Computing
Introduction
At Morice Town Primary Academy, we recognise that technology plays a huge part in the modern world and will only become more integral as our children grow up. We understand and appreciate that our children’s access to technology outside of school varies widely and therefore aim to equip every child to confidently use all forms of technology as well as developing a solid understanding of how computers work through use of the ‘Teach Computing’ scheme of work.
Intent (What do we want the children to learn and why? What knowledge and skills are taught?)
We aim to equip pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Our computing curriculum equips children with life skills and knowledge to use technology positively and safely in an ever-evolving digital world. Our aim is to enable children to explore, analyse, share and present information confidently, responsibly and safely and know how they can do this within school and at home to support learning across the curriculum.
By the end of year 6, children will have gained key knowledge and skills in three main area of the computing curriculum: computer science (programming and understanding how computer systems work), information technology (using computer systems to present, share and store information) and digital literacy (using technology safely and respectfully and ensure questioning digital content). The objectives within each strand are built upon across each year group to ensure that all children have a solid understanding of computing to prepare them for life outside of school.
Implementation (How are we doing it? How are the pupils going to achieve the acquisition of knowledge? How does the curriculum delivery this?)
Teachers are given flexibility within the computing curriculum with regards to how they deliver the ‘Teach Computing’ scheme of work. Depending on the need of the class, teachers are expected to cover six lessons every half term (one per week or through blocking), ensuring the learning objectives are covered.
Within each class, there are a set of Chromebooks to ensure that all children have the opportunity to develop and hone their skills, not only in computing but throughout other subjects too. Not only does this consolidate children’s confidence and competence of using technology but the links motivate pupils and supports them to make connections and remember the steps they have been taught.
The implementation of the curriculum also ensures a balanced coverage of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. The children will have experiences of all three strands in every term, but the subject knowledge imparted becomes increasingly specific and in depth, with more complex skills being taught, thus ensuring that learning is built upon.
EYFS
Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment. In planning and guiding children’s activities, there will be a focus on the three characteristics of effective teaching and learning:
- Playing and exploring – children investigate and experience things, and ‘have a go.’’
- Active learning – children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties, and enjoy achievements;
- Creative and thinking critically – children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things.
Special Educational Needs (SEND) pupils:
Lessons are adapted to enable all pupils to access their learning, including pupils with SEND.