Computing

Intent

Our intent is to ensure that we equip pupils with the skills, strategies and knowledge that will enable them to be digitally literate. We also want to ensure that we have confidence that the pupils of Glenthorne are able to identify dangers in the digital world. Through the curriculum, we want to ensure that pupils become responsible, competent and creative users of information and communication technology and prepare them with the skills for the future workplace allowing them to become active participants in the digital world. It is our aim that our children are responsible users of technology and can use the internet respectfully and safely.

Through our curriculum we aim to:

• Instil critical thinking, reflective learning and a ‘can do’ attitude for all our pupils.
• To understand how digital systems work and use this to design, write and debug their own programs.
• Help pupils to be able to use technology to research, collate, analyse, evaluate, share and exchange information effectively.
• To use technology to solve problems and to present content in a variety of ways. 
• Help pupils understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation.
• Equip pupils with the capability to use technology throughout their lives.
• To understand the importance of legislation regarding how digital information is used, created, organised, stored, manipulated, shared and retrieved digital content independently and confidently. 
• Have a ‘can do’ attitude when engaging with technology and its associated resources.
• Utilise computational thinking beyond the Computing curriculum and equip them with the skills to apply their knowledge to other areas of the curriculum.
• Understand and follow the SMART E-Safety rules.
• Understand the dangers of being online and know who to go to/ contact if they are in need of support.
• Ensure that children can apply their knowledge to different settings (eg. School and home).

Implementation

At Glenthorne, our computing curriculum is supplemented by the Purple Mash scheme of work, which we follow from Year 1-6. This ensures coverage of the Key Stage 1 and 2 National Curriculum statements, consistency and progression throughout the school.  This exciting platform also allows children to access a range of computer-based learning at home, enabling them to apply their learning in different contexts. Units cover a broad range of computing components such as coding, spreadsheets, Internet and Email, Databases, Communication networks, touch typing, animation and online safety.

Our curriculum is split into 4 categories:

• Computer Science – Through Purple Mash, children are able to develop their coding understanding, by building on from using logical reasoning to create and debug simple programs in Key Stage 1 to designing, writing and debugging more sophisticated code to accomplish specific goals in Key Stage 2. 
• Information Technology – Children are able to understand how to search the internet safety and effectively. They are able to evaluate information, understand website credibility and know how to keep information secure with an understanding of local and global networks. 
• Digital Literacy– Through Purple Mash, children are able to access a range of different programs and showcase their digital literacy skills. Children are able to understand how learning can be applied to real world contexts. They are able to take this learning and apply it to other areas of the curriculum.
• Online Safety – Whilst we want to encourage children to utilise all that technology has to offer, we also want to prepare children for the increasing dangers that they may face. Therefore, online safety is a crucial part of our curriculum. Alongside an Online Safety unit through pupil’s computing lessons, we also take part in National Safer Internet Day in February. At Glenthorne, we promote the SMART E-Safety rules and children are confident with who to go to if they have concerns. We believe that online safety is part of our daily lives and we do not restrict it to computing lessons. Key Stage Two have students from each year group that have been nominated to be part of an Online Safety Digital Leader Team.

Intended Impact

Teachers ensure that the children are equipped with transferable skills that they are able to use alongside other curriculum areas and home life. We encourage our children to enjoy technology through engaging and challenging lessons. Through Purple Mash, we are able to ensure coverage and progression in order to meet the National Curriculum targets. 

Through pupil voice, the children of Glenthorne are able to talk confidently about the dangers of the online world and understand how to keep safe online. We were recently awarded as a National Online Safety certified school, which allows our parents access to a wider range of support when keeping their children safe at home.