Computing
Welcome to Computing at St Anne's!
Intent
At St Anne’s school we want pupils to be masters of technology. It is everywhere and will play a pivotal part in their lives. We want to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely. We want our pupils to be creators not consumers and our broad curriculum encompassing computer science, information technology and digital literacy reflects this. We will strive to ensure that pupils learn to view social media positively as we recognise that the best prevention for a lot of issues we currently see with technology/social media is through education. At St Anne’s school we recognise that technology can allow pupils to share their learning in creative ways. Our knowledge rich curriculum is balanced with the opportunity for pupils to apply their knowledge creatively which will in turn help our pupils become skilful computer scientists.
Implementation
On-line safety will be woven into the teaching of each unit as we recognise that the use of technology has become a significant component of many safeguarding issues (KCSIE 2021). At St Anne’s we follow the ‘Teach Computing’ units of learning, a government recognised scheme. Our lesson content ensures a balanced coverage of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. The children will have experiences of all three strands in each year group, but the subject knowledge imparted becomes increasingly specific and in depth, with more complex skills being taught, thus ensuring that learning is built upon. Examples include programming simple quizzes in KS1 to programming events and actions in KS2. Knowledge and skills are mapped across each topic and year group to ensure systematic progression. We have a range of devices available for the children to use including class sets of iPads, Chromebooks and laptops. The children also have use of digital cameras, interactive whiteboards and programmable devices such as ‘Beebots’ for our younger children. Our equipment is used in our discreet computing lessons but also within the wider curriculum. Across the wider curriculum St Anne’s School focus on the precise use of vocabulary. On-line safety will be woven into the teaching of each unit as we recognise that the use of technology has become a significant component of many safeguarding issues (KCSIE 2021).
Impact
We encourage our children to enjoy and value the curriculum we deliver. At St Anne’s School, we want learners to discuss, reflect and appreciate the impact computing has on their learning, development and well-being. Finding the right balance with technology is key to an effective education and a healthy life-style. We feel the way we implement computing helps children realise the need for the right balance and one they can continue to build on in their next stage of education and beyond. 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 also look for evidence through children’s self- assessment at the end of each unit of learning and by reviewing pupil’s knowledge and skill.