Computing at Fellgate

Subject Lead: Mrs A. Hearn

On this page, you can find information about our computing curriculum at Fellgate Primary.

Intent:

At Fellgate Primary School it is our intent to provide all of our children with a high-quality education in computing which provides access to an ever changing and expanding digital world which will play a pivotal part in children’s lives. Therefore, we want to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely. We want our pupils to be creators and our broad curriculum encompassing computer science, information technology and digital literacy reflects this. 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 and social media is through education. Building our knowledge in this subject will allow pupils to effectively demonstrate their learning through creative use of technology. We recognise that technology can allow pupils to share their learning in creative ways. We also understand the accessibility opportunities technology can provide for our pupils. Our knowledge rich curriculum has to be balanced with the opportunity for pupils to apply their knowledge creatively which will in turn help our pupils become skilful computer scientists.

We encourage staff to embed computing across the whole curriculum to make learning creative and accessible. We want our pupils to be fluent with a range of tools to best express their understanding and hope by Upper Key Stage 2, children have the independence and confidence to choose the best tool to fulfil the task and challenge set by teachers.

Implementation:

At Fellgate, we follow the National Curriculum and use the Purple Mash Scheme of Work from EYFS to Year 6. We also have a comprehensive progression of knowledge and skills document for staff to follow to best embed and cover every element of the computing curriculum. The knowledge/skills statements build year on year to deepen and challenge our learners.

As a school we:

• Have a clear and effective scheme of work that provides coverage in line with the National Curriculum. Other sources may also be used to enhance lessons in order to meet the needs of the children.
• In EYFS our reception children follow the Early Years Curriculum (Development Matters) and the Purple Mash curriculum which is taught cross curricular.
• Teaching and learning facilitates progression across all key stages within the strands of digital literacy, information technology and computer science.
• In years 1 to 6 we teach discrete computing sessions but our approach is to embed computing across all subjects.
• Access to resources which aid in the acquisition of skills and knowledge.
• Children in years 1 to 6 have access to knowledge organisers identifying the key learning in each unit, the resources used, the vocabulary covered and key questions.
• We ensure that the appropriate vocabulary is used when studying a particular area of computing, which is identified in the scheme of work as well as the knowledge organisers.
• Children will have access to the hardware (computers, tablets, programmable equipment) and software that they need to develop knowledge and skills of digital systems and their applications
• 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.
• The importance of online safety is shown through displays within the learning environment and computer suite.
• 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 through themed weeks and assemblies.

Impact:

We encourage our children to enjoy and value the curriculum we deliver. We want learners to discuss, reflect and appreciate the impact computing has on their learning, development and well-being. Finding the right balance with technology is key to an effective education and a healthy life-style. We feel the way we implement computing helps children realise the need for the right balance and one they can continue to build on in their next stage of education and beyond.

We encourage regular discussions between staff and pupils to best embed and understand this. The way pupils share and celebrate their work will best show the impact of our curriculum.

We also look for evidence through reviewing pupil’s knowledge and skills digitally through tools like Purple Mash and observing learning regularly. Progress of our computing curriculum is demonstrated through outcomes and the record of coverage in the process of achieving these outcomes.

Computing at Fellgate Primary gives children the building blocks that enable them to pursue a wide range of interests and vocations in the next stage of their lives.

Inclusion and Equal Opportunities:

All children can and will succeed in computing at Fellgate Primary School. Our curriculum is fully inclusive and supports ranging needs and cultural diversity. Pupils with SEN are able to access all parts of the computing curriculum and are exposed to computing skills from reception. These skills are revisited and built upon gradually throughout each year, ensuring understanding and progression in order for all children to be secondary ready in computing by the end of year 6.

Subject Mantra:

We use subject mantras to develop our children’s understanding of the subjects they are learning. They also help our children make connections and develop their long term memory.

Here, you can find out about our Computing Policy that will tell you more about the subject and how it is taught, monitored and assessed across the school.

Long Term Plan: