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Computing

Doves have been learning about data handling in Computing and creating pictograms.

Computing Rationale

At Pensilva Primary School we inspire our children to be digitally creative in a rapidly changing world. The use of technology is an integral part of all our lives and a key skill for everyday life and communication. At Pensilva Primary School we intend for children to master Computing to such an extent that they can go on to have careers within Computing and make use of Computing effectively in their everyday lives, without being completely reliant on technology. We aim to encourage our children to become computer literate through developing their skills and confidence in programming (we want our children to be competent in coding for a variety of practical and inventive purposes, including the application of ideas within our subjects), data handling (we aim for them to gain the ability to collect, organise and manipulate data effectively), multimedia and technology in their lives. With the internet being more accessible to children through the use of smartphones, and social media, teaching children how to be safe online is of paramount importance.  Our children will connect with others safely and respectfully, understanding the need to act within the law and with moral and ethical integrity. The pupils at Pensilva School will communicate ideas well by using applications and devices throughout the curriculum.

By the end of the EYFS we aim for our children to:

  • Explore and use technology to solve problems and produce creative outcomes
  • Experience a role play area with a range of technology, both functioning and model/ broken devices
  • Be confident to try new activities and show independence with a variety of electronic toys, such as remote-controlled cars, walkie-talkies and interactive pets, as part of continuous provision
  • Select and use technology for a particular purpose, competently, safely and confidently.

By the end of KS1 we aim for our children to:

  • Understand what algorithms are, how they are implemented as programs on digital devices, and that programs execute by following a sequence of instructions.
  • Write and test simple programs.
  • Create and debug simple programs
  • Use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs.
  • Organise, store, manipulate and retrieve data in a range of digital formats.
  • Begin to understand how to stay safe online.

By the end of KS2 we aim for our children to:

  • Understand how to keep themselves safe online.
  • Describe how internet search engines find and store data; use search engines effectively; be discerning in evaluating digital content; respect individuals and intellectual property; use technology responsibly, securely and safely.
  • Understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration.
  • Design, write and debug programs to accomplish specific goals.
  • Use sequence, selections and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output; generate appropriate inputs and predicted outputs to test programs.
  • Use logical reasoning to explain how a simple algorithm works, detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs.
  • Be able to use a range of programs for different purposes such as word processing, communicating, spreadsheets and presenting data.
  • Be confident in using a range of digital devices.
  • Gain knowledge and develop skills that will equip them for an ever-changing digital world.

The computing curriculum can be divided into key areas:

Computer science

  • This concept involves hardware, networks and data representation, computational thinking, and programming.

Information technology

  • This concept involves using software, using email and the internet, using data and the wider use of technology.

Digital literacy

  • This concept includes internet safety.

 

Essential Characteristics:

• Competence in coding for a variety of practical and inventive purposes, including the application of ideas within other subjects.

• The ability to connect with others safely and respectfully, understanding the need to act within the law and with moral and ethical integrity.

• An understanding of the connected nature of devices.

• The ability to communicate ideas well by using applications and devices throughout the curriculum.

• The ability to collect, organise and manipulate data effectively.

 

Computing implementation

In computing lessons, children use iPads, laptops and a range of physical resources, such as programmable toys, to promote their learning. We follow a broad and balanced Computing curriculum that builds on previous learning and provides both support and challenge for learners. Children at Pensilva Primary School will gain experience and skills of a wide range of technology in a way that will enhance their learning opportunities enabling them to use technology across a range of subjects to be creative and solve problems. ICT is also used in other areas of the curriculum for research, taking photos and videos, Times Tables Rockstars, SPaG.com, Spelling Shed and Mathletics. We want to ensure that Computing is embedded in our whole school curriculum and that opportunities for enhancing learning by using technology are always taken.

Opportunities for learning about online safety are part of the computing curriculum but also covered in PSHE and reinforced whenever technology is used. They will be taught to use technology responsibly and carefully, being mindful of how their behaviour, words and actions can affect others. The Kapow scheme is used to ensure progression and coverage for online safety and computing. The school supports the international Safer Internet Day annually and provides opportunities for pupils to consider cyberbullying as part of Anti-Bullying week in the autumn term.

 

Computing impact

 

Our children will enjoy and value Computing and know why they are doing things. Children will understand and appreciate the value of Computing in the context of their personal wellbeing and the technological, creative and cultural industries in the wider world and their many career opportunities.

Progress in Computing is demonstrated through regularly reviewing and scrutinising children’s work, to

ensure that progression of skills is taking place through:

  • Looking at pupils’ work, especially over time as they gain skills and knowledge
  • Observing how they perform in lessons
  • Talking to them about what they know and enjoy in Computing.