Computing
“We are changing the world with technology.” – Bill Gates
Subject Leader: Mrs A Kirk
Rationale: Purpose of Study (taken from the National Curriculum)
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 computer 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. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also 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 a digital world.
Intent
At Nanpean School, we believe that a high-quality Computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand an ever-changing world. We believe that such coverage ensures that children are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of Information and Communication Technology. In line with the National Curriculum (2014) our curriculum aims to ensure that pupils become digitally literate: able to use and express themselves and develop their ideas through computational thinking and creativity, at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in an ever evolving digital world.
Implementation
The breadth of study for the National Curriculum for Computing is followed. Computing is taught through weekly lessons, with relevant links to other subjects and learning made.
The Computing overview (below) is used to ensure that learning is progressive and sequential, and that there is appropriate coverage and progression of knowledge and skills across the school. Children are taught and exposed to a range of programs to develop the knowledge and skills appropriate to their age and stage of learning.
Nanpean School is also committed to Truro and Penwith Academy Trust’s (TPAT) vision for digital transformation. This vision seeks to transform the curriculum for teaching computing.
Impact
- Children from all backgrounds enjoy lessons and look forward to using technology and learning about it.
- Pupil Conferencing (considering a range of pupils) in 2023-24 showed that 90% of the children can confidently talk about their learning, give key facts and explain key vocabulary about the units covered.
- Pupil Conferencing in 2023-24 showed that pupils are gaining a greater understanding of Computing and Technology and use digital technology to complete work in a range of areas, both inside and outside of school.
- Children leave Key Stage 2 equipped for the next phase of education and inspired to pursue their own interests within Computing and Technology.
SEND
Our Computing Curriculum is ambitious for all pupils. The emphasis on practical activities and the use of resources means that all children can take an active part in lessons and we believe that children are likely to learn more effectively through this ‘hands on’ approach. We place particular emphasis on the flexibility that technology brings to allowing pupils to access learning opportunities. We also ensure additional access to technology is provided throughout the school day to support pupils. We also consider ways of minimising and reducing barriers to learning so that all pupils are included in lessons and achieve their potential. We have also purchased software to enable children to record work in a variety of ways, relevant to their needs. The Curriculum Adaptations document on our website (see ‘Key Information’ section) includes ways that learning is adapted to support children, with this including general adaptations as well as highlighting some that are specific to the subject.
British Values
At Nanpean School, British Values are embedded across the Curriculum, where relevant, while we also learn about British Values at other specific times, such as during Collective Worship opportunities (Assemblies).
Through Computing lessons, there is a promotion of British Values as children understand The Rule of Law and why rules / laws are important, for example when using the internet to search or communicate safely. Freedom of speech and the right to make choices are discussed within the Computing Curriculum and link to Individual Liberty. Children are also continually encouraged to show Respect as a digital citizen to remain safe and be respectful towards others.
As children move through the school they learn about using technology in a positive way and how to keep safe and make informed choices and decisions in relation to Computing and Technology, including what do if they feel uncomfortable in any way with online material.SMSC
During Computing lessons at Nanpean School, children are asked, when appropriate, to consider and comment on moral questions and dilemmas, particularly in relation to online safety, while Computing and Technology is discussed as a way to be socially inclusive and supportive to others.
Children also examine how other cultures have had a major impact on the development of Computing and Technology, and how this has had, and continues to have, an impact on ourselves and the country we live in.
How you can help your child at home
Why not share technology as a family and discuss how it has changed and contributes to society and education? Using computers and tablets to support learning in other areas of the curriculum will also help children develop their understanding and skills in relation to Computing and Technology as well, but please remember to limit children’s screen time!
The following websites could also be used to support your child:
BBC Bitesize has a variety of lessons and resources to support your child’s knowledge and understanding of Computing - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zvnrq6f
This coding website helps children to develop coding skills - https://hourofcode.com/uk/learn