Computing
Subject Leader: Mr Barker-Platt
Computing skills are assessed from Y1 - Y6. Essential skills include: Algorithms, Computational Thinking, Problem Solving, Networks (Knowledge, understanding, using and applying), Digital Literacy, Online Safety and Data
And the Lord said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them.
Genesis 11:6
Through quality teaching and learning, essential skills will be taught to children so that they feel prepared for the modern world.
At Ward Jackson C of E Primary, we that the world is constantly evolving and technology is forever changing. We aim to inspire and motivate pupils into a lifelong love for learning and opportunity to apply their skills learnt through us, at Secondary School, College, University and on into their future careers.
- A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.
- Computing has cross-curricular links with a wide range of subjects and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems.
- At the heart of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, algorithms and pupils are taught to use these skills by developing their own programming.
- Computing also ensures pupils recognise digital literacy – ability 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 digital citizens
Computing Intent
After investing in brand new educational technology, it is our intention to deliver a broad and enriching Computing curriculum (in line with Focused Priority 1 of the School Development Plan) to each child in our school. According to official government figures, the school is located within an area that falls within the 10% most deprived nationally and as such, we aim to provide children with the best possible opportunities to overcome any potential barriers and thrive in their lives. We intend to offer life-long learning opportunities as they move through our school and on to further education/employment. Computing, generally, is a considerable part of everyday life and children should be at the forefront of new technology and provided with the knowledge and in turn, the skills required to operate/interact with these technologies.
The school will be utilising software which enables deep learning of discrete computational skills as well as rich transferrable skills that can be linked across the entire curriculum. Children will have the opportunity to access this software across several different devices in school, including Interactive Whiteboards, Chromebooks, Laptops and iPads.
‘Computational Thinking’ will be a major factor in all children’s learning of this subject as it allows children to actively and effectively participate in the ever-expanding digital world. Teachers will also be encouraged to use our ‘Cornerstones’ curriculum to make explicit links between Computing knowledge and/or skills and the topics that children will be investing heavily in throughout each term.
Providing opportunities for Computing exposure as early as possible within school allows for progression to be clear and knowledge and skills to be built upon as children move up through phases. For example, in KS1, children should be expected to understand what an algorithm is and how they work, before they begin to write very simple algorithms such as a set of instructions to complete a task. In KS2, this knowledge is taken further, and children begin to develop abstraction and decomposition skills which could only be achieved if prior learning is retained. Even children in our Early Years will have the opportunity to see Computing in action and begin to learn how to use technology safely as they develop their understanding of the world around them.
As a result of the ongoing pandemic and resulting lockdown of March 2020 and January 2021, children have had a significantly negative impact to their learning in many areas, including Computing and as such, it is vital we provide them with the opportunity to ‘recover’ and make progress in this subject as hastily as possible. As schools previously moved to ‘Remote Learning’ solutions, there has never been a more appropriate time to educate children in Computer Science and provide them with an ‘Education for a Connected World.’
Whichever stage of learning the children at Ward Jackson C of E Primary are at, Computing and technology will help to stimulate and engage that learning.
Keeping Safe Online
The internet is a great way to connect with your friends and learn new things. But it's also important to stay safe.
At Ward Jackson, we are committed to delivering up to date Online Safety information to all of our staff and children. For further advice and guidance, click here.
On 9th February 2021, we took part in the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ attempt for #SaferInternetDay. Working with, @UK_SIC & @2simplesoftware, we successfully helped to break the record for ‘Most pledges received for an internet safety campaign in 24 hours!’
There are a few ways you can help make sure you're not in danger when you use the internet, check out these two very useful videos below...
Implementing our Computing Curriculum
As a school, we use the National Centre for Computing Education resources as a basis for providing a clear and comprehensive scheme of work in line with the National Curriculum. Subject leader will assess the relevant units and complete a rolling program and Long-Term Plan to ensure coverage for all children in mixed-age group classes.
Children in all year groups are exposed to a range of topics which encourage progression across the key strands of computer science, digital literacy and information technology. Teachers will be provided with the relevant Progression Frameworks for each of the Units which will better enable teaching staff to assess children accurately as they learn.
Further detail can be found within the Computing Recovery Curriculum 2021 Document.
Computing Policy 2018-2019