Computing at Bolton-By-Bowland Primary School

Curriculum Intent

Through our computing curriculum, we want to ensure every child leaves Bolton-by-Bowland C.E. Primary School with the knowledge, skills and understanding to be a responsible, competent, confident and creative user of information and communication technology. We deliver the computing National Curriculum objectives through the Purple Mash Scheme of learning. Via Purple Mash, computing is organised into three core strands outlined in the National Curriculum: computational thinking, digital literacy and information technology. These three strands are taught through weekly hourly computing lessons. In addition, computing is utilised in other areas of the curriculum where children use their digital literacy skills to create content in subjects such as Mathematics, English, History, Science and Design and Technology. We support the children to fine tune their research and data gathering skills using ICT. Through this approach we aim to give our pupils the life-skills that will enable them to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.

Implementation

As Computing is a statutory subject, all classes do Computing at least once a week as well as discreetly with other subjects. Computing is mapped out across the curriculum using the Purple Mash scheme of work focusing on the objectives stated in the National Curriculum.

Children in the Early Years will have access to a range of devices and remote controlled toys and resources so that they can explore simple technologies independently and use them in their learning and play.

Throughout Key Stage 1, children are taught to use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content.

In Key Stage 2, children select, use and combine a variety of software on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplishes given goals. Children across school are encouraged to use technology where appropriate to support their learning in all subjects and to share their work on relevant platforms.

Impact

Our Computing Curriculum has been structured to demonstrate a progression of knowledge and skills and ensures that children can build on their understanding, as each new concept and skill is taught with opportunities for children to revisit skills and knowledge as they progress through school.

Children become digitally literate and are ready to confidently use technology at home and at school. We believe it is a skill that empowers, and one that all pupils should be aware of and develop competence in. Pupils who can think computationally are better able to create, understand and use computer-based technology, and so are better prepared for today’s world and future.

Evidence of progression in computing is collected in individual Computing Portfolios which are split into the three core strands: computational thinking, digital literacy and information technology.  We have also added an additional section called ‘Cross Curricular’ so that evidence of computing can be seen in other areas of the curriculum. We believe that when assessing computing it is important to look for evidence of knowledge of understanding as well as technical skills. Asking pupils to talk about what they have learned as well as showing the work they have completed, provide important evidence of learning. We assess through observation of work on tasks, contribution to class discussion and peer discussions.

After the implementation of our computing scheme, pupils should leave school equipped with a range of skills to enable them to succeed in their secondary education and be active participants in the ever-increasing digital world.

The expected impact of following the computing scheme of work is that children will:

• Be critical thinkers and able to understand how to make informed and appropriate digital choices in the future.
• Understand the importance that computing will have going forward in both their educational and working life and in their social and personal futures.
• Understand how to balance time spent on technology and time spent away from it in a healthy and appropriate manner.
• Understand that technology helps to showcase their ideas and creativity. They will know that different types of software and hardware can help them achieve a broad variety of artistic and practical aims.
• Show a clear progression of technical skills across all areas of the National curriculum - computer science, information technology and digital literacy.
• Be able to use technology both individually and as part of a collaborative team.
• Be aware of online safety issues and protocols and be able to deal with any problems in a responsible and appropriate manner
• Have an awareness of developments in technology and have an idea of how current technologies work and relate to one another.
• Meet the end of key stage expectations outlined in the National curriculum for Computing.