Welcome to our Computing page

Through focused lessons we place emphasis on developing the children’s skills in:

¨Finding things out

¨Developing ideas and making things happen

¨Exchanging and sharing information

¨Reviewing, modifying and evaluating work as it progresses

Computing is taught throughout all subjects and is a means of communicating and responding to the world.

The school has portable laptops available to students. Each classroom has its own interactive whiteboard, visualiser, IPad and digital camera or Ipod, as well as 2 stand alone PCs and a teachers class laptop.

Intent: 

We recognise that our pupils are living in a rapidly changing world in which computing, IT and digital literacy are playing an ever increasing role. The use of computers and computer systems is an integral part of the National Curriculum and knowing how they work is a key life skill. In an increasingly digital world there now exists a wealth of software, tools and technologies that can be used to communicate, collaborate, express ideas and create digital content. At Halfway Houses Primary School we recognise that pupils are entitled to a broad and balanced computing education with a structured, progressive, approach to the learning how computer systems work, the use of IT and the skills necessary to become digitally literate, further their learning and assist them in everyday life. We believe that increased IT and computing skills promote independent learning and gives greater access to a wide range of ideas and experiences

At Halfway Houses Primary we aim:

1. To provide a relevant, challenging and enjoyable curriculum for IT and computing for all pupils.
2. To meet the requirements of the national curriculum programmes of study for computing.
3. To use ICT and Computing as a tool to enhance learning throughout the curriculum;
4. To respond to new developments in technology;
5. To equip pupils with the confidence and capability to use IT and Computing throughout their later life;
6. To enhance learning in other areas of the curriculum using IT and Computing;
7. To develop the understanding of how to use IT and Computing safely and responsibly.

The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all pupils:

1. Can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
2. Can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
3. Can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
4. Are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

Implementation: 

Our curriculum was planned using the National Curriculum document. Each term’s units link to our six creative curriculum themes therefore promoting cross-curricular links. Online safety is addressed across our curriculum ensuring that pupils revisit key ideas across the year. Lesson plans can be adapted by class teachers as necessary for their class. A minority of children will have particular teaching and learning requirements which go beyond the provision for that age range and if not addressed, could create barriers to learning. This could include G&T children, those with SEN or those who have EAL. Teachers must take account of these requirements and plan, where necessary, to support individuals or groups of pupils to enable them to participate effectively in the curriculum and assessment activities. During any teaching activities, teachers should bear in mind that special arrangements could be made available to support individual pupils.

At Halfway Houses Primary School, we enhance the teaching and learning of all curriculum areas within the school by employing a range of strategies including:

1. Demonstrating to the whole class/group using the IWB.
2. Discussion with the whole class/group.
3. Individual or paired working.
4. Collaborative group work.
5. Encouraging pupils to demonstrate new skills to others.

 At Halfway Houses Primary School, the computing scheme of work incorporates cross-curricular links and discrete Computing, IT and digital literacy skills. Computing should be taught as part of our creative curriculum, whilst still teaching the discrete skills required. Children will spend additional time using computing and IT to support other subjects.

SMSC:

Spiritual:

1. Explore creativity and imagination in the design and construction of digital products.
2. Promote self-esteem through the presentation of their learning to others.
3. Explore how ideas in computing have inspired others.
4. Create digital products which incorporate their beliefs.
5. Explore the benefits limitation and abuse of the internet.

Moral:

1. Encourage good etiquette when using digital technology including mobile devices and with due regard to online safety.

1. Encourage respect for other people’s views and opinions.
2. Encourage respect for IT/Computer equipment.
3. Explore moral issues around the use of digital technology e.g. copyright and plagiarism.
4. Explore the promotion of moral issues through their digital products.

Social:

1. Encourage pupils to assist one another in problem solving. 
2. Encourage appropriate social behaviours in the classroom including listening whilst others are talking and generally interacting as a caring community. 
3. Encourage good practice and respect in the use of social networking.
4. Group work within lessons.
5. Exploring the advantages of social media sites as well as the problems such as: cyber bullying.

Cultural:

1. Encourage the sensible use of digital technology. 
2. Encourage an awareness and appreciation of the digital divide and to be aware of differing cultural and spiritual or religious views towards the use of digital technology.
3. Empowering pupils to apply their IT and computing skills and knowledge to the wider curriculum and acknowledge links between subjects.

Resources and access:

The school acknowledges the need to continually maintain, update and develop its resources and to make progress towards a consistent, compatible system by investing in resources that will effectively deliver the strands of the national curriculum and support the use of computing across the school. Teachers are required to inform the IT support of any faults as soon as they are noticed. 

Health and safety:

The school is aware of the health and safety issues involved in children’s use of IT and computing.

1. All electrical appliances are maintained and annually pat tested.
2. Damaged equipment should be reported to the IT lead who will arrange for repair or disposal.
3. Children should not put plugs into sockets or switch the sockets on.
4. Trailing leads should be made safe behind the equipment
5. Liquids must not be taken near the computers
6. Age appropriate safety rules are displayed in the learning environment.
7. An adult should always supervise children when they are accessing information via the Internet. Internet filtering is in place.
8. Staff should ensure that the children are aware of the dangers of continuous use (e.g. eye/wrist strain etc.).
9. Online safety forms an integral part of the curriculum and the school will deliver further education through assemblies and the annual sharing of our AUP with pupils and parents.

Online Safety:

At Halfway Houses Primary School, staff and pupils are made aware of the importance of online safety. Staff, pupils or parents with concerns about online are to contact the lead DSL or Head of School and all adults in school are expected to report to the lead DSL immediately if there are any online safety incidents and complete the relevant form ensuring that all incidents are logged. During safeguarding training, all staff need to read the AUP and Online Safety Policy and sign to acknowledge this. Weekly online monitoring reports are reviewed by the contracted IT company.

Early Years Foundation Stage:

It is important in the foundation stage to give children a broad, play-based experience of IT and computing in a range of contexts, including off-computer activities and outdoor play. Computing is not just about computers. Early years learning environments should feature IT scenarios based on experience in the real world, such as in role play. Children gain confidence, control and language skills through opportunities such as ‘programming’ each other using directional language to find toys/objects, creating artwork using digital drawing tools and controlling programmable toys. Outdoor exploration is an important aspect and using digital recording devices such as video recorders, cameras and microphones can support children in developing communication skills. This is particularly beneficial for children who have English as an additional language.

Key Stage 1:

By the end of key stage 1 pupils are taught to:

1. 1. Understand what algorithms are, how they are implemented as programs on digital devices, and that programs execute by following a sequence of instructions
   2. Write and test simple programs
   3. Use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
   4. Organise, store, manipulate and retrieve data in a range of digital formats
   5. Communicate safely and respectfully online, keeping personal information private, and recognise common uses of information technology beyond school.

Key Stage 2:

By the end of key stage 2 pupils are taught to:

1. Design and write programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
2. Use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output; generate appropriate inputs and predicted outputs to test programs
3. Use logical reasoning to explain how a simple algorithm works and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
4. Understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world-wide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration
5. Describe how internet search engines find and store data; use search engines effectively; be discerning in evaluating digital content; respect individuals and intellectual property; use technology responsibly, securely and safely
6. Select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information.

Differentiation:

The study of computing engages pupils in a variety of planned activities matched to their age, stage, ability and any special needs. Through differentiation teachers allow for the different pace at which individuals progress within set activities. The aim is to give all pupils the maximum opportunity for success and to reach their potential in the key areas of learning. We will provide for the needs of more-able learners through a framework of high quality first teaching which focuses on ensuring the children are challenged appropriately. In addition, we will focus on developing their learning behaviours, including, greater reflection, problem solving and enquiry, making connections, higher order thinking skills and independent learning.

Impact:

Role and Responsibilities of Computing Subject Leader:

At Halfway Houses Primary School, the computing Subject Leader has the responsibility of overseeing the subject within the school including:

1. Formulating and updating the policy when appropriate.
2. Ensuring staff are aware of the policy’s content and that it matches classroom practice as far as possible.
3. Ensuring appropriate resources are available.
4. Disseminating information, as it is received from any external source, to staff and children.
5. Supporting staff with computing-related issues when required.
6. Having a knowledge of the quality of computing provision across the school
7. Identifying and acting on development needs of staff members
8. Monitoring expectations, provision and attainment across the school and providing feedback to develop practice further in order to raise standards.
9. Reporting to parents, SLT, governors and others when appropriate.

In lessons teachers assess progress towards the learning objectives they have set pupils and shared with them, and use their judgements to adjust future work. Summative assessments are used to guide progress of individual pupils in computing. This will be done by observing children working, by listening to their responses and by examining work produced.  Their understanding is recorded at the end of each unit in the Curriculum Subject Assessment Book for each class.

How can I help my child with their Computing learning?

Here are some questions that you could ask your child.

Can you give me an example of something you have learned recently? 

How do you think computing will help you in the future? 

What is your favourite program to use? 

What is your favourite app? 

Can you tell me what animation is? How does it work? 

Do you prefer creating art on the computer or with other mediums? 

What do you think the world was like before computers? 

Do you know how to keep yourself safe online? 

Can you name some types of technology that we have at home? 

How can you use what you have learned in computing to help you with your homework?