Computing at Phoenix Community Primary School

Intent

When planning and teaching Computing at Phoenix Community Primary School, we believe that it is an essential part of the curriculum; a subject that not only stands alone but is woven and should be an integral part of all learning. Computing, in general, is a significant part of
everyone’s daily life and children should be at the forefront of new technology, with a thirst for learning what is out there. Computing within schools can therefore provide a wealth of learning opportunities and transferable skills explicitly within the Computing lesson and
across other curriculum subjects.

We use a range of cloud based learning tools and resources that celebrates the achievements of the whole person, to reach their maximum potential, where children flourish and are all actively engaged in an e-confident environment. Empowering home-school and wider community involvement for all pupils to have equality of opportunity.

Through the study of Computing, children will be able to develop a wide range of fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding that will actually equip them for the rest of their life. Computers and technology are such a part of everyday life that our children would be at a disadvantage would they not be exposed to a thorough and robust Computing curriculum. Children must be taught ‘Computational Thinking’ in order to provide them essential knowledge that will enable them to participate effectively and safely in the digital world beyond our gates.

Implementation

In Key Stage 1, the children will learn to understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices. They will be shown how to use a range of technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content as well as recognise common uses of information technology beyond school. They will be taught to use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.

In Key Stage 2 the children will design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems. They will use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs, use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and correct errors in programs. Children will be taught to understand computer networks, including the internet, and the opportunities they offer for communication. They will use search technologies effectively and be discerning in evaluating digital content. Children will be taught to select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals. They will use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

Even our children in Early Years provision will be exposed to the understanding of internet safety as they explore the world around them and how technology is an everyday part of their learning and understanding of the world.

Online safety is an integral part of our Computing curriculum from EYFS to Y6 and is an expectation of our safe behaviours online for our children.

Impact

After the implementation of this robust Computing curriculum, children at Phoenix will be digitally literate, with purpose and enjoyment, able to join the rest of the world on its digital platform. They will be equipped, not only with the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively and for their own benefit, but more importantly – safely. The biggest impact we want on our children is that they understand the consequences of using the internet and that they are also aware of how to keep themselves safe online.

As children become more confident in their abilities in Computing they are able to evaluate the benefits of technology and its impact on society. They will become more independent and develop key life skills such as problem-solving, logical thinking and self-evaluation become second nature.

Computing Progression Map