Computing
In the Early Years Foundation Stage, Computing skills are weaved throughout the curriculum and is used to enhance many areas, such as; Physical Development, Expressive Arts and Understanding the World. The vast majority of pupils who join our school in EYFS already know how to navigate around an iPad and as they progress through school we see their ability to seamlessly create and interact with online content.
The computing curriculum from Year 1- Year 6 has been designed around three key principles: computer science, information technology and digital literacy. We meet these 3 principles in various ways.
Computer Science
It is the study of the foundational principles and practices of computation and computational thinking. It is also the application of these concepts in the design and development of computer systems.
In Key Stage one, children will understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions. They will create and debug simple programs and use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs.
In Key Stage Two, children will design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts. They will use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output and use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs.
Information Technology
It is the creative and productive use and application of computer systems. It is based on an understanding that technology is everywhere. The children will be able to identify the technology they encounter and have a basic understanding of how it works.
In Key Stage One, children will use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content. They will also recognise common uses of information technology beyond school.
In Key Stage Two, children will understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration. They will use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content.
Digital Literacy
This principle develops the ability to use computer systems confidently and effectively. Digitally literate children can communicate and work more efficiently as they are equipped with the skills, knowledge and understanding to actively partake in social, cultural, economic and intellectual conversations. E-safety is an integral part of this principle and we ensure that every child has a deep understanding of it
In Key Stage One, the children will use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.
In Key Stage Two, they will select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information. They will use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.
Learner Voice is key to ensuring the computing curriculum is engaging, accessible and impactful. We conduct learner voice both in person and digitally, using it as an opportunity for pupils to learn how to respond to emails and complete online forms. The outcomes are always very positive.
Beyond the computing curriculum, the technology in school is used to maximise inclusivity, from children with visual impairments using iPads to have information closer to them, to groups working collaboratively on tasks via the google suite.
At Adswood, the teaching of Computing is inclusive through quality first teaching. Provision for learners is age appropriate but differentiated to meet the needs of our learners. SEN Support plans outline specific targets for our learners with additional needs.
In line with modern technology and the age of portable devices, we are no longer restricted to a traditional ICT Suite. Instead the devices the children can access can be used anywhere in the school. With the computing curriculum being online, the children have access to it anywhere and anytime.
The software that the children use to create presentations and word processing documents, which allows for digtal collaboration as easily as if the pupils were writing on the same sheet of paper.
We also use QR codes to enable quick access to information for the children and to share childrens’ digital work with in books.
As children progress through the curriculum, they find themselves equipped with knowledge and skills that enable them to code and programme their own games, which they can then share with their peers.
In a culture where ‘gaming’ plays a part in many pupils lives, the sense of achievement at creating their own game, which can be played by and with friends and even published so it can be played by children across the world is certainly something to celebrate.
Computing or the use of technology permeates all areas of the curriculum. From using iPads to access phonics activities or times tables practice, to presenting their writing as an eBook, technology is used to enhance all areas of the curriculum.
The ability to share their work and peer assess using the comments feature in google docs has opened up a new interest in assessment and collaboration amongst the older pupils in particular. All the time, teaching the pupils the skills needed to store and retrieve digital content, use search technologies effectively and safely and combining different software.
The digital era in which we currently live and will inevitably continue to be surrounded with more so as technology develops, plays a part in all of our daily lives. Learning beyond the classroom with respect to Computing, is primarily about the application of the e-safety aspect of the curriculum. It is our duty as educators to make sure we equip our pupils with the knowledge and skills to keep themselves safe while using this ever more prevalent and available technology.
E-Safety
E-Safety is an important part of keeping children safe at Adswood Primary School. We believe Internet Safety is a crucial element of the curriculum and an essential part of young people’s development. E-Safety is taught to all pupils as part of our Computing curriculum and PSHE Curriculum, explaining and demonstrating how to stay safe and behave appropriately on line. Follow the links below to access valuable advice and support on how to keep safe when online.
KS1
KS2
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/topics/stay-safe
Parents
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/topics/stay-safe
http://origin.www.netsmartz.org/Parents
