Computing
Statement of Intent
At Pratts Bottom, our vision for a high-quality Computing education is one which prepares pupils to embrace new challenges in a world where technology is changing at an ever increasing pace. We aspire for our pupils to not just be mere consumers of digital content but also creators and innovators who produce their own digital content, either independently or collaboratively.
Understanding the logic of sequencing in algorithms and debugging, which are taught in Computer Science, develop pupils’ problem solving across the curriculum. As pupils progress, their growing knowledge of how to use information technology to create a range of media should help them to understand how devices and software can enhance their learning and equip them with skills which will contribute to their future success.
The safety and well-being of our pupils is paramount. Therefore, whilst acknowledging the numerous benefits technology has to offer, we promote a healthy relationship with digital devices. Lessons are planned to build pupils’ digital literacy and confidence with a range of programmes so they can express their ideas digitally and communicate with others. An integral part of this is sharing advice about good practice online, in dedicated e-safety lessons (outlined by the National Online Safety hub). Our curriculum supports the key aims of the government’s Internet Safety Strategy (Digital Literacy / UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) framework) of supporting children to stay safe and make a positive contribution online, as well enabling teachers to develop effective strategies for understanding and handling online risks. This in turn, supports pupils to make informed decisions about their actions on a range of online platforms and how to stay safe online, as well as understand the risks involved.
Implementation:
Here at Pratts Bottom Primary School, we use a wide range of technical resources across the whole curriculum, as well as in dedicated computing lesson. Through-out a pupil's time here, they will become familiar with a range of software, revisiting particular programmes with increasingly complex challenges and coding requirements. These units of work are structured around the programme of study as outlined in the National Curriculum 2014, with a focus on digital literacy as well as coding ability.
Our vast range of resources enables the children to feel confident with the basic principles of computing, including the use of algorithms, sequencing, debugging and the use of digital content, which form the foundation for computing beyond the primary curriculum. Children also have the opportunity to explore a range of physical hardware such as computer chips and programme motors and LED lighting.
As a school we have invested in technology which acts to both enrich and support children's learning across the curriculum. Our Chrome Books provide children with access to assistive technology throughout the day for small groups or individuals so that they can access and achieve in their learning at all times. Our wide range of apps play a huge roll in this, including Clickr docs for typing extended pieces of writing. Teachers' use of interactive whiteboards as part of daily lessons bring lessons to life, as well as supporting visually learners, with buff backgrounds and blue text used as common practice to help reduce the visual strain on pupils, in particular dyslexic children.
Pratts Bottom Primary School is part of the London Grid for Learning consortium and makes good use of the opportunities this provides. Our ‘Virtual Learning Environment’ incorporates ultra-secure, Safemail e-accounts for all pupils. This facility enables them to share work between home and school and to communicate effectively within an ‘anytime – anywhere’ learning environment. Thus our children are well prepared for the working practices of the 21st century.
At every possible opportunity teachers discuss with their class how to stay safe online, with a whole school focus on Safer Internet Day in February. This day is an opportunity for the children to share how they use the Internet in their every day life and discuss the actions they can take to be happy and safe online.
As outlined in Online Safety Policy, if ever a children feels uncomfortable while online they are advised to immediately turn off their screen and report it to an adult who can investigate and record the incident. This policy is shared with the children regularly.
Further information can be found on our Online Safety page for parents.
Primary Computing National Curriculum