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Leigh Primary School

Computing

Intent

 

At Leigh Primary School we teach the Computing curriculum using Purple Mash in our aim for children to be independent, forward thinkers of technology and not passive learners. We recognise how technology will play, and is playing a pivotal role in shaping and influencing pupils’ lives and the world around us. Through our teaching of this curriculum, combined with Online Safety and our guiding principles of ACT RIGHT we model and educate our pupils on how to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully. In doing so we are equipping children with the skills required to use computers effectively and maximise their potential.

The aims of our Computing curriculum are to develop pupils who:

Are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

  • Know how to keep themselves safe whilst using technology and on the internet and be able to minimise risk to themselves and others.
  • Become responsible, respectful and competent users of data, information and communication technology.
  • Can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems.
  • Can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience writing computer programs in order to solve such problems.
  • Can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation.
  • Become digitally literate and are active participants in a digital world.
  • Are equipped with the capability to use technology throughout their lives.
  • Understand the importance of governance and legislation regarding how information is used, stored, created, retrieved, shared and manipulated.
  • Have a ‘can do’ attitude when engaging with technology and its associated resources.
  • Utilise computational thinking
  • Understand and follow E-safety rules.
  • Understand the E-Safety messages can keep them safe online.
  • Know who to contact if they have concerns.
  • Apply their learning in a range of contexts, e.g. at school and at home.

 Implementation

 

Across the school from Year 1 to Year 6 children are designated a computing session once a week. We use Purple Mash as a cohesive and progressive scheme of work to address the statutory aspects of the National Curriculum. Computing is branched into three aspects: Computer Science; Information Technology; and Digital Literacy, so that our pupils are set a relevant, challenging continuum of age-related skills and knowledge. Our split classes, means that particular units are streamed in pure cohorts: coding, spreadsheets and online safety to ensure a clear progression of skills and knowledge in these aspects. We also routinely teach 2Type which provides stages teaching and practice of touch-typing – a vital skill for the modern age.

 Online Safety is an important part of our computing curriculum; we want our pupils to understand they have a choice when accessing technology, to use it responsibly and safely and we model positive use.  We want to be proactive rather than reactive to the dangers the internet and social media can pose to young people in order to prevent misuse. We do this through our guiding principles of ACT RIGHT, our ethos of ‘Caring, Sharing and Learning together’ as well explicit teaching of online safety. We utilise National Online Safety to also support families in educating themselves in order to protect our children. Through this we want to unlock pathways for children to use technology to be inquisitive, creative and knowledgeable problem solvers who can use technology safely to enhance these attributes.

 Impact

 

We encourage our children to enjoy and value the curriculum that we deliver. Finding the right balance with technology is key to an effective education and a healthy lifestyle. We encourage regular discussions between staff and pupils to best embed and understand this. The way pupils showcase, share, celebrate and publish their work will best show the impact of our curriculum. We look for positive impact through observing learning regularly, formative assessment and reviewing pupil’s digital skills through tools across Purple Mash such as concept maps and quizzes. Progress of our Computing curriculum is also measured through outcomes and the record of coverage through work saved in pupils’ personal document folders and saved ‘to do’ content electronically.

 When children leave Leigh Primary we aim for them to be responsible digitally literate and resilient citizens who are ready for the challenges of a digital future.

 EYFS

 Computing and is very important in the foundation stage to ensure that children enter Year 1 with a strong foundation of knowledge and experience. We live in a technological world and technology is integrated into the lives of young children just as it is our classrooms.

Our Computing scheme for the EYFS is centred around play-based activities that focus on building children’s listening skills, curiosity and creativity and problem solving. 

Technology in the Early Years can mean: 

  • taking a photograph with a camera or tablet
  • searching for information on the internet
  • playing games on the interactive whiteboard
  • exploring an old typewriter or other mechanical toys
  • using a Beebot
  • watching a video clip
  • listening to music
  • using a variety of applications on Mini Mash to support all areas of the Early Years Framework.

Allowing children the opportunity to explore technology in this carefree and often child-led way, means that not only will they develop a familiarity with equipment and vocabulary but they will have a strong start in Key Stage 1 Computing and all that it demands.

 

Please click the picture below to see a YouTube Video about MiniMash from Purple Mash

 Cultural Capital

The Purple Mash Computing Scheme of Work enables children to learn knowledge, skills and understanding, including subject-specific vocabulary, during structured tutorials and provides opportunities for them to master and apply their knowledge, skills and understanding in more open-ended scenarios. We feel we are equipping the children with the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in an technologically advancing world to be thoughtful members of a digital community.