Computing

The subject lead for Computing is Miss Kelsey Grigg.

The link governor for Computing is Matt Booth.

Intent

At Walton we want pupils to be masters of technology. We understand that technology is everywhere and will play a pivotal part in students' lives. Therefore, we want to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely.

We recognise that the best prevention for a lot of issues we currently see with technology/social media is through education - technology can allow pupils to share their learning in creative ways.

We also understand the accessibility opportunities technology can provide for our pupils. Our knowledge rich curriculum has to be balanced with the opportunity for pupils to apply their knowledge creatively which will in turn help our pupils become skillful computer scientists.

We want our pupils to be fluent with a range of tools to best express their understanding and hope by Year 6, children have the independence and confidence to choose the best tool to fulfil the task and challenge set by teachers.

Computing at Walton intends to engage and enrich children’s experiences in school through digital literacy, ICT and computer science allowing them to become confident digital learners who use computational thinking in an ever changing digital world.

Implementation

Computing has a dedicated lesson each week for all classes from the EYFS-Year 6. To support the delivery of the national curriculum, we use 'Teach Computing', 'Twinkl', 'Project Evolve' and 'Barefoot Computing'. A mixture of these allows for a firm structure to ensure coverage of the 3 strands of the curriculum.

Teach Computing is primarily used to support in the acquisition of knowledge through the use of key concepts, terms, vocabulary, providing opportunities to build a shared and consistent understanding. It provides learning opportunities that combine electronics, programming, physical lessons and arts and crafts to provide pupils with a creative, engaging context to explore and apply computing concepts. See attached principles document below to further understand the 12 strands that underpin the teach computing curriculum. We also use Project EVOLVE as it uses the statements from the Council for Internet Safety (UKCIS) framework 'Education for a connected world', to support education using up to date, relevant and engaging life lessons. 

Whilst we have set lessons for computing each week, the staff are encouraged to use technology and discrete computing throughout the week to encourage the understanding of the importance technology now has in out lives and how it can be used in a cross curricular way. 

Assessment is conducted through both formative and summative methods. Formative methods include questioning, quizzes, exit tickets, self assessment. Summative assessments are conducted through final pieces of work and summative questioning. 

Computing work is either saved electronically onto SeeSaw or unplugged work is kept within the children's Computing Learning Journey books.   

CPD is conducted in response to staff knowledge questionnaires, within staff meetings and 1:1 support is given as and when needed. Best practice is also shared between staff to support one another across the year groups. 

Impact

We aim for our children 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. 

Please see the Walton 'Policies and Procedures' page for the most up to date procedure for Computing and Online Safety.

Curriculum Information

Subject Excellence

Useful home links

Barnardo's - https://www.barnardos.org.uk/blog/online-safety-parents-questions 

NSPCC - https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

Thinkuknow - https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/

CBBC Stay Safe - https://www.bbc.com/ownit

CEOP - https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/ 

Childnet - https://www.childnet.com/