Computing
“We need technology in every classroom and in every student and teacher’s hand, because it is the pen and paper of our time, and it is the lens through which we experience much of our world.” – David Warlick
Our OVPA Computing Intent
At OVPA, we understand that technology has revolutionised the way we live, learn and work. It is for that reason we believe children should be fully equipped for their futures and so we believe Computing should be both a stand alone subject and integrated into the whole curriculum. We want our children to be Masters of technology but not slaves to it. We want them to understand the vast positives technology can bring and be able to use it responsibly, positively and safely. We want our children to have an experience of many digital tools and by the time they leave Year 6 be able to select a digital tool appropriate to the task.
We recognise that online safety education is a whole school matter and goes well beyond the computing curriculum alone, therefore, our teaching of framework objectives will come in many forms, for example, through discrete online safety, PSHE or RSHE lessons, as well as other curriculum areas, pastoral interactions, home learning, assemblies and special events. With this approach, it is our intention that pupils will build resilience and develop safe and appropriate behaviours online, which in turn will lead to positive online experiences.
At OVPA we use the Purple Mash scheme of work to deliver our computing curriculum. It aligns with 2014 Primary National Curriculum requirements for KS1 and KS2 and the Foundation Stage Curriculum in England. This provides a broad framework and outlines the knowledge and skills taught in each key stage. We use and follow the Purple Mash scheme of work from Year 1-6, ensuring consistency and progression throughout the school.
Computing teaching will deliver these requirements through our half-termly units, with lessons taught weekly. Our Computing progression model is broken down into three strands that make up the computing curriculum. These are 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 covered whether combined or discreetly.
Underpinning the whole curriculum and creating sequencing from EYFS through to Year 6 are the computing concepts of PROGRAMMING, DATA and INFORMATION, CREATING MEDIA and COMPUTING SYSTEMS and NETWORKS.
In addition to their computing lessons we ensure that Computing is embedded in our whole school curriculum and that opportunities for enhancing learning by using technology are always taken.