Mattersey Primary School
Computing
“Computing is not about computers any more. It is about living.”
– Nicholas Negroponte
Key Documents:
Computing Progression Document EYFS to Year 6
Computing Curriculum Overview Whole School
Intent
At Mattersey Primary School we offer a structured sequence of learning, helping teachers to ensure they have covered the skills required to meet the aims of the National Curriculum for computing in our mixed age classes, and ensuring that pupils enjoy their learning in this subject. We promote our key drivers in this subject- these are the things that Matter at Mattersey. We expect all of our pupils to develop and uphold them personally, as well as in their learning:
Respect, Independence, Confidence, Kindness, Resilience, Honesty, Teamwork, Perseverance, Curiosity and Enthusiasm
The content of our curriculum allows for a broad, deep understanding of computing and how it links to children’s lives. It offers a range of opportunities for consolidation, challenge and variety. This allows children to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science. They develop analytical problem-solving skills and learn to evaluate and apply information technology. It also enables them to become safe, responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information technology.
Our units of study cover the areas of:
- Computer Science- coding and programming
- Information Technology- Multimedia; text and images, sound and motion, Handling data
- Digital Literacy- Technology in our lives, Online Safety
Implementation
We follow a broad and balanced computing curriculum that covers the National Curriculum programme of study and builds on previous learning, providing both support and challenge for our learners. We follow a computing scheme (Twinkl) that ensures progression of skills and covers all aspects of the Computing curriculum and is planned in a two year cycle for EYFS/Key Stage 1 and a four year cycle for Key Stage 2. Each lesson contains revision, analysis and problem-solving. Through the sequence of lessons, we intend to inspire pupils to develop a love of the digital world, see its place in their future and give teachers confidence. Cross-curricular links are also important in supporting other areas of learning.
We help children to build on prior knowledge at the same time as introducing new skills and challenges. In KS1, the focus is on developing the use of algorithms, programming and how technology can be used safely and purposefully. In KS2, lessons still focus on algorithms, programming and coding but in a more complex way and for different purposes. Children also develop their knowledge of computer networks, internet services and the safe and purposeful use of the internet and technology. Data Handling is featured more heavily in key stage 2. Skills learnt through KS1 and are used to support data presentation. We offer support for teachers in developing their own subject knowledge through appropriate CPD and resources. We also use end-of-unit assessments, enabling staff to feel confident in the progression of skills and knowledge and that outcomes have been met. Key vocabulary is included in our progression documents to show the progression of specific language involved in children’s learning.
Classes will not always have a weekly scheduled computing lesson each week, but will be taught computing alongside other curriculum subjects, where appropriate, as a discrete subject as well as within the topic of learning.
Children will have individuals logins and will be able to save and store their work for reference and assessment.
We want to ensure that computing is embedded in our whole school curriculum and that opportunities for enhancing learning by using technology are always taken. For example, developing digital skills through Art. We also support Safer Internet Day and use as many opportunities as possible to teach Online safety through assemblies and across the curriculum, as well as in computing lessons.
Impact
Learning in computing will be enjoyed across the school. Teachers will have high expectations and quality evidence will be presented in a variety of forms. Children will use digital and technological vocabulary accurately, alongside a progression in their technical skills. They will be confident using a range of hardware and software and will produce high-quality purposeful products.
Children will see the digital world as part of their world, extending beyond school, and understand that they have choices to make. They will be safe, confident and respectful digital citizens going on to lead happy and healthy digital lives. Our progression document outlines the impact (end points) for each year group of our Computing curriculum.
