Computing

Computing at Elburton

Intent

 

Our aim is to provide a high-quality computing education which equips children to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. The curriculum will teach children key knowledge about how computers and computer systems work and how they are designed and programmed.

Learners will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of computational systems of all kinds, whether or not they include computers. By the time they leave Elburton, children will have gained key knowledge and skills in the three main areas of the computing curriculum:

 

1) Computer Science (programming and understanding how digital systems work)

2) Information Technology (using computer systems to store, retrieve and send information)

3) Digital Literacy (evaluating digital content and using technology safely and respectfully).

The objectives within each strand support the development of learning across the key stages, ensuring a solid grounding for future learning and beyond.

 

Implementation

 

Our approach to the curriculum results in a fun, engaging and high-quality computing education. We have a whole-school computing suite together with a year group set of Chrome Books for year 1 and 2 and a class set of Chrome Books within years 3-6. Embedding technology across other curriculum areas supports children to make connections and remember the key skills they have been taught.

At Elburton, computing is taught using a blocked curriculum approach. This ensures children are able to develop depth in their knowledge and skills over the duration of each of their computing units. Teachers use the Purple Mash platform for the planning of their computing lessons, which are linked to engaging contexts in other subject areas where possible.

The children will have experiences of all three strands in each year group. The subject knowledge becomes increasingly specific and in depth. Solving problems, refining ideas, drawing on prior learning and thinking logically, systematically and creatively are all skills that we teach the children at Elburton in order to be successful in computing.

 

Impact

 

Allowing children regular, meaningful access to a range of computer-based technology throughout the curriculum helps to embed these skills and develop their understanding. Through following a progressive, challenging programme of studies, the pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – to think computationally and become active participants in the digital world.

Evidence gathered from children’s saved work and through observations carried out during lesson time is used to feed into teachers' future planning. We seek opportunities to embed the knowledge taught during computing lessons, revisit misconceptions and gaps to ensure that all pupils make good progress.

The subject-specific knowledge developed in our computing lessons equip pupils with experiences which will benefit them in secondary school, further education and future workplaces. From research methods, use of presentation and creative tools and critical thinking, computing at Elburton gives children the building blocks that enable them to pursue a wide range of interests and vocations in the next stage of their lives.

Mrs Emma Lake

Computing Lead

Mr Stuart Griggs

Support Lead for Computing