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Computing
Why do we teach Computing?
We follow the National Curriculum for Computing in England
“A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.”
- The National Curriculum Sept 2013
At Rowanfield Junior School, we believe Computing and ICT are curriculum areas which have developed quite rapidly over the last decade. Computer literacy is essential to help our pupils understand present-day skills and we are delighted to offer a curriculum which ensures all pupils are given the opportunities to be computer literate by the time they transition to KS2 and Secondary School. Whilst computing itself isn’t a specific focus on the Early Years Framework, technology and problem solving are fundamental elements. From these earliest beginnings, Rowanfield Junior School pupils go on to enjoy lessons on programming, coding, creating media, understanding networks and learning how to start safe on the internet (E-Safety) throughout their KS2 journey.
All pupils at Rowanfield Junior School have the right to have rich, deep learning experiences that balance all the aspects of computing. With technology playing such a significant role in society today, we believe ‘computational thinking’ is a skill every child must be taught if they are to be able to participate effectively and safely in this digital world.
A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems.
What do we teach in Computing?
At Rowanfield Junior School, pupils use technology to create digital content, and to communicate their ideas in a wide range of contexts. They analyse problems and have practical experiences of writing computer programs in order to solve these problems. Pupils are introduced to a wide range of computer software and coding programmes as well as developing computational skills, such as logic, algorithms and data representation.
The school provides pupils with a wide range of technology, including, laptops, tablets, Bee-Bots and spheros, allowing them to continually practice and improve the skills they learn. This ensures they become digitally literate so that they are able to express themselves and develop their ideas through information and computing technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
With technology playing a significant role in society, it is vital that we teach pupils to become safe and effective digital users. At Rowanfield Junior School, we are committed to teaching pupils how to technology safely and with respect for others in order to prepare them to become confident and independent users of technology.
Our Computing curriculum is high quality, well thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression. Pupils at Rowanfield Junior School, enjoy computing lessons and have opportunities to succeed in a wide variety of digital tasks. If pupils are keeping up with the curriculum, they are deemed to be making good or better progress. In addition, we measure the impact of our curriculum by:
- pupils analysing problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems;
- pupils evaluating and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, to solve problems;
- pupils being responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology;
- pupils understanding how to keep themselves safe online and how to seek help and support if they experience any dangers.
We teach a curriculum that enables pupils to become effective users of technology who:
- are competent and confident users of IT and can use different devices to achieve a goal, including to support their wider learning.
- can recall prior knowledge and use suitable technical vocabulary to articulate their explanations
- is able to talk effectively about problem solving, reasoning and logic and use computational thinking strategies to support this
- is able to select and use different programmes and technologies to support their learning and show resilience in their approaches
- loves Computing and is able to share their enthusiasm with others
- is fully equipped for the challenges of everyday life, adapting to technological advances and preparing them for the world of work.
- knows how to stay safe online and can be discerning with their digital consumption
How do we teach Computing?
Teaching at Rowanfield Junior School is supported by 'The National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE)' and is funded by the Department for Education, where they have made significant investments in improving the provision of computing education in England. At Rowanfield Junior School, we use the ‘TeachComputing’ scheme where we aim to transform the way computing is taught to ensure all our pupils receive full curriculum coverage. As part of this scheme teachers have access to a rich range of resources, including:
- a cycle of lessons for each subject, which carefully plan for progression and depth;
- all resources and programmes needed to deliver these lessons;
- a knowledge organiser which outlines knowledge all pupils must master within a unit;
- key vocabulary and linking definitions;
- challenging questions for pupils to apply their learning in a philosophical/open manner;
- comprehensive range of tools including: iPads, BeeBots and laptops.
- cross-curricular activities
E-Safety
An important thread of E-Safety runs through all learning linked with technology and being online. Pupils at Rowanfield, use the internet on a regular basis as part of the learning, Technology enhances learning, and we at Rowanfield want to ensure pupils get the most from it, by encouraging behaviour online which falls in line with our school value of ‘Duty’. In school, we use a filtering system to prevent pupils accessing inappropriate sites. We also have regular E-Safety assemblies, lessons in PSHCE and lesson starters to remind all pupils of the importance of keeping themselves safe online. The SuperCAT (Check, Ask, Tell) approach used across al GLA schools is well embedded at Rowanfield, where pupils are taught what actions they can take to keep themselves safe online.
We have further page on our website dedicated to E-Safety available - Click Here
Gallery
What are the assessment end points in Computing?
Computing Curriculum End Points