GREAT HARWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL

Computing

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Intent

Computing at Great Harwood Primary School intends to develop ‘thinkers of the future’ through a modern, ambitious and relevant education in computing. We want pupils to develop their computational thinking and creativity skills so that they can become active participants in a fast-moving digital world. It is important to us that the children understand how to use technology to express themselves, as tools for learning and as a means to drive their generation forward into the future.

 

Whilst ensuring they understand the advantages and disadvantages associated with online experiences, we want children to develop as respectful, responsible and confident users of technology, aware of measures that can be taken to keep themselves and others safe online.

 

Our aim is to provide a computing curriculum that is designed to balance acquiring a broad and deep knowledge alongside opportunities to apply skills in various digital contexts. Beyond teaching computing discreetly, we will give pupils the opportunity to apply and develop what they have learnt across wider learning in the curriculum.


What children will learn

Implementation

We use the ‘Teach Computing’ Curriculum to help teachers plan and deliver all aspects of the National Curriculum. This scheme was chosen as it has been created by subject experts and is based on the latest pedagogical research. It provides a spiral curriculum where key skills and concepts are revisited and built on over time. Online safety education is embedded into our computing lessons and is also supported by Project Evolve materials which support children’s learning about online safety and which are matched to the statements in Education for a Connected World. It is further consolidated by elements of our PSHE curriculum.

 

The National Curriculum can be broken down into 3 strands: computer science, information technology and digital literacy. Our curriculum ensures that all 3 of these strands are taught and revisited throughout years 1 to 6. Our computing plans have clear progression in terms of knowledge, skills and concepts taught and cover all the requirements of the National Curriculum. Children in the early years experience a broad, play-based experience of computing through the use of Barefoot ‘unplugged’ activities, various ipad apps, activities on interactive whiteboards or touchscreen TVs, remote controlled toys and other practical experiences of technology around us e.g using the photocopier or taking a photograph.

 

Computing is taught discreetly each week throughout key stage 1 and 2. Each class from year 1 to 6 has a weekly timetabled lesson in the computer suite. Teachers may, however, choose to use this time to teach computing in their classroom using ‘unplugged’ activities or mobile devices. The use of technology to support learning across the curriculum is also promoted and teachers are encouraged to find ways in which children can use the skills they have learnt in computing lessons to support their learning in other subjects.

 

We have a range of equipment to support our computing curriculum:



Interactive whiteboards or TVs in each class

A computer suite of 15 desktop computers

Laptops in a charging trolley

Ipads in a charging trolley

Digital cameras

Rechargeable Beebots

Rechargeable Probots

Remote controlled vehicles

 

Most rooms in school, including all those regularly used by classes, have wireless internet access. Technical support is provided by Easytech Ltd.


Computing Road Map

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