as well as being able to apply the correct skills and knowledge learnt from the Computing curriculum to be able to use technology to the best of their abilities. Our aim is to inspire as many teaching staff as possible to develop their own confidence in Computing and to continue to develop their teaching practices to ensure that pupils are given the most innovative lessons which sparks further curiosity and enables a passion for wanting to engage further. We understand that technology holds great power and advantages for daily life and we understand that it is our duty as educators to promote this as positively as we can for pupils to acknowledge the incredible strength that it can play to support their futures.

Implementation:

The units of work fall into three broad categories: Computer Science (coding and computational thinking); Information Technology (spreadsheets; art, design and music; databases and graphing; writing and presenting); and Digital Literacy (communications and networks; internet and email).

Our curriculum is designed to: • Build on prior learning year-on-year in order to secure children’s knowledge and understanding of key concepts and skills in each area. • Allow for the repetition and overlapping of skills across units to ensure that children are secure and have had the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a variety of contexts. • Engage in events such as Safer Internet Day to maintain a high profile for Online Safety. • Revisit Online Safety in each unit throughout the year. • Ensure children’s skills are built upon progressively each year to deepen their understanding.

Our Computing curriculum enables our pupils to leave school with the knowledge of how to keep themselves and others safe online, digitally literate and with foundational skills to support them in the future.

Impact:

Pre-assessments through the means of quizzes provide teachers with a clear picture of children’s knowledge. As do the vocabulary checks, so misconceptions can be addressed and lessons can be pitched accordingly to assess the need to do crash courses in subjects such as Spreadsheets or Coding.

Assessment at the end of a unit via quizzes or a project, to assess the learnt knowledge for the subject.  The way pupils share and publish their work will best show the impact of our curriculum. We also look for evidence through  observing learning regularly.