Computing
'In computing we use technology creatively, confidently and carefully (to help us in the wider world)'
Our shared vision:
We aim to create a school of children who are confident in using technology safely, respectfully and responsibly. This will allow them to gain the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Intent:
At Greenfield Primary School, we intend to provide an ICT rich environment which allows pupils to gain the confidence and ability to equip them for the challenge of a rapidly developing and changing technological world.
We aspire for pupils to become 'digitally literate'. This means that they will be able to:
- Use ICT confidently in everyday situations
- Have a secure knowledge of ICT applications
- Have the ability to use this knowledge and understanding to carry out a range of computing tasks across the curriculum
- Become resilient during problem solving
- Use ICT safely, respectfully and responsibly
Implementation:
Computing is taught throughout school. In Early Years this is as part of their continuous provision, and from Year 1 to Year 6 this is in a sequence of lessons for three half terms a year. Teachers use the computing scheme from Kapow Primary as a starting point for their teaching, and lessons are adapted to suit the individual needs of their class. Where appropriate natural links are made with other subjects.
Teaching and learning in Computing develops knowledge across three key areas:
- Digital Literacy and Online Safety
- Computational Thinking
- Information Technology
As a school we follow the revisit, revisit, remember approach. This means that each year the previous year's knowledge, understanding and skills are revisited and built upon. For example, by the end of Key Stage 1 pupils are expected to complete and debug simple programmes. This is built upon in Key Stage 2, where they are expected to create and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, then again by the end of Year 6, where children and expected to explain their reasoning and solve problems.
At Greenfield Primary School pupils are introduced to a wide range of technology, including laptops, iPads and interactive whiteboards. This allows them to continually practice and improve the skills they learn (for example, by regularly accessing programmable toys such as BeeBots in the EYFS.
Impact:
The subject coordinator monitors computing in a variety of ways. These include checking that the Kapow planning we follow is up to date and monitoring pupils work (through looking at their learning and by undertaking pupil voice to gather their opinions). Skills ladders are also completed by teaching staff each term. These are analysed by the subject coordinator to identify any areas for developments, which are then tackled during staff training/coaching.
Due to the practical nature of computing, pupil's work is saved digitally (both through pictures of children's learning and child made work). Work that children have completed themselves digitally (such as photos, videos and documents) is saved in shared files which are accessible to staff and pupils.
Long term plan:
We currently use Kapow planning for our computing lessons, detailed in the LTP below:
Online Safety:
Staying safe online is hugely important in a world that is becoming increasingly reliant on technology. Children undertake a once termly internet-safety lesson, and online safety skills and consistently referred to during lessons.
If you want to find out further information about keeping your child safe online the following sites are regularly updated with the latest news and information: