Computing

Intent

All pupils at Salisbury Manor Primary have the right to have rich, deep learning experiences that balance all the aspects of computing. With technology playing such a significant role in society today, we believe ‘Computational thinking’ is a skill children must be taught if they are to be able to participate effectively and safely in this digital world. A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. At Salisbury Manor Primary, we teach a curriculum that enables children to become effective users of technology who can:  

§  Understand and apply the essential principles and concepts of Computer Science, including logic, algorithms and data representation.  

§  Analyse problems in computational term, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems;  

§  Evaluate and apply information technology analytically to solve problems;  

§  Communicate ideas well by utilising appliances and devices throughout all areas of the curriculum.

Internet Safety 

Salisbury Manor Primary takes internet safety extremely seriously. We have an E- Safety Policy that provides guidance for teachers and children about how to use the internet safely. Our Computing and PSHE lessons in school enable children to learn the safe use of technology and the internet, allowing them to think about how they can keep themselves and others safe, being mindful of how their behaviour, words and actions can affect others. 

Implementation 

We follow a broad and balanced Computing curriculum that builds on previous learning and provides both support and challenge for learners. We follow the Purple Mash Computing Scheme of Work which is a comprehensive set of resources aligned to the National Curricula for Computing, Technology and Digital Competence. The Scheme of Work is intended to facilitate teachers in achieving the very best outcomes for children. It exposes children to a wide variety of digital tools, technological skills, and innovations. Within the Computing curriculum are additional units that go beyond the expectations of National Curricula, whilst also providing ‘Catch-Up’ units to close gaps in learning.

Challenge questions will be planned by teachers to allow for pupils to apply their learning in a philosophical/open manner.  

All classes will have a scheduled block of Computing lessons each term and there will be an expectation that technology will be utilised throughout other lessons in the curriculum. We want to ensure that Computing is embedded in our whole school curriculum and that opportunities for enhancing learning by using technology are always taken.

Impact

Our Computing curriculum is high quality, well thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression. If children are keeping up with the curriculum, they are deemed to be making good or better progress. In addition, we measure the impact of our curriculum through the following methods:   

§  A reflection on standards achieved against the planned outcomes   

§  Children can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation. 

§  Children can analyse problems in computational terms and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems. 

§  Children can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems. 

§  Children are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.   

§  Pupil discussions about their learning.   

Our Computing curriculum is planned in a way which promotes the cultural capital of all our children. We enhance our curriculum especially for the most disadvantaged by organising guest speakers (gaming developers, music producers/ICT experts), organising Computing events which focus on the wider world and promote skills needed by children in their future careers. We develop these skills to enable children to choose from a wide range of vocations when they leave education. We also provide additional opportunities for children to apply these skills in their local environments, including digital photography and art.