Computing

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Computing: Intent, Implementation and Impact

Intent:

Technology is everywhere and will play a pivotal part in students’ lives. Therefore, we want to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely.

We want our pupils to be creative. Our broad curriculum encompasses computer science, information technology and digital literacy reflects this.

Building our knowledge in this subject will allow pupils to effectively demonstrate their learning through creative use of technology. We recognise that technology can allow pupils to share their learning in creative ways. We also understand the accessibility opportunities technology can provide for our pupils.

Our knowledge-rich curriculum has to be balanced with the opportunity for pupils to apply their knowledge creatively which will in turn help our pupils become proficient in computing.

 

Implementation

When teaching computing, we equip children with the skills required to use computers effectively to enable them to maximise their potential. To do so, we deploy teaching strategies through the Purple Mash scheme of work that promotes resilience, independence, critical thinking, communication skills and problem solving.

At Temple Grove Academy, each class allocates a computing curriculum time. Computing lessons are broken down into weekly units, usually with one to two units taught per half-term. Repetition of a unit across different year groups does not mean pupils are repeating an activity, it simply means pupils are building on established key skills whilst also embedding previous concepts. Units are practical and engaging and allow computing lessons to be hands-on. Units cover a broad range of computing components such as coding, spreadsheets, internet and email, databases, communication networks, touch typing, animation and online safety.

Children will be taught to:

  • Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts.
  • Use sequence, selection and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output; generate appropriate inputs and predicted outputs to test programs.
  • Use logical reasoning to explain how a simple algorithm works and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs.
  • Understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world-wide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration.
  • Describe how internet search engines find and store data; use search engines effectively; be discerning in evaluating digital content; respect individuals and intellectual property; use technology responsibly, securely and safely.
  • Select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating, and presenting data and information.

Teachers should ensure that ICT and computing capability is also achieved through all other subject areas and where appropriate and necessary ICT and computing should be incorporated into work for all subjects using our wide range of interactive ICT resources.

Pupils at Temple Grove Academy are encouraged to engage with ICT and technology outside of school. Each teacher and pupil at TGA has their own unique Purple Mash login and password. Computing work can be stored and saved using pupil log in details and homework or ‘2do’s’ can also be set for pupils to access and complete tasks at home that link with their current class learning.

Impact

We encourage our children to enjoy and value the curriculum we deliver. We will constantly ask the why behind their learning and not just the how. We want learners to discuss, reflect and appreciate the impact computing has on their learning, development and wellbeing.

Our Computing Curriculum is progressive and builds on key skills in the different computational components. If children are keeping up with the curriculum, they are deemed to be making good or better progress.

When our pupils leave in year 6 they will:

  • Be responsible and safe whilst using the internet and other social media platforms.
  • Equipped for the continuous changes in technologies.
  • Have the independence and confidence to select the best tool to fulfil their task or challenge.
  • Computational thinkers.
  • Use logical reasoning to explain how a simple algorithm works.