Intent
Through teaching computing, we equip our children to participate in a rapidly changing world where work and leisure activities are increasingly transformed by technology. It is our intention to provide children with a wealth of learning opportunities, explicitly within computing and also across other curriculum subjects. We intend to provide children with the opportunities to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information in a safe and effective way. The National Curriculum defines three clear aspects of computing: Computer Science, Information Technology and digital Literacy. Children will be given the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding in each of these areas.
Implementation
At our school we believe that a clear and effective scheme of work that provides coverage in line with the National Curriculum is essential to meet the requirements of our children in order for them to thrive. Teaching and learning facilitates progression across all key stages within the strands of digital literacy, information technology and computer science. In KS1, one of the ways we are teaching the pupils about the language and concepts associated with computer programming is by using Bee-bots and Pro-bots, which are simple programmable robots. Children in KS2 have access to the hardware (computers, tablets and programmable equipment) and software that they need to develop knowledge and skills of digital systems and their applications. Computing is implemented across all aspects of our school curriculum, with examples including the use of Accelerated Reader in English and Mathletics and Times Tables Rockstars during Maths lessons. Where appropriate, computing is linked to wider topics so that skills can be secured and applied in a wider range of scenarios. We also recognise the importance of all members of our community including pupils, parents and staff being able to keep themselves safe online and provide developmental, age-appropriate teaching and learning to promote this.
Impact
Woodland Primary School takes immense pride in the teaching and learning of computing and strive to ensure that every child can become a confident user of technology, while being able to use it to accomplish a wide variety of goals, both at home and in school. Children will have a secure and comprehensive knowledge of the implications of technology and digital systems by the time they leave our school. Children will develop their knowledge of online safety issues through age-appropriate lessons throughout the school so that by the time they leave our school they are able to lead safer digital lives both within school and in the wider world. This is important in a society where technologies and trends are rapidly evolving. They will be able to apply the British values of democracy, tolerance, mutual respect, rule of law and liberty when using digital systems, which will hold them in great stead in their future endeavours.
