Computing

Intent

At Hormead, we intend to prepare our learners for their future by giving them the opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills that will equip them for an ever changing, digital world. Knowledge and understanding of Computing and Digital Technology is of increasing importance for children's future both at home and for education and employment. Our computing curriculum focuses on progression of skills in Computer Science, Information Technology, digital Literacy and Online Safety to ensure that the children become competent in safely using, as well as understanding, digital technology.

These skills are taught and revised repeatedly through Early Years, Key Stage One and Key Stage Two to ensure the learning is embedded and skills are successfully developed. Our intention is that Computing also supports children's creativity and cross curricular learning to engage children and enrich their experiences in school. 

Online safety is very important at Hormead School. We ensure this profile is maintained and that pupil needs are met by providing the following:

❖ A relevant up-to-date online safety curriculum which is progressive from Early Years to the end of Year 4.

❖ A curriculum that is threaded throughout other curriculums and embedded in the day-to-day lives of our pupils.

❖ A Responsible Use of ICT Policy which all staff, volunteers and governors are required to read and sign.

❖ An Online Safety Policy which is regularly reviewed and updated.

❖ Online Safety Rules for pupils in KS1 and KS2 which are discussed on school. The rules have been sent home and parents/carers have been asked to discuss the rules at home with their children as well.

❖ The Online Safety Policy includes a section summarising responsibilities for Parents and Carers and an Online Safety agreement for Parents / Carers.

❖ Training for staff and governors.

❖ Filtering and monitoring systems for all online access in school.

❖ Data policies which stipulate how we keep confidential information secure.

Implementation

As a school, we have chosen the Purple Mash Computing Scheme of Work from Reception to Year 4. The scheme of work supports our teachers in delivering fun and engaging lessons which help to raise standards and allow all pupils to achieve to their full potential. We are confident that the scheme of work more than adequately meets the requirements for the National Curriculum for Computing and the Understanding the World – Technology section of the Early Years curriculum. The scheme of work ensures each Year’s teaching builds upon the last with clear progression in skills, knowledge and vocabulary. It provides flexibility and strong cross curricular links as well as excellent supporting material for less confident teachers.

EYFS

At Hormead School, staff select resources from the Purple Mash EYFS curriculum to support the teaching of the Early Years curriculum and the achievement of the Early Learning Goal for Technology. EYFS pupils are taught in variety of ways through adult-led and supported tasks and child initiated learning in provision areas.

Key Stage 1

The Purple Mash computing curriculum for Key Stage 1 is taught weekly in small groups and whole class teaching using the Year 1 and 2 planning.

Key Stage 2

As children move into Key Stage 2, the Purple Mash computing curriculum is taught to a full class. These sessions are weekly and last approximately one hour. There is a rolling programme in place for Years 3 and 4. This ensures that pupils have access to the full curriculum within the mixed-age group structure of our class.

Resources for Computing

Every child in Reception – Year 4 uses a class login for the laptops and has a personal login for Purple Mash. They also have access to their own private folder on the school’s computer drive in order to independently save their work and edit it on another device if necessary.

Cross Curricular Links

Children will also use computing in a number of other subjects (English, maths, science, history/geography, music) in a number of ways including: to type, create posters, create musical compositions, research topics and use photo editing software (KS2).

Progression and Assessment

EYFS

Regular observations and assessments of learning are recorded using an on-line journal (Tapestry) and contribute to a summative assessment at the end of EYFS using the Early Years Outcomes for Understanding the World: Technology.

Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2

Assessments are made at the end of each unit using a task set by the teacher and these contribute to a summative assessment at the end of the year using assessment documents within the Purple Mash scheme.

Impact

Computing has a positive impact across the whole school. There is a clear progression of knowledge and skills which are assessed at the end of each unit. Children in Key Stage 1 develop confidence and experience using different programs and platforms, enabling them to use computing software much more independently in Key Stage 2.

Children look forward to computing lessons in school and love to share their work with other children and staff. Using Purple Mash makes it easier for children to share their work at home with their parents: they can log in at home or can take QR codes home to show their pieces of work.

The impact of the curriculum will be reviewed at the end of the year through observations and assessments of pupils’ learning and through pupil discussions about their learning