Computing
“The spread of computers and the Internet will put jobs in two categories. People who tell computers what to do, and people who are told by computers what to do.” – Marc Andreessen, Entrepreneur, inventor of Netscape and member of the World Wide Web Hall of Fame.
At Olga we aim to give our children every opportunity to be in the first category.
Intent:
Through the teaching of computing and online safety at Olga, children are encouraged to safely use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. The children learn new computing and online safety specific knowledge and skills, and apply existing ones from a variety of disciplines, in particular mathematics, science and design and technology – all subjects that computing has deep links with. The knowledge and skills learned in computing are also applied across the entire curriculum.
Computing is split into three strands:
- Computer science (programming or coding, and problem solving)
- Information Technology (for example, using spreadsheets, creating presentations and manipulating graphics)
- Digital Literacy (encompassing online safety and teaching pupils how to select the most appropriate digital content).
Implementation:
EYFS:
Computing in EYFS is taught by class teachers. In the Early Years, although technology has been removed as a specific strand in the curriculum it will be taught and used across the whole curriculum. Children recognise that a range of technology is used in places such as homes and schools and that online safety is important. The children are helped to be curious about technology in real world contexts through role-play and natural discussions. They learn to select and use technology for particular purposes across various areas of learning. A wide range of digital technologies (for example, iPads, laptops and programmable robots to support early coding skills) allow the children to represent their own ideas, thoughts and feelings -often collaboratively- as well as providing them with new ways to communicate and share their ideas. Within the EYFS we encourage parents to be involved in their child’s learning journey by using digital technology to record and share their child’s learning at home through photographs and videos taken on phone and iPads. We ensure there is a careful balance between encouraging parents to use digital technology with their children and understanding that there is a need to limit screen time so that its use is purposeful and meaningful. They develop skills such as investigating, evaluating, using commands and simple algorithms.
Years 1-6:
Computing at Olga is taught by a specialist teacher throughout Years 1-6 – a significant investment by the school. In years 1-6 the core of computing is computer science; pupils are taught principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate –able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology- at a suitable level for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
We follow the Switched-On Computing Curriculum.
Switched-On:
Switched-On Computing ensures that children receive the breadth of learning required by the National Curriculum, and that skills and knowledge are built on over time.
Units for each year group cover:
- Programming
- Computational thinking
- Creativity
- Computer networks
- Communication and collaboration
- Productivity
- Online Safety
These things are taught through a range of projects that mean the children are encouraged to learn computing in a ‘real world’ joined up way, as opposed to learning discreet skills in isolation.
Please note that Online Safety is a priority for our school. In line with best practice and the government approach outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education, we regard it as a key part of safeguarding that is woven into all that we do. Information about our approach to Online Safety, as well as what the children are taught, is detailed in our Online Safety Curriculum document.
Curriculum Drivers:
Our curriculum drivers underpin teaching and learning in Computing.
- Community: Children learn how to use technology in a collaborative way, in EYFS this might be sharing the programming of a robot, where as in Upper KS2 this may be using Google Docs amongst a team or building a website together. They are encouraged to see the online world as a collection of different communities. Messages around fake news, gender and ethnicity can be explored in Online Safety lessons and ramifications thought through for the children as individuals, and as members of various communities.
- Possibilities: Reference to relevant jobs are made during teaching the projects, such as programmer, web designer, graphic artist etc. We also discuss the creative possibilities of the children’s own thoughts and work.
- Growth: A willingness to try new ideas, to take risks and to persevere when things don’t work the first time underpins all learning in computing. Evaluation of digital creations (both existing ones and the children’s own) encourages learning and a process of continuous improvement.
- Environment: Children are taught about the environmental impact of technology as well as how it can be used in a variety of contexts to help produce better outcomes for the world.
Impact:
Our Computing Curriculum at Olga focusses on progression of knowledge and skills throughout the key stages. The impact is measured using the following methods.
● Continuous discussion with children about their learning
● Questioning and feedback in lesson
● End of unit assessment tasks
● Images and videos of practical work
● Work scrutiny and pupil voice
● Learning walks
