Computing Skills and Knowledge Document
Intent
The aim of our computing curriculum is to allow pupils to become masters of technology, good digital citizens and creative, lifelong learners that can independently make sensible choices with the technology they use. We hope to inspire all pupils at Elmlea by showcasing the range of opportunities and potential that exists within the ever-changing world of computing. Pupils are encouraged to challenge themselves within our lessons by exploring the boundaries of what is possible with the technology available to them.
Implementation/ Learning Journey
All staff are enthusiastic about embedding computing across the whole curriculum to make learning creative and accessible to all. The computing curriculum at Elmlea is wide-ranging and encompasses a multitude of technologies which we incorporate within our three core strands. These are: Digital Skills, Digital programming, and Digital Making. These areas lay the foundations for children to effectively and confidently utilise a range of programs to prepare them for the ever-changing digital world. Our curriculum is designed so that our key strands can be weaved throughout all subjects so that projects can be presented in formats to show the wide range of potential uses for different technologies and how they can be applied successfully to achieve goals in different contexts. We want our pupils to be fluent with a range of tools to best express their understanding and hope by Upper Key Stage 2, children have the independence and confidence to choose the most appropriate tool for specific tasks. Online safety is presented discreetly to pupils within a circle time each term so that a range of specific topics are covered appropriately. Our PHSE Jigsaw units also cover online safety issues, and the children enjoy discussing various scenarios that may arise when online. However, staff are encouraged to maximise those moments where links can be made to being a good digital citizen when they can. The school also takes part in a weeklong Internet Safety Week, this is great opportunity for the whole school to take part in a variety of online safety talks and includes an online safety workshop ran by the STEM Factory. This is delivered to every class at the Juniors. We have also commenced using Project Evolve, which is an online safety knowledge tool and is a great resource to check the children’s understanding of the online world. The children’s understanding can be checked through online questionnaires and if any gaps arise in their knowledge, this can then be plugged by delivering a lesson using the wealth of resources and lessons Project Evolve offers.
Computing units are planned in each term to allow children a weekly computing lesson. Although some units require discreet lessons, many are linked to other topics which increases the flexibility and profile of the subject. These are taught by teachers who have received training on the aspects that they teach, and the curriculum overview has been developed alongside that of MRPICT.com (MR P ICT ONLINE CPD - Home) and the STEM delivered scheme Teach Computing (Teach Computing).
These resources provide a great foundation for ensuring children are given a wide range of experiences within computing and thus enabling them to become creators rather than consumers.
However, with computing relying on technology, we have adapted to ensure it matches up with what we can provide. Computing lessons are planned with differentiation in mind so that capable children can be stretched to maintain the challenge for them but also to ensure that learners make progress. This is done through how to guides or support sheets that can be used independently or with the support of peers.
We are fortunate enough to have access to an ICT suite and iPads which gives us plenty of opportunity to be even more creative with specific areas of the curriculum. For each unit, children are introduced to the appropriate vocabulary at the beginning of the lesson, and this continues to build so that familiarity and understanding increases. These are also promoted on displays in the ICT suite.
Enrichment
Within school, we look to promote computing outside of the lessons that are taught. We have been running a Digital Leader programme, which requires pupils to apply, be interviewed and subsequently selected for the role. There main roles are to support others within the classroom-based lessons. To achieve this, they attend sessions to explore and troubleshoot technology that is being used in lessons, as well as looking into potential new technologies. The children also take a lead role in Safer Internet Day and present assemblies across the Trust. The digital leaders have also taken part in the NW24 Internet Safety Conference, where they had the opportunity to listen and take part in talks from various speakers. The digital leaders also deliver a lunchtime ‘Coding Club’ with the Year 2’s, by teaching and leading sessions using Scratch Junior on the iPads throughout terms 5 and 6. We currently host a weekly STEM club in school to provide further opportunities for our pupils with a passion for the subject.
