Computing at Bolton

Subject Lead: Debbie Tinkler (Since September 2020)

Monitoring Governor: Marilyn Tinkler (Since September 2021)

Intent

We offer a structured sequence of lessons on a unit, helping teachers to ensure that they have covered the skills required to meet the aims of the National Curriculum. The content allows for a broad, deep understanding of computing and how it links to children’s lives. It offers a range of opportunities for consolidation, challenge and variety. This allows children to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science. They develop analytical problem-solving skills and learn to evaluate and apply information technology. It also enables them to become responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information technology. This progression of skills helps teachers to monitor learning and the successful acquisition of skills; the two-year plan indicates areas of IT/computing that are not covered in discreet Computing lessons and these will be planned into other areas of the curriculum. At our school we want pupils to be masters of technology and not slaves to it. Technology is everywhere and will play a pivotal part in students' lives. Therefore, we want to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely. We want our pupils to be creators not consumers and our broad curriculum encompassing computer science, information technology and digital literacy reflects this. We want our pupils to understand that there is always a choice with using technology and as a school we utilise technology (especially social media) to model positive use. We recognise that the best prevention for a lot of issues we currently see with technology/social media is through education. Building our knowledge in this subject will allow pupils to effectively demonstrate their learning through creative use of technology

We recognise that technology can allow pupils to share their learning in creative ways. We also understand the accessibility opportunities technology can provide for our pupils. Our knowledge rich curriculum has to be balanced with the opportunity for pupils to apply their knowledge creatively which will in turn help our pupils become skilful computer scientists. We encourage staff to try and embed computing across the whole curriculum to make learning creative and accessible. We

want our pupils to be fluent with a range of tools to best express their understanding and hope by Upper Key Stage 2, children have the independence and confidence to choose the best tool to fulfil the task and challenge set by teachers.

Implementation

Through the D.A.R.E.S. scheme, each lesson contains revision, analysis and problem solving. Through the sequence of lessons and medium-term plans, we intend to inspire pupils to develop a love of the digital world, see its place in their future and give teachers confidence. These are taught on a two-year program (Y1/2, Y3/4 and Y5/6). Cross curricular links are also important in supporting other areas of learning. Our lesson plans and resources help children to build on prior knowledge at the same time as introducing new skills and challenges. In KS1, the focus is on developing the use of algorithms, programming and how technology can be used safely and purposefully. In KS2, lessons still focus on developing the use of algorithms, programming and coding but in a more complex way and for different purposes. Children also develop their knowledge of computer networks, internet services and the safe and purposeful use of the internet and technology. Data handling is featured more heavily in UKS2. Skills learnt through KS1 and LKS2 are used to support data presentation. Assessments are carried out throughout the unit, so staff can feel confident in the progression of skills and knowledge and that outcomes have been met. We encourage that key words are displayed and the use of Knowledge organisers, where appropriate, showing the progression of specific language involved in children’s learning so that teachers can also assess understanding and progress through vocabulary.

Impact

Learning in computing will be enjoyed across the school. Teachers will have high expectations and quality evidence will be presented through the use of Seesaw Online learning journeys, which will include samples of work from sessions and pupil and teacher comments. Children will use digital and technological vocabulary accurately, alongside a progression in their technical skills. They will be confident using a range of hardware and software and will produce high-quality purposeful products. Children will see the digital world as part of their world, extending beyond school, and understanding that they have choices to make. They will be confident and respectful digital citizens going on to lead happy and healthy digital lives.

We encourage our children to enjoy and value the curriculum we deliver. We will constantly ask the why behind their learning and not just the how. We want learners to discuss, reflect and appreciate the impact computing has on their learning, development and well-being. Finding the right balance with technology is key to an effective education and a healthy life-style. We feel the way we implement computing helps children realise the need for the right balance and one they can continue to build on in their next stage of education and beyond. We encourage regular discussions between staff and pupils to best embed and understand this. The way pupils’ showcase, share, celebrate and publish their work will best show the impact of our curriculum. We also look for evidence through reviewing pupil’s knowledge and skills digitally through tools like Google Drive/Google Classroom and Seesaw and observing learning regularly. Progress of our computing curriculum is demonstrated through outcomes and the record of coverage in the process of achieving these outcomes.

Please see our Computing at Bolton document below for more information, including our policy, progression of skills and long term plans.