Computing at Greenbank can be seen woven throughout all curriculum areas. We use technology purposefully to enhance our teaching and learning at every opportunity. We use iPad publishing apps to design and create information brochures such as on The Great Fire of London in KS1 or desktop publishing software in KS2 for work on the Egyptians. We use some database software to store and collate information we find on rivers in Geography. We practice our times tables by taking part in online TT Rockstar tournaments or develop our spelling strategies through spelling competitions. We even use data loggers to help us conduct experiments in Science and iPad imaging applications to edit and improve digital media.
As Computer Scientists the children are encouraged to think about and approach all sorts of problems creatively, breaking them down and working collaboratively to find solutions.
Intent:
In line with the 2014 National Curriculum for Computing, our aim is to provide a high-quality computing education which equips children to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. The curriculum will teach children key knowledge about how computers and computer systems work, and how they are designed and programmed. Learners will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of computational systems of all kinds, whether or not they include computers.
By the time they leave Greenbankchildren will have gained key knowledge and skills in the three main areas of the computing curriculum: computer science (programming and understanding how digital systems work), information technology (using computer systems to store, retrieve and send information) and digital literacy (evaluating digital content and using technology safely and respectfully). The objectives within each strand support the development of learning across the key stages, ensuring a solid grounding for future learning and beyond.
Implementation:
We use the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) resources as a basis for providing a clear and comprehensive scheme of work which meets the requirements of the National Curriculum. Children in all year groups are exposed to a range of topics which encourage progression across the key strands of computer science, digital literacy and information technology. All children have access to the hardware and software needed to develop knowledge and skills of digital systems and their applications.
Each class has one computing lesson per week which is used to teach the skills. In addition to this, children have access to further technologies such as iPads and programmable toys (BeeBots). This equipment is used to ensure children have ample opportunities to apply their learning across the curriculum
Online Safety is taught using Project Evolve resources which incorporates the statements from the UK Council for Internet Safety’s (UKCIS) framework “Education for a Connected World”. This is taught within Computing lessons and also through PSHE lessons. Through these lessons, the children have the opportunity to explore and respond to key issues such as digital communication, cyberbullying, online safety, security, plagiarism and social media. We also address e-safety though Safer Internet Day and in assemblies.
Impact:
To know more, remember more and apply more! The teaching of computing will mirror the expectations of the NC. We will have an increase in the number of children working at ARE and showing an increased understanding of computing. Staff will feel confident teaching computing and the use of ICT to enhance teaching and learning will increase. By the time they leave Greenbank, 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.
