‘Computer science empowers students to create the world of tomorrow.’

Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft

Intent- What are we trying to achieve?

At Crane Park, we aim to prepare our learners for their future by giving them the opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills that will equip them for an ever-changing digital world. Knowledge and understanding of ICT is of increasing importance for children’s future both at home and for employment. Our aim is for pupils to become creators and innovators of technology rather than just consumers.

Our Computing curriculum focuses on a progression of skills in digital literacy, computer science, information technology and online safety to ensure that children become competent in safely using, as well as understanding, technology. These strands are revisited regularly through a range of themes during children’s time in school to ensure the learning is embedded and skills are successfully developed. Our intention is that Computing also supports children’s creativity and cross curricular learning to engage children and enrich their experiences in school.

Implementation – How is the curriculum being delivered?

Our whole curriculum is shaped by our school vision which aims to enable all children, regardless of background, ability, additional needs, to flourish to become the very best version of themselves they can possibly be. We teach the National Curriculum, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression. This ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children. To ensure a broad range of skills and understanding, Computing is taught across three main strands: digital literacy, computer science and information technology.

Information technology

As part of information technology, children learn to use and express themselves and develop their ideas through ICT for example writing and presenting as well as exploring art and design using multimedia.

Digital literacy

Within digital literacy, children develop practical skills in the safe use of ICT and the ability to apply these skills to solving relevant, worthwhile problems for example understanding safe use of internet, networks and email.

Computer science

In computer science we teach children to understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation. Also, to analyse problems to computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems. We also teach a progression of Computing vocabulary to support children in their understanding. At Crane Park, we give children access to a wide range of good quality resources and provide cross curricular opportunities for children to apply their Computing knowledge and skills.

Online safety

Online safety is taught within each computing lesson as a short starter activity as well as being taught as a unit each year. Online safety procedures are communicated with all staff and parents.

Crane Park Computing Scheme of Work- Platform: Purple Mash

Impact- What difference is the curriculum making?

 The implementation of this curriculum ensures that when children leave Crane Park they are competent and safe users of ICT with an understanding of how technology works. They will have developed skills to express themselves and be creative in using digital media and be equipped to apply their skills in Computing to different challenges going forward.

If you visited a Computing lesson at Crane Park you would see:

Creativity and collaboration as pupils join together to solve problems using a range of technology to research and complete tasks. Pupils communicating their understanding as they discuss how to keep themselves safe and show their respect of others while online.

Pupil Voice

Year 1 pupil – ‘I can update my avatar on PurpleMash and keep my work safe with my

                       password’

Year 2 pupil – ‘I enjoy exploring on the iPads and solving problems.’

Year 3 pupil – ‘We can use search engines like Google to find out facts and information’.

Year 4 pupil- We use technology to do so many things, we can rehearse class songs on

                       Google Classroom and learn our times tables in a fun interactive way.’

Year 5 pupil- ‘ We can use code to create games and build useful tools using microbits’.

Year 6 pupil – ‘As a Digital Leader I like learning to be safe on the internet and then

                        helping others to be safe online’

Cultural capital

As part of Computing at Crane Park individuals from Years 2-6  have the opportunity to apply to become Digital Leaders for the duration of their time at school, developing a range of skills and taking on responsibilities to support others in the safe use of technology, becoming ambassadors for the subject at governor meetings,  and inspiring others to enhance their computing abilities and supporting the wider community carrying out surveys on the use of technology and helping parents to access online learning tools at parents’ evenings. Opportunities are also provided for pupils to explore computing as an immersive learning experience as media creators at Sky Studios.

How do the pupils at Crane Park Primary School develop the school values through Computing:

We have created a set of values that we feel are critical to becoming effective learners. We want to enable our children to be ‘lifelong learners’ by following our lifelong values:

Aspirational –develop the knowledge and problem-solving skills to become future creators and innovators of technology.

Respectful – Pupils will develop a clear understanding of acceptable an unacceptable online behaviour to ensure they are treating those they interact with online with dignity and respect.

Integrity – learning that they should use the same moral code in both their on and offline identities to ensure they remain true to themselves.

Responsible – Using computing responsibly to ensure they have a healthy balance of screen time and use technology to enhance and further develop their knowledge and skills rather than just as a consumer. Pupils will develop the online knowledge and behaviours to enable them to evaluate what they see online, recognise techniques used for persuasion, in order to Identifying online risks and know how to seek support.

Co-operative -Working with others using the 4 C’s (communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking) to explore and develop a range of projects.

Kind – Show empathy towards their peers, establishing a safe and supportive learning environment.