Computing

To ensure high standards of teaching and learning in computing, we implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school. Computing is a foundation subject in the National Curriculum and at Scout Road Academy implementation of the computing curriculum is in line with the Primary National Curriculum requirements for KS1 and KS2. This provides a broad framework and outlines the knowledge and skills taught in each key stage.

In Early Years, the children are given opportunities to explore technology through cross-curricular experiences. Although this is no longer an Early learning goal we believe children should have the opportunity to enhance their learning and develop new skills. We do this through role play experiences and context-based learning. We use many resources such as, iPads, programmable toys, interactive whiteboards and VR goggles. We also introduce the children to ‘mini mash’, which has a range of age appropriate games and tools, which can also be accessed from home.

Computing teaching at Scout Road Academy will deliver the requirements of the National Curriculum through half-termly units. Teachers plan using our Computing Progression Map, which highlights the knowledge, skills and vocabulary for each year group and is progressive from year to year. Our Computing progression map is broken down into three strands that make up the computing curriculum. These are Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. Computer Science underlines the knowledge and skills relating to programming, coding, algorithms and computational thinking. Information Technology underlines the knowledge and skills relating to communication, multimedia and data representation and handling. Digital Literacy underlines the knowledge and skills relating to online safety and technology uses, all of which are covered at Scout Road whether combined or discreetly. Our Computing Progression Map is supplemented by the Purple Mash scheme of work, which we follow from Year 1-6, ensuring consistency and progression throughout the school.

We recognise that computing is a specialist subject and not all teachers are computing specialists. The Purple Mash scheme of work enables clear coverage of the computing curriculum, whilst also providing support and CPD for less confident teachers to deliver lessons.

All teachers use the Purple Mash scheme of work alongside the Computing Progression Map. Computing lessons are broken down into weekly units, usually with two units taught per half-term. Repetition of a unit does not mean pupils are repeating an activity, it simply means pupils are building on established skills, whilst also embedding previous concepts. Units are practical and engaging and allow computing lessons to be hands-on. Units cover a broad range of computing components such as coding, spreadsheets, internet and email, databases, communication networks, touch typing, animation and online safety.

When teaching computing, teachers should also follow the children’s interests to ensure their learning is engaging, broad and balanced. Teachers should ensure that ICT and computing capability is also achieved through core and foundation subjects and, where appropriate and necessary, ICT and computing should be incorporated into work for all subjects using our wide range of interactive ICT resources.

Through our Purple Mash subscription, our teachers can deliver thematic, cross-curricular lessons that also follow children’s interests and provide flexibility. Purple Mash has an online portal of age-appropriate software, games and activities as well as topic materials and materials to support children’s learning in other subject areas for all key stages. Through pupils computing lessons they will also use the Purple Mash software to ‘make music’ using the 2Sequence program, design and make using the 2Animate software and make links with maths through spreadsheets using 2Calculate.

Computing teaching at Scout Road Academy is practical and engaging and a variety of teaching approaches and activities are provided based on teacher judgement and pupil ability. We have a wide range of resources to support our computing teaching including iPads, laptops, bee-bots, webcams, floor roamers, Virtual reality goggles, interactive whiteboards and cameras. Teachers and pupils are also aware of the importance of health and safety and pupils are always supervised when using technology and accessing the internet.

Pupils at Scout Road Academy are fully encouraged to engage with ICT and technology outside of school. Each teacher and pupil have 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. Parents at Scout Road are also given a log in to their child’s Purple Mash account, and are also encouraged to support the implementation of ICT and computing where possible by encouraging the use of ICT and computing skills at home during home learning tasks.

The implementation of this curriculum ensures that when children leave Scout Road Academy, they are competent and safe users of ICT, with an understanding of how technology works. They will have developed skills to express themselves and be creative in using digital media, and be equipped to apply their skills in Computing to different challenges going forward.

We encourage our children to enjoy and value the curriculum we deliver. We will constantly ask the ‘WHY’ behind their learning and not just the ‘HOW’. We want learners to discuss, reflect and appreciate the impact computing has on their learning, development and well-being. Finding the right balance with technology is key to an effective education and a healthy life-style. We feel the way we implement computing helps children realise the need for the right balance and one they can continue to build on in their next stage of education and beyond. We encourage regular discussions between staff and pupils to best embed and understand this. The way pupils showcase, share, celebrate and publish their work will best show the impact of our curriculum. We also look for evidence through reviewing pupil’s knowledge and skills digitally using tools like, Purple Mash, Espresso and observing learning regularly. Progress of our computing curriculum is demonstrated through outcomes and the record of coverage in the process of achieving these outcomes.