Computing – subject information

Intent

To ensure a high-quality computing education which equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world (National Curriculum).

To build upon children’s knowledge and understanding from EYFS to Year 6 following the expectations of the National Curriculum.

To enable children to build and apply a repertoire of knowledge and skills linked to the three strands of the National Curriculum: Computer Science, Digital Literacy and Information Technology

To ensure children are aware of responsible internet usage and know how to keep themselves safe online.

Aims

The national curriculum for Computing aims to ensure that all pupils:

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

Implementation

At Brough Primary School, we use a range of educational sources such as National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE), Rising Stars Switched On, Twinkl and ProjectEVOLVE resources as a basis for providing a clear and comprehensive scheme of work in line with the National Curriculum.

Children in all year groups are exposed to a range of topics which encourage progression across the key strands of computer science, digital literacy and information technology. All children have access to the hardware and software needed to develop knowledge and skills of digital systems and their applications.

Each class has one session per week, either in the IT Suite or in their own classroom, the option is flexible as the children work from HP Chromebooks which each have their own charging station. In addition to this, children have access to further technologies such as iPads and programmable toys (BeeBots). Additional HP Chromebook slots can also be used in the IT Suite/classroom to enable cross curricular opportunities to enhance and embed their learning.

Online Safety is taught using ProjectEVOLVE resources which incorporates the statements from the UK Council for Internet Safety’s (UKCIS) framework “Education for a Connected World”. This is taught within Computing lessons and also through PSHE lessons. Through these lessons, the children have the opportunity to explore and respond to key issues such as digital communication, cyberbullying, online safety, security, plagiarism and social media.

Impact

Children will be confident users of technology, able to use it to accomplish a wide variety of goals, both at home and in school. They will have a secure and comprehensive knowledge of technology and digital systems, enabling them to confidently progress with future studies and modern life in this digital age.

Children will know how to be responsible, safe and respectful online. They are able to recognise the dangers that exist from the use of technology and articulate well about the potential risks of being online. They will be able to talk about ways to keep safe online and know what to do if they feel unsafe or see something that they do not like.

We expect most children will meet or exceed the progression of skills requirements in Computing.

We measure the impact of our curriculum by: –

● Teacher assessments made against the planned outcomes on half termly Medium Term Plans for Computing.
● Pupil discussion and feedback (pupil voice) (skills and knowledge).
● Reflective staff feedback (teacher voice).
● Monitoring by the Computing Subject Leader during learning walks.
● Opportunities for dialogue between teachers.
● Monitoring of children’s work.
● Photo evidence and images of practical learning.

‘Pupils engage effectively in learning and enjoy school.’

OFSTED comments

‘Pupils make a good contribution to their learning.’

OFSTED comments

‘The curriculum offers many exciting opportunities for learning.’

OFSTED comments

‘Teachers assess pupils’ work accurately and use their good subject knowledge to plan
interesting tasks that engage pupils well.’

OFSTED comments

‘Governors make a strong contribution to the development of the school.’

OFSTED comments

‘Pupils participate in competitive sports, such as cross-country, squash and football, as well as winning local dance competitions.’

OFSTED comments

‘The headteacher has made sure that senior leaders, and middle leaders, have had very
effective training’

OFSTED comments

‘Pupils study a wide range of subjects and have a good range of additional activities to
broaden their experiences.’

OFSTED comments

‘The local authority has a clear picture of the development of the school and has supported this school securely on its journey of improvement.’

OFSTED comments

‘School leaders
and governors are passionate about pupils’ achievement and personal development. ‘

OFSTED comments

‘The school’s enhanced provision for those pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities is a strength of the school,’

OFSTED comments

‘Children settle quickly into Reception and make good progress because of good leadership and
good teaching.’

OFSTED comments

‘All pupils spoken to say they are safe in school and they enjoy school.’

OFSTED comments

‘Teachers ask supplementary questions to make sure that pupils have a full understanding of the work they are doing and are making good progress. ‘

OFSTED comments

‘Currently, pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, develop good skills and knowledge in reading,
mathematics and a wide range of subjects. ’

OFSTED comments

‘The extra funding for those pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is used highly
effectively.’

OFSTED comments

‘Teachers’ skilful questioning is used well, especially in guided reading and in mathematics to deepen pupils’ learning.’

OFSTED comments

‘The school promotes spiritual, moral, social and cultural education very well.’

OFSTED comments

‘There is full engagement by the school in a local sports partnership. Pupils say that they
enjoy sport.’

OFSTED comments

‘Parents and carers have a very high level of confidence in the work of the school.’

OFSTED comments

‘Pupils take part in
visits to places of interest that then contribute
very well to their learning.’

OFSTED comments

‘The headteacher and governors have high expectations of staff and pupils.’

OFSTED comments

‘Parents value the school’s work highly. They believe the school is well led and indicate that the new headteacher has improved the school and that staff are supporting their children well.’

OFSTED comments

‘Staff morale is high and there is a shared sense of purpose and a desire for all pupils to
achieve their full potential.’

OFSTED comments

‘The special educational needs coordinator identifies the needs of pupils very accurately and makes sure strong provision is in place to meet pupils’ needs.’

OFSTED comments

‘Pupils are pleasant,
polite and respectful. Attendance is above
average.’

OFSTED comments

‘Astute use of professional development and support for staff has resulted in good teaching.’

OFSTED comments

‘The enhanced provision, The Bridge, is making a significantly positive contribution to pupils’ ability to self-manage their needs.’

OFSTED comments

‘The primary school physical education and sports funding is used very well.’

OFSTED comments

‘An analysis of pupils’ work by inspectors showed good gains in knowledge, skills and
understanding in reading, mathematics and a wide range of subjects.’

OFSTED comments