Computing
Aims and Objectives
Computing helps to prepare children for the developing world. The subject encourages children to develop an understanding of how technology makes a difference in all aspects of life- at home, at school and in the workplace. Children should develop Computing skills that can thoughtfully be applied in a range of different situations, with children developing increasing independence in the choices they make over which technology to use to help them reach the desired outcome. As they progress through KS1 and 2 we strive for children to become increasingly confident in the application of their digital skills, becoming increasingly efficient and effective communicators, collaborators and analysts, showing imagination and creativity in their use of ICT in different aspects of their learning and life beyond school.
Teaching and Learning
Within both KS1 and KS2, Computing is given discrete subject teaching time as well as embedded learning opportunities covered through day to day teaching, use and application through a range of subjects. Across Key Stages 1 and 2, an hour session each week is timetabled although this may be blocked into longer teaching units if the unit of learning requires this. In this session there should be a focus on contextual skill development and these sessions should provide experiences which can then be applied in other work.
The school uses the Cambridgeshire ICT Service Progression in Computing Capability medium term planning and this focuses on Understanding Technology, Programming, Digital Literacy and E-safety. To help ensure children have the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills, experiences and competencies with technology, the curriculum has been broken down into 6 key areas, with the core principles permeating through each area.
It is important that technology is used as a day to day element of school life and across all subject areas, therefore if opportunities to use ICT arise which do not fall within the curriculum for each year group they should be taken advantage of.
Assessment and Recording
Due to the practical nature of Computing, evidence of work undertaken by children can be in the form of a photographic record or the child’s actual finished piece. Each child has a folder on the server and their work in Computing ca be found saved here.
Teachers assess children’s knowledge, understanding and skills in Computing by making observations of the children working during lessons. As part of our assessment for learning process, children will receive both verbal and written feedback in order to aid progress in the subject. Children are also encouraged to be critical of their own work, highlighting their own next steps. Foundation subject assessment grids are completed by class teachers, showing children’s attainment in the following three areas: Information Technology, Digital Literacy and Algorithms and Programming (Computer Science).
Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and British Values
Collaborative work in Computing develops mutual respect for the differing opinions, beliefs and abilities of others. In addition, children develop a respect for the resources used and understand the importance of looking after them. They learn to appreciate the value of similarities and differences and learn to show tolerance. A variety of experiences teaches them to appreciate that all people – and their views – are equally important. Children are encouraged to work in a democratic way, exercising the ‘give and take’ required for successful teamwork, this is particularly true of topics which require children to work in groups to research or to design and create a product. Computing also enables children to appreciate the importance of staying safe online and respecting others.
Safe and Responsible Use
E-safety is a fundamental element of computing teaching and technology and all children will follow the Accreditation in Competence in E-safety (ACE) scheme which is a progressive scheme of work which teaches E-safety. In KS1 children work towards their Bronze Award, in Year 3/4 they work to achieve Silver and the Gold Award is worked on in Year 5/6.