Computing Curriculum Statement

Intent

At Ford Primary, we believe that computing is an integral part of modern-day life and therefore we aim to equip children with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in a rapidly changing technological world. By the time they leave our school, children will have gained key knowledge and skills in the three main areas of the computing curriculum: computer science (programming and understanding how digital systems work), information technology (using computer systems to store, retrieve and send information) and digital literacy (evaluating digital content and using technology safely and respectfully). We hope that due to regularly being exposed to ‘computational thinking’ in how to approach devices in a logical way, children will be able to apply their understanding to any technology that they encounter either now or in their lives after Ford. 

Implementation

We believe that children should be using computers from an early age to help improve their skills when navigating and using devices - after all, some of our children will be using 22nd-century technology one day! As a result of this belief, across the school, from nursery through to Year 6, the children all have access to Chromebooks. Computing is implemented across all aspects of our school curriculum: G Suite for education is used for a variety of different tasks for documenting and presenting work, while Times Tables Rockstars is used in Maths during lessons. 

At Ford Primary, we believe that a clear and effective scheme of work that provides coverage in line with the National Curriculum is essential to meet the requirements of our children in order for them to thrive. To ensure that children are being exposed to high-quality lessons focusing on the skills and knowledge required to be successful ‘computational thinkers’, we have invested in Purple Mash. This ensures that all key areas of the computing curriculum are taught and revisited during a child's primary school years. This allows our children to build on their learning year after year, building on their vocabulary and to also practice skills where they may not be as confident and likewise, progress their knowledge and skills even further.

We strive to keep children safe online and provide them with the knowledge and tools to do so. We will also empower parents, carers and the wider community with up to date information regarding keeping children safe online. We recognise the unique contribution that e-learning makes to the motivation and effectiveness of learners in our school and the role that the school has in preparing pupils for their future by improving their knowledge and understanding of how technology is an aid to learning.

What are we doing beyond the classroom?

• Children to take part in a competition on who can make the most informative E-Safety magazine.

• E-Safety is looked at as a part of Safety week. 

• Parents are spoken to on an annual basis with regards to E-Safety. 

Impact

Computing plays a huge part in ensuring the curriculum we deliver to our children is engaging and current. We ensure that the teaching and learning of computing enables all of our pupils to continue to learn and grow in this digital world we live in and provides them with the skills and knowledge to do this well and safely. We try to link skills taught to real-life situations to ensure that our pupils can see the importance and necessity of computing in our ever-growing, technological world. This is important in a society where technologies and trends are rapidly evolving.

The successful teaching and use of computing are evident in the enthusiasm our children have for the use of technology to aid and enhance their learning and also in the work produced with the use of computers and ensuring we do this by giving our children the opportunities to apply their computational skills. 

How do we check the impact? 

• Work completed on Purple Mash is saved for teachers and senior leaders to check. 

• A selection of children from every class are chosen annually for a pupil voice meeting where we speak to them about e-safety to check their understanding from their learning that year. 

How have staff been supported in this subject?

• Been given access to Purple Mash to help plan progression to a high standard. 

• Received high quality training from the Purple Mash Team face-to-face. 

•  

Link to the Computing programme of study:

Computing

Link to Purple Mash:

Purple Mash

River Journeys