Computing

Intent

The aim of the Computing curriculum at Palm Bay Primary School is to provide a broad, balanced, and inclusive education that meets the needs of all pupils and prepares them for the next stages of their lives.

Implementation

At Palm Bay, we use the Teach Computing scheme which ensures progression through the year groups through a spiral curriculum that revisits concepts and topics, each time extending knowledge, deepening understanding and developing skills. The curriculum is divided into six strands, which are present across the six units taught in each year. These units are Computing Systems and Networks, Creating Media, Programming A, Data and Information, Creating Media and Programming B. Within these, the following disciplines are taught: algorithms, computer networks, computer systems, creating media, data and information, design and development, effective use of tools, impact of technology, programming and safety and security. The following disciplinary skills and knowledge are present throughout the units: problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration and project management. The curriculum is weighted towards spending more time focussing on programming and creating media.

Computing is naturally a very inclusive subject, however, teachers ensure that scaffolding or adaptations are given when necessary for children. The planning draws on prior learning to support children to make connections with existing knowledge. Staff are aware of subjects that may be sensitive to some children and ensure the teaching is taught in an appropriate manner e.g. online safety. Teachers are encouraged to think carefully about how the computing curriculum links with other curriculum areas e.g. links to PSHE, working scientifically, using digimaps in geography and using data in mathematics, and children are given a wide range of opportunities to use technology. The disciplinary skills taught are applied across the school curriculum, giving regular opportunities for practising these skills. There are also many opportunities to access STEAM days e.g. school trips and workshops, VR workshops etc. Children who have extensive knowledge support learning whilst developing their own personal and social skills. These opportunities enhance learning and provide real-life opportunities to apply what they have learnt.

Impact

Children to demonstrate love for learning, engagement and enjoyment
New learning built upon and linked to previous knowledge
Children encouraged to engage in deeper thinking, through high-quality questioning
Independence and choice of materials and resources used
Children learn and develop new skills
Children apply learning to real-life situations and roles.
Children are responsible citizens in regards to online safety.

Online Safety

Online safety is at the core of everything we do in Computing and whenever we access technology across the curriculum. To teach the children to be safe online, we use the government framework, ‘Education for a Connected World’. For more information about this scheme visit here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/education-for-a-connected-world

With the rise in technology and content available to our children, it is important that they understand how to use technology safely, and that we know how to support them with this.

For more information on E-safety please visit the following sites:

Think-U-Know: advice from the Child Exploitation & Online Protection Centre

CEOP: useful information on E-safety issues

ChildNet: information about keeping children safe online

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/ : information about how to keep children safe online