Computing
Intent
Our computing vision is to support children in becoming creative, independent learners and ensure they develop a healthy relationship with technology. At The Highway, we value and recognise the contribution that technology can make for the benefit of all. We strive to provide safe opportunities in computing to motivate, inspire and raise standards across the curriculum. Everyone in our school community will be equipped with the digital skills to meet developing technology with confidence, enthusiasm and prepare them for a future in an ever-changing world.
We want our children to be creators and innovators, not just mere consumers of digital content. Our children are taught to understand that technology is an integral part of modern life and the key to the future is to harness and understand technology’s potential. Computing is a constantly evolving subject that involves solving complex problems, being able to collaborate with others, learn from mistakes and refine solutions.
We endeavour to make our computing curriculum culturally relevant so that learners with a range of cultural identities will be able to identify with the examples chosen to illustrate different concepts, engage effectively with the teaching methods used, and feel empowered to use computing to address problems that are meaningful to them and their communities.
At The Highway, we believe safety is paramount. We promote and model a balanced digital life, recognising that amongst the many positives that technology has to offer, risks exist and children need to be taught to manage their digital lives properly. We strive to model and educate our children to use technology creatively, positively, responsibly and safely. Our curriculum supports the key aims of the government’s Internet Safety Strategy (Digital Literacy / UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) framework) of supporting children to stay safe and make a positive contribution online, as well as enabling teachers to develop effective strategies for understanding and handling online risks.
Implementation
At The Highway, the children begin their journey as computer scientists in the Early Years when they are exposed to a range of technology in all areas of their learning. From year 1 to year 6, the requirements of the Computing Curriculum are taught through half-termly units, where the children have access to laptops and tablets. The curriculum at our school is carefully mapped out to ensure that pupils acquire knowledge, vocabulary and skills in a well-thought out and progressive manner. The curriculum highlights the knowledge, skills and vocabulary for each year group and is progressive from year to year. New learning is based upon what has been taught before and prepares children for what they will learn next. Every unit has a clear end point and an end product which children work towards on their learning journey. The teaching style that we adopt is as active and practical as possible although at times we do give children direct instruction on how to use hardware and software. We teach computing both discretely and cross curricular when clear links with other subjects are present.
Our Computing units and progression model is broken down into four strands that make up our computing curriculum. These are Essential Skills, Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy.
Essential Skills: ensure the children have the core basic skills to use multiple devices, this is designed to promote independence.
Computer Science: underlines the knowledge and skills relating to computational thinking, coding, algorithms and networks.
Information Technology: underlines the knowledge and skills relating to digital communication, creating multimedia content and data representation/handling.
Digital Literacy: underlines the knowledge and skills relating to online safety and technology in society.
In our Computing curriculum the children revisit each objective several times, via different themes helping to ensure the best results are achieved. Our school encourages discussions between staff and pupils to help the children best understand their progress and their next steps.
We participate in annual events such as safer Internet day, anti-bullying week and technology themed competitions.
Impact
At the end of the term, teachers make a summary judgement about the work of each pupil in relation to the success criteria outlined at the beginning of the units of work, and record these judgements.
Our aim is that at the end of each year children will have developed their core computing skills and have deepened their understanding of online safety issues and how to keep themselves safe online.
This will be evident through:
- Pupil voice: Through discussion and feedback, children talk confidently about their computing learning and show a genuine curiosity and interest in the areas they have explored. Crucially, children feel equipped to share any concerns or questions that they may have about their own technology use.
- Evidence of Knowledge: Children know how and why technology is used in the outside world. They know about different ways that technology can be used and can talk about ways to keep themselves and others safe online.
- Evidence of Skills: Children use new vocabulary that they have learnt in computing lessons. They have the skills to use a range of technology and computing software.
- Breadth and Depth: Children will utilise and develop their computing skills across the curriculum. Opportunities to use computer technology outside of school will be provided in order to enhance their home learning and to prepare them for their future.
Online Safety
A fundamental component of the children's learning will be to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to keep themselves safe online.
Below you will find links to some very helpful websites for keeping children safe online, particularly on social media and when gaming:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/