Computing
Subject Leader - Miss Farrington
The Computer Science aspect of the curriculum teachers computational thinking. Children should be taught to solve problems using computational terms. This area of the curriculum involves coding and data representation. However, here at Banks Road this is not taught exclusively through using a computer; many topics are primarily introduced using unplugged activities e.g. following written instructions to find errors.
Information Technology involves using various software and a range of devices, including the internet, to accomplish goals and manipulate digital content. This strand is expanded across the curriculum to other subjects to that IT is used in a cross curricular way. E.g. using the internet to complete research.
Digital Literacy involves teaching children to use technology safely and respectfully. Children learn about how computing relates to the wider world and how it is used in every day life. They learn to evaluate software and technology critically.
As a school, we work collaboratively with MGL. Specialist computing teachers, from MGL, work with our children on a weekly basis. This ensures that students at our school are reciveing high quality computing lessons, throughout the year. This includes the teaching of basic computing skills, work on robotics and Artificial Intelligence.
You can follow our computing journey on 'X'. @BanksRoadIT
Intent
It is our intention to enable children to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information. 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 be proficient and understand 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 a computing curriculum that develops pupil’s learning and results in the acquisition of Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. It is our intention to have a computing curriculum which prepares pupils to live safely in an increasingly digital British society where pupils can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems.
Implementation
We have a clear and effective, bespoke cross curricular scheme of work that provides coverage in line with the National Curriculum. Teaching and learning should facilitate progression across all key stages within the strands of digital literacy, information technology and computer science
Children will have access to the hardware (computers, tablets, and programmable equipment) and applications that they need to develop knowledge and skills of digital systems and their applications
Parents are informed when issues relating to online safety arise and further information/support is provided regularly via the schools website and social networking sites.
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
Children will be confident users of technology, able to use it to accomplish a wide variety of goals, both at home and in school. 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 lifestyle.
The way pupils showcase, share, celebrate and publish 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 such as Google Classrooms 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.
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