Being a Computer User
Intent- Why are we teaching this?
At Port Isaac School we aim to provide each child with a high-quality and relevant computing education which they can use in an ever changing technological age. We follow the 2014 National Curriculum for Computing. The curriculum we teach provides children with key knowledge about how digital technology is used in everyday life and how to safely use computers and computing systems to design, program and create.
Children at Port Isaac School will develop a rich understanding of the three main strands of the computing curriculum:
- Computer Science (programming and understanding how digital systems work)
- Information technology (using computer systems to store, retrieve and send information)
- Digital literacy (evaluating digital content and using technology safely and respectfully).
Implementation- How is this being taught in the classroom?
Computing at Port Isaac is taught using the Purple Mash Computing in both discrete sessions as well as integrated through cross-curricular learning. This allows us to cover all areas of the curriculum while also contextualising the use of computing within every other aspect of learning.
Teachers have access to a wide range of both discrete and cross-curricular resources to inform their planning. A curriculum overview provides teachers a map of the content coverage required in their respective year groups and suggested resources for developing these skills.
Port Isaac school provides pupils access to combination of iPads and laptops with the latest version of Windows, EYFS/KS1 themed programmable robots and many learning platforms which can be accessed both in class and at home. This ensures that all year groups have the opportunity to use a range of devices and programs for many purposes across the wider curriculum, as well as in discrete computing lessons.
Internet Safety Day along with further cross-curricular themed learning opportunities, provide children with regular and age appropriate lessons about the importance of staying safe online.
Computing learning at Port Isaac will develop gradually in depth and complexity across the classes, encouraging pupils to gain a broad and working understanding of the subject. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) follows the ‘Development Matters in the EYFS’ guidance which aims for all children in reception to have an ‘Understanding of the World’ and the technology within it.
Impact- What is the effect?
Impact of the curriculum will be monitored through:
- Learning Conversations with teachers and peer2peer.
- Monitoring of work by teachers on devices, in books, and on display.
- Images and videos of the children’s practical learning.
- Additional Assessment opportunities:
- self-assessment
- peer assessment
- group assessment
- targeted questioning
- Meetings between staff and the subject leader
