Subject Leader did a quick survey of what has happened so far in Computing:
Y3
Autumn Term (Keyboard Skills)
Google Familiarisation/Logging in etc
E-Safety
Learning Journals (abandoned as too tricky for Y3)
Typing.com
Stop Frame animation (NCCE/adapted)
Spring Term
Publishing (formatting/inserting images - English linked)
Data & Information - Databases - J2data (NCCE)
Programming A - Sequencing Sounds - Scratch (NCCE)
Y4
Autumn Term
Keyboard/Publishing linked to English)
Spring Term
Christmas Card - Vector Drawing
Systems & Networks - ‘The Internet’ inc E-Safety
Creating Media - Audio Production - Vocaroo
Y5
Autumn Term
System & Networks - Systems & Searching (in folders in trays)
Christmas Card - Vector Drawing
Creating Media - Vector Drawings - Chocolate Bar
Spring Term
Creating Media - Video Prod (in Canva accounts - linked to English)
Programming A - Physical Programming - Crumble Controllers
Y6
Autumn Term
Systems & Networks - communication (on GC)
Christmas Card - Vector Drawing
Programming A - Scratch
Spring Term
Creating Media B - 3D modelling (TinkerCad)
Creating Media A - Website design - Google Site (History linked)
Learning walks have been challenging this year as all Computing has been taught by the Computing Subject Lead. However, one observation was made during a Y3 lesson on branching databases.
The following is a reflection of the Computing Subject Lead, who, during the 2021/22 academic year, taught Computing across the whole school.
Planning
All lessons are delivered using the NCCE schemes of work and resources. All lesson slides and resources are added to Google Classroom.
Strengths: solid evidence based content that ensures good progression and NC coverage.
Challenges: Because Computing has been taught in isolation, the chn have not really had time to consolidate their learning by using it in the wider curriculum (it is simply delivered as a 40 minute block, once a week)
Supporting -ARE
This is done entirely through teacher support. teaching resources are included in Google Classroom so that slides can be referred back to by pupils, if necessary.
Strengths: High expectations and a plethora of evidence of learning (almost all learning happens through Google Classroom, and can be monitored during the lesson). Supporting materials available for all that need them.
Challenges: Systems in place are not yet robust enough to quickly identify patterns of attainment/engagement.
Assessment
A variety of assessment systems have been trialled, each has been proven to be over-complicated, or not useful. This has led to assessments being based on broad, general judgements rather than more informed 'in the moment', accurate formative assessments.
This is partly due to the short amount of time that most classes have for Computing (most have 40 min lesson) which has led to some learning being rushed. This an area that is high priority for 2022/23, when lesson length will not be a barrier.
Engagement
Classes generally engage well in the subject (See Pupil Voice), though some pupils need regular support to not use their computers while teaching is happening.
Where possible teaching is made snappy so that the children can get onto their devices quickly, with the teacher pulling the brakes only when learning issues are identified.
Children often have the opportunity to 'be curious' and develop their learning at a greater depth.