Intent

Through the teaching of Computing we aim to develop the children's understanding of the processes of computer systems, technologies, hardware and variety of software. We also aim to provide the children with opportunities to work through the essential elements and concepts of computer science, programming and data handling as well as building on the children’s research, communication and presentation skills (information technology) and also their digital literacy. Computing will encourage creativity, logical thinking and problem solving and will have strong links across the curriculum but particularly with Literacy, Maths, Science and Design and Technology. Through the study of Computing, children will be able to develop a wide range of fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding that will actually equip them for the rest of their life in the digital age we live and work. Computers and technology are such a part of everyday life that our children need to be exposed to a comprehensive and engaging Computing curriculum. Children need be taught the skill of ‘Computational Thinking’ in order to provide them essential knowledge that will enable them to participate effectively in the digital world beyond our school gates.

National curriculum for computing and our progress of skills within each year group aims to ensure that all pupils:

• Are confident in using code and can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including logic, algorithms and data representation
• When coding, pupils can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
• Effectively communicate and can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
• Are able to connect with others responsibly and are competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

At Healey we take internet safety extremely seriously. We have an e-safety policy that provides guidance for staff members, governors and children about how to use the internet safely. Every year group participates in lessons on e-safety and children understand how to stay safe when using technology.

Implementation

At our school we believe that a clear and effective scheme of work that provides coverage in line with the National Curriculum is essential to meet the requirements of our children in order for them to thrive. Teaching and learning facilitates progression across all key stages within the strands of digital literacy, information technology and computer science. We currently use Purple Mash to deliver our computing curriculum and use it in the wider curriculum to secure skills. In EYFS and KS1, one of the ways we are teaching the pupils about the language and concepts associated with computer programming is by using Bee Bots (simple programmable robots) and also unplugged activities using simple maps. Children in KS2 have access to the hardware (laptops, chrome books, tablets, and programmable equipment) and software that they need to develop knowledge and skills of digital systems and their applications. Computing is implemented across all aspects of our school curriculum, with one example being the use of Times Tables Rockstars during Maths lessons.

E-safety:

All children sign an age appropriate acceptable use policy. There are opportunities throughout the schemes of work as well as a unit dedicated to e-safety to explore issues around e-safety. Children will also spend time further exploring the key issues associated with online safety during ‘Safer Internet Day’, using the focus of that particular year or a particular area of need for the school. Every child including EYFS actively participates in a range of activities linked to being safe with technology.

A monthly online safety newsletter is circulated to parents and staff to keep everyone abreast of current issues. Parents are informed when issues pertaining to their child relating to online safety arise and further information/support is provided if required.

Impact

At Healey JIN School we strive to ensure that every child can become a skilled and confident user of technology, while being able to use it to accomplish a wide variety of goals, both at home and in school and eventually in the workplace. Children will have a secure and comprehensive knowledge of the implications of technology, digital systems and design of simple systems by the time they leave our school. As children progress through school, they should be able to evaluate and think critically to develop a greater understanding of computing, making progress in their skills and coding. Through our computing curriculum children will achieve age related expectations in the subject at the end of their cohort year and will retain knowledge about each unit of work to build on not only in the next academic year but apply across other curriculum areas. This retention of knowledge and building on this knowledge is important in a society where technologies and trends are rapidly evolving. They will be able to apply the British values of democracy, tolerance, mutual respect, rule of law and liberty when using and creating digital systems, which will hold them in great stead for their future accomplishments and career choices.

We measure and monitor the impact of our computing curriculum using many strands. Initially, teachers evaluate each lesson and plan the children’s next steps. Assessment for Learning underpins all of the learning to ensure all children reach their full potential. We use our online learning platform to plan and track pupil progress and to identify any specific needs or groups of children who may need support. The computing curriculum leader monitors the subject throughout the year to reflect the current demands of the curriculum and to inform future planning.

Computing in the Early Years

It is never too early for children to start learning the fundamental principles of computer science because, as Edsger Dijkstra pointed out “Computer Science is no more about computers than astronomy is about telescopes!” In Early Years at Healey JIN School the children follow the EYFS Statutory Framework 2021. Within this curriculum children develop awareness, knowledge, understanding and skills in technology through their development in the learning strand ‘Understanding the world’, highlighted as one of the four specific areas of learning. Pupils explore the meaning of technology, from understanding that simple mechanisms will result in particular reactions to recognising that a range of technology is used in different places. The use of communication and language enhances children’s learning on when and how it can be used and how to be safe whilst using it. With support, children use technology to talk about what is familiar to them, and to find out more information about the world. They develop independence in using it effectively to communicate their own thoughts, opinions and ideas and creativity and for particular purposes.

Pupils explore and use a wide range of resources such as wind-up toys, toys to programme, cameras, iPads, chrome books and unplugged activities (computing without computers) to explore their learning through a combination of child initiated and adult directed experiences.  The also see technology being used for real life purposes with the interactive whiteboard, learning about blenders when making smoothies, microwaves in cooking and the police using their walkie talkies during their visit.

EYFS children have opportunities to learn about computing through:

• Exploring and being creative
• Responding to a range of imaginative and fun plugged and unplugged experiences
• Developing skills to use simple toys e.g. winding up a toy to make it move
• Selecting appropriate ‘tools’ to do a job e.g. a camera to take a photo or an iPad to play a game
• Challenge, investigation and problem solving
• Activities that require collaboration and sharing
• Listening, understanding, following and giving instructions
• Discussion that encourages describing, explaining and elaborating

The Lead Teacher is Miss Maxwell-Strutt.