Computing
Intent
At William Cobbett Primary School we want children to be masters of technology. Technology is everywhere and will play a pivotal part in our children’s lives. Therefore, we want to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely. We want our pupils to be creators not consumers and our broad curriculum encompassing computer science, information technology and digital literacy reflects this. We want our pupils at William Cobbett to understand that there is always a choice when using technology and as a school we utilise technology (especially social media) to model positive use. We recognise that the best prevention for a lot of issues we currently see with technology and 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 has to be balanced with the opportunity for pupils at William Cobbett to apply their knowledge creatively which will in turn help our pupils become skilful computer scientists. We embed computing across the whole curriculum to make learning creative and accessible. We want our pupils to be fluent with a range of tools to best express their understanding.
The National Curriculum states:
A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. 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.
Implementation
Computing is taught weekly and each class has access to desktop computers, laptops and iPads. As a school, we are passionate that our children receive a broad, balanced, inclusive and diverse curriculum that enhances their cultural capital. Our online safety curriculum, which is progressive from Early Years to the end of Year 6, is taken from Project Evolve, which covers 8 different areas. These areas are assessed by the year group through base line testing, and therefore the planning is reflective of this. Our online safety learning includes:
- Self-image and identity
- Online relationships
- Online reputation
- Online bullying
- Managing Online information
- Health, Well-being and lifestyle
- Privacy and Security
- Copyright and Ownership
Throughout our pupils’ journey at William Cobbett, each year they will develop their knowledge and understanding on the following six computing units based on the Teach Computing scheme. The six units of study are:
- Computing Systems and Networks
- Creating Media (A)
- Creating Media (B)
- Data and Information
- Programming (A)
- Programming (B)
Online Safety
We recognise that online safety education is a whole school matter and goes well beyond the computing curriculum alone, therefore, our teaching of framework objectives will come in many forms, for example, through discrete online safety, PSHE or RE lessons, as well as other curriculum areas, pastoral interactions, home learning, assemblies and special events. With this approach, it is our intention that pupils will build resilience and develop safe and appropriate behaviours online, which in turn will lead to positive online experiences.
Impact
Our curriculum aims to expand the children’s knowledge and the understanding of the role technology has in school and around the world. Learners will develop a respect for technology and its uses, know how to use technology safely, develop their problem-solving skills through enquiry and develop a love of computing
Computing is assessed at the end of each academic year in each year group. This is done through teacher judgment using the assessment laid out in the Computing progression of knowledge and skills document. Teachers record children’s progress from Reception through to Key Stage 2 in Computing. Teachers will need to judge if a child is developing, secure or greater depth at the end of each year group and this is communicated to parents through children’s annual reports.
Computing is monitored by the subject leader and senior leadership team through book looks, learning walks and pupil and teacher surveys. Monitoring observations are communicated to staff and support and training are put in place where a need has been identified.
Pupil Voice
‘It’s actually easier than I thought to make a computer game’
‘You must always be kind on the internet and on the phone’
‘My favourite lesson was when I composed a song’
Useful Websites
Childnet — Online safety for young people
Keeping children safe online | NSPCC
National Online Safety | Keeping Children Safe Online in Education
Gamification with MakeCode Arcade - Institute of Imagination at home (ioi.london)
CEOP Education (thinkuknow.co.uk)
