Computing
Computing Leader: Mrs Denman
INTENT:
At Charlotte we want our children to learn the strands of computing: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. The content allows for a broad, deep understanding of computing and how it links to children's lives and for them to understand the digital world around them. Computational thinking is more about teaching children problem-solving than coding languages, and the intellectual skills they'll gain will be useful for whatever they do in life. It enables children to understand what algorithms are, how they are implemented as programs on digital devices, and enables children to understand that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions, children will get the opportunity to, create and debug simple programs, use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs, use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content, recognise common uses of information technology beyond school, use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private and identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.
IMPLEMENTATION:
Through the sequence of lessons, we intend to inspire pupils to develop a love of computing with links and understanding to the digital world. The cross-curricular links are also important in supporting other areas of learning. At Charlotte the focus is on developing the use of algorithms, programming and how technology can be used safely and purposefully. Children also develop their knowledge of internet services and the safe and purposeful use of the internet and technology. Computing is taught through a sequence of teaching that links to the topic the year group is covering. This can be a mixture of both discrete and cross curricula. This is taught in a afternoon session and is either taught by the teacher, or HLTA. The children and staff have access to ipads, laptops, beebots, coding caterpillar cameras, battery operated toys, listening station and many different apps.
End of session assessments are set out in each teachers learning topic bible in their classroom underneath the sequence of planning and folders have been created on our school server for pupils and staff to save completed work, this is an ongoing area of development. All staff have been signed up to the National College website- where they can find information and undertake yearly training, we feel this is paramount to support staff in some maybe challenging situations, this CPD is ongoing. Teaching staff annually complete a computing knowledge questionnaire which links to teaching and learning and is a plan on how this area of learning can be developed. This information and CPD enables others to feel confident in the progression of skills and knowledge and to ensure outcomes have been met, however, as technology is forever changing in our world this is ongoing. Our online safety lead engages in the monthly webinars to stay updated with current changes and situations, links and CPD training is provided through the National college website which relates to a variety of different aspects to support teaching staff from online safety, safeguarding and computing support. A display has been situated in our school entrance hall along with updated information on Online Safety, #WakeupWednesday newsletters are shared weekly with parents and carers through dojo. All parents have access to the National College wesite and are encouraged to complete the annual online safety course for parents and carers 3-7. Questionnaires are sent out regularly to parents/carers along with paper copies when applicable of leaflets connected to an area of concern/interest, e.g what parents need to know about online content as well as questionnaires. Regularly discussions take place with children.
IMPACT:
Learning in computing will be enjoyed across the school. Teachers will have high expectations and teach sequences of learning. The planning is conducted by myself and the monitoring of this is ongoing and something that needs to be carefully considered by myself and the Headteacher. Children will use digital and technological vocabulary accurately, alongside a progression in their technical skills. They will be confident using a range of software and will produce high-quality purposeful products. Children will see the digital world as part of their world, extending beyond school, and understand that they have choices to make. They will be confident and respectful digital citizens going on to lead happy and healthy digital lives