Computing

Intent

Computing at Edison Primary School is a subject which is much loved by all children especially in the new digital age. Children in EYFs and Year 1 use Purplemash scheme of work to develop their computer and early computing skills. Whilst children from Year 2 – Year 6 using JamCoding scheme of work. These fundamental lessons are led by specialist computing teachers- Jam Coding. The children are able to benefit from expert, professional Computing lessons. Our inquisitive learners are able to develop a variety of skills covering: Programming, Networking, Creative Media. There is a real buzz and a sense of excitement around the Computing lessons in school. As children continue learning and developing, they grow in confidence and achieve more through computing, digital skills, and coding. Pupils from Year 2 to 6 grow in their computing skills while they practice and develop their collaboration – as they work in teams, their creativity – exploring new ideas, and critical thinking – as they create the projects.

Computing at Edison primary School intends to develop ‘thinkers of the future’ through a modern, ambitious and relevant education in computing. We want to equip pupils to use computational thinking and creativity that will enable them to become active participants in the digital world. It is important to us that the children understand how to use the ever-changing technology to express themselves, as tools for learning and to drive their generation forward into the digital future. Whilst ensuring our young learners understand the advantages and disadvantages associated with online experiences, we want children to develop as respectful, responsible and confident users of technology, aware of measures that can be taken to keep themselves and others safe online.

Our aim is to provide a computing curriculum that is designed to balance acquiring a broad and deep knowledge alongside opportunities to apply skills in various digital contexts. Beyond teaching computing discreetly, we will give pupils the opportunity to apply and develop what they have learnt across wider learning in the curriculum.

Implementation

Our scheme of work covers all aspects of the National Curriculum. This scheme was chosen as it has been created by subject experts and based on the latest pedagogical research. It provides an innovative progression framework where computing content (concepts, knowledge, skills and objectives) has been organised into interconnected networks called learning graphs. The curriculum aims to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to thrive in the digital world of today and the future. The curriculum can be broken down into 3 strands: computer science, information technology and digital literacy, with the aims of the curriculum reflecting this distinction.

 The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure all pupils:

• can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation (Computer science)
• can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems (Computer science)
• can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems (Information technology)
• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology. (Digital literacy)

Impact

After each unit of work, teachers will make a judgement on whether pupils have met, exceeded or are working towards the objectives set. This will also provide information for the subject leader and will be submitted for analysis to track and monitor achievement and progress and the impact that this has had. Evidence of progression and achievement will be seen in examples of pupils’ work stored on the server. As a result of effective implementation, pupils will be able to apply their skills and knowledge in other areas of learning. Pupils will be able to share their knowledge of how to be a responsible user of technology through discussion when questioned. They will be prepared for the next stage in their lives, knowing how to be a responsible user of technology in the wider world and most importantly, know where to seek support. Confidence in this subject will also mean that pupils are able to be more independent and competent in life skills such as problem solving and logical thinking.

E-Safety and Digital Citizenship

A key part of implementing our computing curriculum was to ensure that safety of our pupils is paramount. We take online safety very seriously and we aim to give children the necessary skills to keep themselves safe online. Children have a right to enjoy childhood online, to access safe online spaces and to benefit from all the opportunities that a connected world can bring them, appropriate to their age and stage.

Within each year group topics include:

 To help with our implementation of the computing curriculum we have a variety of hardware available to all teachers, including:

• kindles in each class
• 60 laptops
• 30 VR headsets

Extra-Curricular links

In addition to the Computing lessons, children benefit of the Coding and Computing Clubs, where those interested can further their skills, building exciting projects like game Building, Robotics, Stop Motion Animation, and others. There are always trophies to be won at the end of each half term too which the children always look forward to!