Computing

Intent – why are we teaching this?

At Margaret Wix Primary School, we want our children to become masters of technology. Technology is everywhere and it is our intention to enable children to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information, so they can leave primary school computer literate.

Computing skills are a major factor in enabling children to be confident, creative and independent learners and it is our intention that our children have every opportunity available to allow them to achieve this.

Our aim is to provide a computing curriculum that is designed to balance acquiring a broad and deep knowledge alongside opportunities to apply skills in various digital contexts. Beyond teaching computing discreetly, we will give pupils the opportunity to apply and develop what they have learnt across wider learning in the curriculum.

Implementation – how are we teaching this?

Our scheme of work for Computing is adapted from the ‘Teach Computing’ Curriculum and covers all aspects of the National Curriculum. This scheme was chosen as it has been created by subject experts and based on the latest pedagogical research. It provides an innovative progression framework where computing content (concepts, knowledge, skills and objectives) has been organised into interconnected networks called learning graphs.

The curriculum aims to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to thrive in the digital world of today and the future. The curriculum can be broken down into 3 strands: Computer science, Information technology and Digital literacy, with the aims of the curriculum reflecting this distinction.

The National Curriculum for computing aims to ensure all pupils:

• Can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation (Computer science)
• Can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems (Computer science)
• Can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems (Information technology)
• Are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology. (Digital literacy)

Our Computing curriculum is designed to empower children to become active participants in the digital world and develop the skills needed to:

• Be responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.
• Know how to keep themselves safe whilst using technology and on the internet and be able to minimise risk to themselves and others.
• Become responsible, respectful and competent users of data, information and communication technology.
• Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation.
• Have a ‘can do’ attitude when engaging with technology and its associated resources.
• Utilise computational thinking beyond the Computing curriculum.
• Understand and follow the SMART E-Safety rules.
• Understand that E-Safety messages can keep them safe online.
• Know who to contact if they have concerns.
• Apply their learning in a range of contexts, including at school and at home.
• Know where to locate the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) button and how to use it.

To help with our implementation of the computing curriculum we have a variety of hardware available to all teachers, including:

• A set of laptops for KS1 and KS2
• A set of ipads for KS1 and KS2
• Beebots and floor roamers

We also make use of the resources available to schools as part of the local Computing Hub at Sandringham Secondary School.  Every year we are able to borrow physical computing kits (Crumbles and Microbits) for the children to use as part of their learning.

​​​​​​​Each classroom is provided with:

• A visualiser
• Interactive Whiteboard
• An ipad for teacher use

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All children are provided with Teams accounts and work can be accessed in school and remotely. Both technical and curriculum support is provided by our experts at Interm IT.

Online safety is embedded in the Computing lessons taught each week together with some elements covered as part of the PSCHE Jigsaw scheme.  To ensure complete coverage of the eight different elements of online safety, discrete online safety lessons are also taught each half-term and recorded in the class workbooks. 

The school takes part in National Internet Safety Day each year and the Computing leader and class teachers plan additional internet safety lessons and activities linked to a specific yearly theme. Online safety assemblies and workshops are held for children and parents. Parents are made aware of online safety issues through the school website, letters, information newsletters, parent presentations and updated guidance.

Impact – what is the effect on the pupils?

The children at Margaret Wix Primary will:

• Be confident users of technology, both at home and in school
• Have a secure and comprehensive knowledge of the implications of technology and digital systems
• Know how to keep themselves safe online as well as being respectful towards others

Children’s achievements are assessed through a variety of ways. Half-termly units of work are collated and recorded in Computing workbooks for each class across the school, which shows progression across the year groups.  Ongoing feedback provides assessment information and teacher judgements are based on the extent to which the children can demonstrate secure knowledge, understanding and skills.