COMPUTING
INTENT
At Fenstanton, we believe that a high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with Mathematics, Science and Design and Technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computing science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content.
Computing ensures that pupils become digitally literate- able 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 participants in the digital world.
In summary, through teaching computing, we aim for our children to be:
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Digital literate pupils
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Safe users
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Creative, independent learners
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Competent users
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Confident users
The national curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation. Pupils can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems. Pupils can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems and are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology
IMPLEMENTATION
In order to achieve our aims:
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Teachers will act as role models in their safe use of technology modelling correct use and vocabulary.
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Computing lessons will create an environment that gives pupils the skills needed to use technology and stimulates the generation of ideas.
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Specific core concepts will be taught which will then be applied in a cross-curricular way in other subjects.
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Using modern technology will form an integral part of our approach to creating pupils who are ready to enter today’s society and flourish.
The fundamentals:
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A belief that every child can and will become a competent user of technology. • A focus on teaching the skills of computing.
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A cross curricular approach giving chances for the skills to be applied. • Consistent focus on E-safety.
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Explicit teaching of vocabulary.
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A variety of high quality computing programmes are used that are relevant to the time. • Regular staff training.
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Relevant computing equipment- (audited periodically)
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Regular use of computing equipment
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E- safety displays in every classroom.
Each term begins with E-safety and then modules are planned in line with the topic for that term as outlined in the year group long term plan and are progressively developed as evidenced through the subject progression document. The approach merges the key core concepts including: E-safety, Digital literacy and Coding. Pupils learn best when skills are continuously revisited, built on and deepened.
Cross - curricular Opportunities in Computing
The pupils can use computing across different subjects and for different purposes. Modern and relevant programmes are used that respond to the age of the pupils, class interests and the ever-changing world of technology.
IMPACT
The impact of our Computing Curriculum is measured through a range of outputs:
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End of key stage data (in line with National for the last 3 years)
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Formative, summative subject data which is produced from assessments as well as on-going teacher judgements
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Baseline assessments
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Book looks/electronic folders/electronic evidence & Learning walks
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Pupils Voice - Pupil Conferencing and Lesson Visits
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Parent Voice - Working with parents/carers to gather a holistic view of the child both in and outside of school
