Computing

Intent

At Gosford Park our computing curriculum aims to provide pupils with the skills and knowledge to fully participate in the continually developing digital world. We focus on providing creative opportunities and experiences so we can develop the skills necessary for children to be able to use information in a discreet and effective way. We want pupils to know, remember and understand more in computing so that they leave primary school computer literate. We teach skills explicitly within computing and encourage them to be applied across other curriculum subjects, enabling children to be confident, creative and independent learners. By using a rich, broad, up to date curriculum pupils are provided with the opportunity to embrace and use technology in a safe, positive and responsible way. Staying safe online is of the upmost importance and is an area that we prioritise to all our pupils and our computing curriculum equips pupils with the appropriate skills to navigate the digital world safely.

We have a dedicated website page on Online Safety

Computing Curriculum Overview

Progression of Computing Skills

Implementation

As Computing is a statutory subject, all classes teach and learn 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 have access to Mini Mash and 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.

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 folders where pupils save work to include and it is shared with their peers to assess and discuss. 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. 

We measure the impact of our curriculum through the following methods: 

  • Learning walks and staff discussions
  • Scrutiny of digital portfolios/Assessment
  • Pupil discussions about their learning; which includes discussion of their thoughts, ideas, processing and evaluations of work. 

 

What is digital literacy?  There are a number of definitions, however, a strong definition is that it is the ability to creatively and critically use digital tools and technologies to express yourself, research, communicate, collaborate and share.  At Gosford Park we give opportunities for children to develop and refine computer life skills such as typing, word processing, data handling, creating and editing pictures, as well as creative computing skills to help them make their own movies, animations, create comics, compose music and more!

Coding – Computers are amazing, but they can’t think for themselves (yet!). They require people to give them instructions. Coding is a list of step-by-step instructions that get computers/robots to do what you want them to do. Coding makes it possible for us to create computer software, games, apps and websites.

Coders, or programmers, are people who write the programmes behind everything we see and do on a computer. When children learn to code, it helps them to develop essential skills such as problem solving, logic and critical thinking. Through coding, children can learn that there’s often more than one way to solve a problem, and that simpler and more efficient solutions are often better. Learning to code encourages children to become creators, not just consumers, of the technology they use.

Useful links:

School Podcast
Gosford Gaming Club
Purple Mash
KS1 Computing
KS2 Computing
Scratch
Arcade: Makecode
Micro:bit
MIT App Inventor
Blockly Games
Hour Of Code
Make It: Technobabble game maker
Webwise
UK Safer Internet Centre
Oak Academy

Gosford Park Primary School
Humber Avenue,
Stoke,
Coventry,
CV1 2SF (if using a satnav, use postcode CV1 2DD) 
Tel. 02476 223281  
Email: enquiries@gosfordpark.coventry.sch.uk

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