Intent

Computing at Aston & Cote C of E Primary School intends to develop ‘thinkers of the future’ through a modern, ambitious and relevant education in computing. We want to equip pupils to use computational thinking and creativity that will enable them to become active participants in the digital world. It is important to us that the children understand how to use the ever-changing 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.

Implementation

We follow and adapt The Purple Mash Computing Scheme of Work. It is a comprehensive set of resources aligned to the National Curricula for Computing, Technology and Digital Competence. The Scheme of Work is intended to facilitate teachers in achieving the very best outcomes for children. It exposes children to a wide variety of digital tools, technological skills, and innovations.

In the Early Years (Nursery and Reception) there are opportunities for using Mini Mash or Purple Mash as part of the Early Years classroom to support children in working towards early learning goals.

The curriculum aims to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to thrive in the digital world of today and the future. The curriculum can be broken down into 3 strands: computer science, information technology and digital literacy, with the aims of the curriculum reflecting this distinction.

The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure all pupils:

• can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation (Computer science)

• can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems (Computer science)

• can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems (Information technology)

• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology. (Digital literacy)

   

Our pupils are fully encouraged to engage with technology outside of school. Each teacher and pupil has their own unique Purple Mash login and password. Computing work can be stored and saved using pupil log-in details and homework or ‘2do’s’ can also be set for pupils to access and complete tasks at home that link with their current class learning. Aston & Cote also uses Class Dojo for Nursery to Year 6 pupils for class and whole school communication and Mathletics is used from Year 2 to Year 6 for additional maths learning. 

In addition, we provide a variety of opportunities for computing learning inside and outside the classroom. Computing and safeguarding go hand in hand and we provide a huge focus on internet safety inside and outside of the classroom. Additional to all pupils studying an online safety unit through their computing lessons, every year we also take part in National Safer Internet Day in February. The Computing subject leader, alongside class teachers, will plan additional internet safety lessons and activities.

Impact

Our Computing Curriculum is high quality, well thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression and build on and embed current skills. Children become increasingly proficient on school equipment and have good, transferable knowledge and understanding of online safety which is transferred into their own lives. Through Purple Mash, children have a broad base of transferable knowledge which can be used on other similar platforms. Pupil voice, subject monitoring and lesson observations all ensure a positive impact of computing as a subject.

Assessment in Computing

Assessment is ongoing and informs future teaching building a picture of the child’s attainment and progress over time. There are also ‘check-in’ points throughout, and at the end of each unit against the objectives being taught. This gives teachers the information that they need to build a holistic picture of each individual child and enables them to plan further support and opportunities for retrieval; direct teaching and/or adaptation in future units. Subject leaders monitor pupil outcomes to identify trends and patterns that inform future curriculum alterations and CPD opportunities.