Computing

Intent

At Barlby Bridge, we value Computing as an important part of the children’s entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum. Our intent is to develop confident and independent individuals, who will be prepared in becoming active participants in a digital world. We believe in a high quality, hands-on Computing education, that equips pupils to use computational thinking (the ability to solve problems in a logical and collaborative way) and creativity to understand and change the world we live in.

The three main areas of our Computing curriculum are: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy, with Computer Science existing at the core. Our curriculum aims to enable the pupils to thrive particularly in Computer Science.

Barlby Bridge understands the importance of Digital Literacy. As we move forward into a modern society where everyday life is shaped by technology, we endeavour to provide our children with opportunities to use and express themselves, and develop their ideas through information and communication technology. Being digitally literate means that pupils, wherever they start in life, will have experience of high-quality cultural education and will be suitably skilled for the workplace and adult life.

Implementation

To ensure high standards of teaching and learning in Computing at Barlby Bridge, we implement a Computing curriculum in line with 2014 Primary National Curriculum requirements for KS1, KS2 and the Foundation Stage Curriculum in England. This provides a broad framework and outlines the knowledge and skills taught in each key stage.

The progression model we use is broken down into three strands- Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy:

• Computer Science underlines the knowledge and skills relating to programming, coding, algorithms and computational thinking.

• Information Technology underlines the knowledge and skills relating to communication, multimedia and data representation and handling.

• Digital Literacy underlines the knowledge and skills relating to online safety and technology uses, all of which are taught both combined and discreetly.

To deliver the curriculum, we use and follow the Purple Mash scheme of work from EYFS – Year 6. This ensures consistency and progression throughout the school. Lessons are broken down into weekly sessions that make up a unit. One or two units are taught per half-term. Every Computing skill is taught practically, allowing pupils to be hands-on in Computing lessons. Units cover a broad range of Computing components such as coding, spreadsheets, internet and email, databases, communication networks, touch typing, animation and online safety.

Teachers at Barlby Bridge also develop computing capability through core and foundation subjects outside of the discrete lessons. Computing naturally has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, as well as feeding into other subjects for research-based tasks and digital artwork. Computing should be incorporated into work for other subjects using a range of resources where needed. Purple Mash has an online portal of age-appropriate software, games and activities, as well as topic materials to support the children’s learning. Pupils are also encouraged to use platforms outside of the Purple Mash scheme. Applications such as Microsoft Word/PowerPoint/Excel are regularly used. Safe search engines, such as Kidrex/Kiddle, as well as websites such as Hour of Code and Bitesize can be seen used in school.

Impact

Our biggest aim in Computing is that ultimately, our children leave Barlby Bridge equipped, not only with the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively for their own benefit, but more importantly, safely.  After the implementation of this curriculum, we hope for our children to be confident, competent users of IT, who can show understanding of the concepts of computer science, including logic, algorithms and data representation. The impact of each pupils’ Computing journey will assist them in being able to analyse problems in computational terms and become digitally literate. As pupils develop more confidence in these skills, they will transfer and help improve other parts of their lives; skills such as problem-solving, logical thinking and self-evaluation can all thrive from activities practiced in Computing. Through our frequent coaching on e-safety, we hope to impact our children’s understanding of the importance in finding the right balance with technology; this is key to an effective education and a healthy life-style.

As stated in our vision, Barlby Bridge believes in a high quality, hands-on Computing education, that equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world we live in. To support us in achieving this, we follow the Purple Mash scheme, which ensures our pupils build upon the key knowledge and skills required in the National Curriculum cumulatively, empowering them to be ready for the next stage.

Purple Mash is utilised across school in many areas of the curriculum due to their:

"Award-winning computing tools

Much-loved tools and activities to teach every aspect of the computing curriculum."

To find out more about PurpleMash, click on their website, here.

Computing and safeguarding go hand in hand, and we provide a huge focus on internet safety in and outside of the classroom. Our whole school approach to e-safety ensures that children are taught how to stay safe online, both in and outside of school. It is an exciting time for pupils, but it also creates challenges and dangers. It is our duty to teach them how to conduct themselves in a respectable manner online.

For more information on how we promote online safety in school, click here.