Computing at Dussindale

Intent

At Cavell, we want our pupils to be MASTERS of technology and not slaves to it. 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 creators not consumers and our broad curriculum encompassing computer science, information technology and digital literacy reflects this. We want our pupils to understand that there is always a choice with using technology and as a school we utilise technology to model positive use.

We recognise that the best prevention for a lot of issues we currently see with technology/social media is through education. 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 now and in the future. 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 skilful computer scientists.

Our Computing Curriculum uses substantive concepts (our ‘Big Ideas’) as the basis for supporting pupils to form a computing schema (a conceptual system for understanding knowledge). Children’s schema is strengthened through knowledge and connections deepen through tasks. Knowledge is sequenced and mapped in a coherent format so that pupils make meaningful connections.

The expectation is that, by the end of primary school, children will know and understand these key elements of ‘Working as a computer scientist or computer engineer’ to give them a solid foundation to enter the Computing Curriculum curriculum at KS3.

Implementation

At Cavell, we are implementing the Teach Computing Curriculum, which has been created by subject experts, using the latest pedagogical research and teacher feedback. By implementing this Government funded resource, we aim to prepare our pupils for KS3, KS4 and beyond.

Children’s computing curriculum journey at Cavell, will encompass:

Algorithms
Computing systems
Creating media
Data and information
Design and development
Effective use of tools
Impact of technology
Networks
Programming
Safety and security

To find out more about this scheme of work, visit https://teachcomputing.org/curriculum

The aim of our computing curriculum is that all children will develop the traits necessary to be responsible digital citizens; become effective coders and users of technology. These are outlined below:

Competence in programming for a variety of practical and inventive purposes, including the application of ideas within other subjects.

The ability to connect with others safely, respectfully, understanding the need to act within the law and with moral and ethical integrity

An understanding of the connected nature of devices.

The ability to create media and communicate ideas by using applications and devices throughout the curriculum.

The ability to collect, organise and manipulate data effectively.

Our Teach Computing Curriculum sits alongside our Life Learning (RSHE) Curriculum and every lesson incorporates an element of online safety.

The Computing Curriculum also links with English (speaking and listening, reading and writing), maths (geometry and data handling), science and art.

Impact

The way pupils showcase, share, celebrate and publish their work will best show the impact of our curriculum. We also look for evidence through reviewing pupil’s knowledge and skills digitally through tools like Google Drive; teacher observations and/ or questioning.

Progress of our computing curriculum is demonstrated through outcomes and the record of coverage in the process of achieving these outcomes: If visiting the school, you would best see this evidenced through displays, conversations with pupils and teachers and observations of pupils in their lessons. This may also be evidenced through photographs or work created by the pupils. For our youngest children, individual observations are continuously made and these are added to children’s online learning journeys using Class Dojo. Formative assessment will be conducted by teaching staff during lessons through observations and short tasks/exercises.

Click on the image to try some of these activities and enjoy practising your computing skills!

This map shows the progressive journey children at Cavell follow- using the Teach Computing Curriculum.

It also shows how this might be further supported moving into KS3.

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 our learners to discuss, reflect and appreciate the impact computing has on their learning, development and well being.

Finding the right balance with technology is key to an effective education and a healthy lifestyle. We feel the way we implement computing helps children realise the need for the right balance and one they can continue to build on in their next stage of education and beyond. We encourage regular discussions between staff and pupils to best embed and understand this. For those pupils that require extra support or guidance, teaching staff scaffold learning so that all pupils can be successful.

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