Computing
Vision
At Grateley Primary School, we believe that all children need to have very good computing skills if they are to succeed throughout their education and in the workplace in future years. We aim to give pupils high quality, enjoyable and memorable learning experiences through access to a range of digital and electronic software and hardware.
We recognise that the world of technology is fast changing. Therefore, computing education needs to progress appropriately, in order that children move forward with the skills and knowledge necessary to be active participants in todays, and the futures, digital world.
We aim for pupils to have a foundational understanding of computing to include algorithms, simple programs, logical reasoning and prediction. We also aim for pupils to purposefully and creatively store, manipulate and retrieve digital content as well as recognising how technology is used across the wider world.
Scientific Historian, George Dyson, ‘Alan Turing gave us a mathematical model of digital computing that has completely withstood the test of time.’
Intent:
The Computing curriculum meets the Statutory Guidance from Year 1-6.
Our intention through essential knowledge is that pupils will also be able to use their computing skills across the curriculum and to inform and enhance life-long learning.
We also recognise that young children need a strong, but age-appropriate, understanding of how to keep safe when using modern computing technology and the internet. This will then allow pupils to feel protected, well-informed and able to self-regulate when using technology and the internet and all it has to offer in Modern Britain.
We recognise that children use social media and other ways to communicate with other children so we take the community around Grateley as priority and teach the children how to keep safe and report any inappropriate communication.
Through the Computing curriculum we ensure that the Grateley Values are taught ensuring that children are respectful of each other and the community around them, that they are confident to challenge communication that is not safe and tell an adult.
Implementation:
Computing is taught in discrete computing lessons and the use of technology is encouraged to support learning across all curriculum areas.
We use a scheme called ‘Teach Computing’ which is a Government endorsed scheme and has the benefit of teaching children life skills through programmes they will use now and in the their future lives. Our scheme has been closely referenced against the 2014 National Curriculum attainment targets in order to ensure progression and coverage. Having discreet lessons means that the children are able to develop depth in their knowledge and skills over the duration of each of their computing topics. Where appropriate, meaningful links will be made between the computing curriculum and the wider curriculum. In computing lessons the children will use either iPads or laptops in order to access a range of apps and software.
Online safety is taught regularly at an age appropriate level and forms the basis of all Computing learning. Children are also taught about vocabulary linked to computing and key skills for life including touch typing.
Home Learning from Year R upwards is uploaded to Google Classroom and children can access Google Classroom at home. This is a safe platform for the children to use to access their Home Learning and communicate with their teacher and other pupils in an appropriate way.
Impact:
After the implementation of this robust computing curriculum, children at Grateley School will be digitally literate and able to join the rest of the world on its digital platform in Modern Britain. They will be equipped, not only with the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively, but more importantly – safely. The biggest impact on our children is that they understand the consequences of using the internet and that they are also aware of how to keep themselves safe online.
Please see the attached Computing progression overviews.