Computing at Whitehouse Primary
Intent
At Whitehouse Primary school, we believe that a high-quality Computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and to participate effectively and safely in this rapidly changing digital world.
At the core of our computing curriculum is computer science. Pupils are introduced to a wide range of technology, including laptops, iPads and interactive whiteboards, allowing them to continually practice and improve the computing skills they learn. Pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming.
Our curriculum is shaped by our school vision, which aims to enable all children to be recognised as a unique individuals, therefore every child’s ability to learn is underpinned by the teaching of basic skills knowledge, concepts and values that will prepare our children for life beyond primary school.
To ensure a broad range of skills and understanding, Computing is taught across three main strands: digital literacy, computer science and information technology. These skills are taught both discretely and through a cross-curricular approach when appropriate, supporting other areas of learning across the school.
Computing in Foundation Stage:
Pupils are exposed to the understanding of online safety as they explore the world around them and how technology is an everyday part of their learning and understanding of the world.
Computing in Key Stage 1:
Pupils begin to explore algorithms/programming, how too purposefully work with digital content, and recognise common uses of information technology beyond school and how to use technology safely and respectfully.
Computing In Key Stage 2:
Pupils build on their previous learning to write and debug their own programs working towards a specific goal. They are able to use logical reasoning to explain how programs work and make corrections when needed based on their understanding. Pupils are exposed to a range of computer networks that offer opportunities for communication and collaboration. Pupils will be taught to select, use and combine a variety of software on a range of digital devices to create a range of programs/content that works towards a given purpose. Across each term, pupils will work to understand further how to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; being able to recognise behaviours that are appropriate/inappropriate and understand who/where they should report issues to.
We teach the National Curriculum, supported by a clear progression of skills and knowledge built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children. Discreet vocabulary progression also forms part of the units of work.
Fundamentally, we aim to 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.
Online Safety
Online safety is an integral part of a children’s education in today’s digital world which is embedded into our curriculum. At Whitehouse, we are committed to ensuring that children and young people are able to use the internet and other technology devices appropriately and safely.
As part of computing and the wider curriculum, we effectively plan for opportunities to promote the safe use of online technologies and ensure that pupils are aware of the steps to take if they find themselves in a difficult situation. Across all year groups online safety sessions are planned to ensure that all our pupils understand how to stay safe when using technology online.
Our Computing curriculum also reinforces and encourages our Growth Mindset Learning Behaviours: pupils build resilience through their computing work and are encouraged to learn from their mistakes.
Implementation
Computing is taught every week with classes given access to the ICT suite for an hourly dedicated lesson.
What you would expect to see in a computing lesson at Whitehouse:
- Proficient users of technology who are able to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Computing hardware and software being utilised to enhance the learning outcomes of our children, across the curriculum.
- Clear progression in technical skills.
- A learning buzz as children engage in programming, instruct floor robots, prepare online safety presentations and design body confidence video campaigns.
- If needed, confident and supportive Digital Leaders who are able to assist children and staff in delivering high-quality computing sessions.
Planned opportunities also include:
- Trips and visiting experts who can enhance the children’s learning experience,
- Challenge days which incorporate learning across all areas of the curriculum,
- Liaising with professionals from the wider community including: local PCSO/NSPCC to share knowledge
- Digital leaders who work within our community at Whitehouse, to promote the teaching of computing and take on responsibilities within the wider school.
Impact:
Impact is measured through the following methods:
- Pupil discussions and interviewing the pupils about their learning (pupil voice).
- Profile of computing within school.
- Photo evidence and images of the pupil’s practical learning.
- Learning walks and reflective staff feedback (teacher voice).
- Governor monitoring with our subject computing link governor.
