Computing
At St Oswald's CE Primary School we want our children to be confident, competent and digitally literate users of technology who have the skills to use information technology to express their creativity, develop their ideas and become active participants in the future of the digital world. Ever progressinhg technologies are changing the way that we live, work and socialise and we want our children to be comfortable and innovative in their use.
The National Curriculum expectations split the teaching and learning of Computing into three strands (Computer Science, Digital Literacy and Information Technology). It is therefore important that children recognise what makes each one relevant to their future, as well as their everyday lives. High quality teaching of Computing, from Reception through to Year 6, utilises a combination of practical and theory lessons designed to promote discussion, nurture understanding and develop empathy towards others; relecting on and constructively critiquing ideas and work.
Creative activies such as coding, digital storytelling, interactive simulations and creating videos provide wonderful opportunities for the children to express themselves and develop their imaginative and spiritual dimensions. They inspire creative thinking and encourage the development of skills that will prove invaluable in the real world and as such, teachers strive to present our children with the opportunities to hone their skills and use them in relevant situations. Our computing curriculum allows our children to explore, observe, engage, solve problems and make exciting discoveries. It also stimulates collaboration and interaction amongst peers and between children and their teachers. Discussing technology, its uses and the ethics associated with it, enables children to develop an understanding of the moral framework needed to use technology responsibly, reflectively and mindfully in today's world.
“A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.” National Curriculum 2014.
Intent
At St. Oswald’s, we see Computing as a window to learning vital skills and enhancing cross curricular opportunities across the school. By utilizing the advantages of remote learning combined with study at school, children will gain confidence and develop creative thinking strategies to solve problems.
Computing is an integral part of preparing children to live in a world where technology is continuously and rapidly evolving, so much so that children are being prepared to work with technology that doesn’t even exist yet. For this reason, we feel that it is important that children are able to participate in the creation of these new tools to fully grasp the relevance of and the possibilities of emerging technologies thus preparing them for the future.
In Foundation Stage, strands will be taught in line with the Early Learning Goals.
Implementation
We are fortunate enough to have a computer suite equiped with both desktop PCs and iMacs. We also have access to a whole class sets of iPads and additional iPads for support groups.
Under normal circumstances, we would work everyday with ICT so it is important that children are equipped with the right skills. Each class is timetabled a slot to use the computer suite and also use the class set of iPads.
Each year group utilises a variety of applications and programs to cover the requirements of the National Curriculum. Teachers plan detailed lessons following the whole school curriculum overview. These plans cover the strands of: Online safety, Programming, Handling Data, Multimedia and Technology in our lives.
Please see the link below to access the National Curriculum requirements for Computing.
Impact
Through the thorough planning and monitoring of pupil progress all pupils 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 be able to show this in their work and in discussion.
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. Children will be able to apply the British values of democracy, tolerance, mutual respect, rule of law and liberty when using digital systems.
Computing Assessment at St Oswald's
St Oswald’s follows the Purple Mash Scheme of Learning, which focuses on developing a firm foundation in Computing basics that can be built upon year by year. By the end of Year 6, children will have a purposeful skill set that will prepare them for the new creative challenges of KS3.
For each unit, a new program is introduced or built upon from previous learning. In relation to the three strands, these are as follows:
Computer Science
To enable children to become confident coders on a range of devices.
To create opportunities for collaborative and independent learning.
To develop children’s understanding of technology and how it is constantly evolving.
Digital Literacy
To enable a safe computing environment through appropriate computing behaviours.
To allow children to explore a range of digital devices.
To promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
Information Technology
To develop ICT as a cross-curricular tool for learning and progression.
To promote learning through the development of thinking skills.
To enable children to understand and appreciate their place in the modern world.
On-going formative assessment is an integral part of good practice. Its main purpose is to enable the teacher to match work to the abilities and needs of the children and ensure progression in learning. Computing skills capability is monitored regularly in relation to the Computing curriculum as outlined in the ‘The National Curriculum’ for England. Teachers should assess module requirements with reference to children’s knowledge, understanding and skills. Other opportunities for assessment will arise from cross-curricular work. Samples of work should be kept for groups of children stored in classrooms or on the school network within relevant class folders.
Computing in Nursery follows examples from Maths City linked Purple Mash. Reception have units linked to the Early Learning Goals which provide opportunities to develop key skills. For the Foundation Stage, it may not always be practical to keep samples of work, but observations and discussions are be recorded.
Tapestry builds a record of a child’s experiences, development and learning journey. Using photos, videos and diary entries, a teacher or early years practitioner, along with the child’s parents, ‘weaves’ the story of the child and how they are growing and developing. All information held in the platform is stored securely, and can be downloaded and shared as required. Parents are able to view online their child’s progress and also uploading their own comments and media.
Resources
Purple Mash - This programme contains lots of fun, educational activities for all ages. Children have log in details to Purple Mash which includes a range of programs such as 2Code, Logo, 2Blog and 2Connect. These online resources are used to support learning in and out of the classroom and are used to set challenges.
Google Classroom - Our Remote Learning Platform includes slides for learning each day, activities and tasks that will enable pupils to keep up to date with learning taking place at school.
Online safety - Thinkuknow
Reporting to CEOP
If you are worried about the way someone has been communicating with you online click the link below to report this. Remember to speak to a trusted adult or if you are uncomfortable with this phone Childline for support. You don't need to worry or suffer in silence.
https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
You may find the following links useful:
