Computing

Intent.

At Randlay Primary School & Nursery we aim to prepare our children for a rapidly changing world through the use of computer technology. Our vision is for all children, whatever their ability, age, gender or race, to develop their technological understanding and skills across a wide range of curriculum areas.  Through a safe and confident approach to Computing and ICT, children are given the opportunity to embed the six core values of respect, creativity, collaboration, aspiration, courage and excellence, on a regular basis. We ensure that the delivery of the Computing curriculum helps to develop confident, creative and independent learners, equipping them with effective and transferable life skills. We enable them to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information. A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. In our school, computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and calculation, 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 – they are able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology, to aid them in their future workplace and this digital world.

 

Implementation.

At Randlay Primary School, children’s learning is carefully planned using the Kapow Teaching schemes of work to support the delivery of high quality Computing. The engaging, knowledge-rich and progressive curriculums and lesson plans support our teacher’s knowledge and confidence in delivering the subject. We aim to make Computing a fun, vibrant and engaging learning experience. As a school we believe it is important to keep up to date with the technological changes that go on in the world. Our aim is to give children the skills that will allow them to thrive in the modern world. Our creative curriculum approach allows children to engage with the National Curriculum objectives in a range of ways using a variety of tools including iPads, laptops and micro:bits.

Activities in Computing build on the children’s prior learning. Whilst we give children of all abilities the opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding, we also plan progression into the scheme of work, so that there is an increasing challenge for the children as they move up through school. Individual learners are able to make progress in the acquisition of concepts, knowledge and skills at the rate most appropriate to their ability and stage of development. Throughout all subjects, children at Randlay Primary School will have opportunities to gain skill, knowledge and understanding in the following areas:

• Finding things out, gathering information from a variety of sources, entering, storing, and retrieving information.
• Developing ideas and making things happen through text, tables, images and sound,
• Selecting and adding to information by planning and giving instructions to make things happen,
• Exchanging and sharing information sharing ideas and presenting information in different forms, to best effect,
• Reviewing, modifying and evaluating work.

Online Safety. 

Online Safety is a crucial element of Computing.

Through Project Evolve, everyone develops their understanding of what online safety truly means in an ever changing world. Across our two year rolling programmes, the eight strands are thread through our computing units.

Early Years Foundation Stage.

We follow the guidelines set out in the Technology section of the Understanding the World criteria in the Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Computing makes a significant contribution towards the ELG objectives of developing a child’s understanding of the world, enhancing their confidence using technologies. Barefoot resources are used to facilitate the early development of our youngest learners.

Key Stage One.

Our pupils are taught to:

• understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions
• create and debug simple programs
• use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
• use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content
• recognise common uses of information technology beyond school
• use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies

Key Stage Two.

Our pupils are taught to:

• design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
• use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
• use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
• understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration
• use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content
• select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information
• use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

Supporting SEND pupils. 

We teach computing to all children, whatever their ability, in accordance with the school curriculum policy of providing a broad and balanced education to all children. Teachers provide learning opportunities matched to the needs of children with learning difficulties. Different technologies are used to allow children with special educational needs to have access and contribute to lessons with additional laptops to support them.

Computing Pupil Voice.

Mrs Stolic and Mrs Maddock conducted some Pupil Voice with a range of children in KS1 and KS2 to get their perspectives on Computing at our school.
Do you enjoy Computing?
“Yes, I like playing games.” (Y1 child)
“Yes but it is annoying when we have to stop!” (Y2 child)
“We can achieve things.” (Y2 child)
“Yes I like learning how robots work.” (Y3 child)
“Yes you get to find out about interesting things online.” (Y5 child)

What were you learning in your last Computing session?
“We learnt about fake news.” (Y5 child)
“I learnt how to bring a picture into a powerpoint.” (Y5 child)
“We have learnt how to create branching databases and think of good questions to include.” (Y4 child)
“How to control a robot.” (Y3 child)
“We did a story about an animal on the moon.” (Y2 child)
“We learnt about sounds on Purple Mash.” (Y1 child)

What do you have in the classroom that helps you learn in Computing?
“Working together in a team.” (Y5 child stressing the importance of collaborative learning.)
“Teacher helps me and gives me confidence.” (Y3 child)
“Sound mat helps us to type in.” (Y1 child)

Do you feel that you are getting better at Computing?
“Yes definitely. I can do more now.”
“I can find the fish – we made it go sideways.” (Y2 child talking about a coding game played)
“I can find the letters to type quicker now.” (Y2 child)
“Yes the work I have done looks good.” (Y5 child)
“Yes I know how to sort information using a database now.” (Y4 child)

Does Computing help you with others subjects?
“In English, we have been given a question in our success criteria to search on a laptop.” (Y4 child)
“It helps me with maths.” (Y2 child talking about maths games played)
“English because it helps me to find words that are better like colossal.” (Y2 child)
“You have a calculator on the computer!” (Y1 child)
“I have done some art on the computer.” (Y5 child)