Computing

Intent

At Ladypool we aim for our children to master technology because they will be encountering it in almost every aspect of their lives. We also focus on developing the skills necessary for children to be able to use information in a discriminating and effective way. We want children to know more, remember more and understand more in computing so that they leave primary school computer literate. Computing skills are a major factor in enabling children to be confident, creative and independent learners and it is our intention that children have every opportunity available to allow them to achieve this.

We have built a computing curriculum (based on the Teach  Computing scheme of work) that develops pupils' learning and results in the acquisition of knowledge of the world around them that ensures all pupils can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation, that they can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems.

We have built a computing curriculum that prepares pupils to live safely in an increasingly digital British society where they can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems.

Implementation

We want our pupils to understand that there is always a choice with using technology, and as a school we utilise technology (especially social media) to model positive use. We recognise that the best prevention for a lot of issues we currently see with technology/social media is through education.

Teachers deliver a clear and effective, bespoke cross curricular scheme of work that provides coverage in line with the National Curriculum. Teaching and learning facilitates progression across all key stages within the strands of digital literacy, information technology and computer science. Children have access to resources which aid in the acquisition of skills and knowledge.

Children have access to the hardware (Chromebooks, iPads, Micro:bits and Beebots) and software that they need to develop knowledge and skills of digital systems and their applications, and a clear and effective scheme of work that provides coverage in line with the National Curriculum.

Children will have the opportunity to explore and respond to key issues such as digital communication, cyber-bullying, online safety, security, plagiarism and social media. Wider curriculum links and opportunities for the safe use of digital systems are considered in wider curriculum planning.

Parents are informed when issues relating to online safety arise and further information/support is provided if required.

As well as opportunities underpinned within the scheme of work, children will also spend time further exploring the key issues associated with online safety.

Impact

The aims of our curriculum are that: 

• Children 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 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.
• Children will be fully aware of the school online safety rules for internet safety and use them to guide their actions to stay safe online.