Computing Curriculum Statement

 

Computing Intent

 

At Hassell Primary School, we want our children to understand the potential of technology and start to build computing skills for the future. We want them to become digital creators, using technology to support other areas of their work and lives, and also to understand the responsibilities of being digital consumers on their time, relationships and wellbeing. We know the digital workplace is continuously evolving and want them to grow up wanting to a part of that as software engineers, video game designers, web developers or IT consultants. At Hassell, our Computing curriculum strives to develop resilient, reflective, creative and independent learners. It gives space for children to become “computational thinkers”, tackling complex problems, making mistakes and learning from them. It also engages our children, through the creative use of technology, to prepare pupils for the demands of the 21st century and the technological world that awaits them in the future. As well as the huge potential of technology, we teach our children to understand the challenges and problems it can create. We teach them to become good digital citizens, to know how to stay safe and keep others safe online, to be aware of the need to test out what and who they see and the importance of what they share in creating their own digital footprint.

 

Computing Implementation

 

• At Hassell, we are primarily following the Purple Mash scheme of work but incorporate other schemes to best suit the needs of our children.
• Computing units are categorised into elements of Digital Literacy, Computer Science and Information Technology.
• Children complete computing units half-termly, but digital literacy is embedded in all subjects and is used on a daily basis to enhance and support the learning of other curriculum areas.
• The school uses a suite of core applications linked to the scheme, which enable children to develop and progress their skills through-out school. 
• Topics are blocked to allow children to focus on developing their knowledge and skills, studying each topic in depth.
• Children have access to iPads and laptops to support all areas of the curriculum. 
• In Computing lessons, children can also use desktop computers in the Computing Suite which allows them to practice basic mouse and keyboard skills in each session.
• Teachers follow a clear progression of skills which ensure all pupils are challenged in line with their year group expectations and are given the opportunity to build on their prior knowledge. · To support teaching, staff access a range of resources and planning including Purple Mash, J2Code, Scratch and more.
• Our Foundation Assessment Tracker allows us to use data to inform future practice.
• The role of parents is recognised and they are involved in understanding how to keep their children safe at home.

 

 

Computing Impact

Staff ensure that skills build on those that have been attained in previous years to consolidate and build on them as they move through school. Families at our school use technology responsibly, in line with the school’s acceptable use policies. Many parents engage with the school’s social media channels to keep up-to-date with developments that are happening in school. Each year we compliment the taught curriculum through the use of engagement days and informative assemblies for children. Children are actively encouraged to support one another and report any issues that they experience to a member of staff.

Inclusion:
Teachers should set high expectations for every pupil. They should plan stretching work for pupils whose attainment is significantly above the expected standard. They have an even greater obligation to plan lessons for pupils who have low levels of prior attainment or come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Teachers must also take into account the needs of pupils whose first language is not English.

 Click on the Hassell badge for the computing curriculum overview