Computing
Computing Intent
Through a high quality and challenging Computing programme, Walworth School aims to develop successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens who develop as independent enquirers, creative thinkers, reflective learners, team workers, self-managers and effective participators.
It is our intention to build a curriculum that enables children to develop knowledge, skills and vocabulary in a broad range of activities, as well as developing values and transferrable life skills such as tolerance, fairness and respect.
Our Computing syllabus is based on the National Curriculum with a clear progression structure, which has been planned in order to build on the skills needed to meet the end of Key Stage objectives in the National Curriculum.
At Walworth we endeavour to create a love of computing. Use of computers, as well as staying safe online, is a key skill in life today. We want every child to leave our school, not only having a solid foundation in computing but also to be good digital citizens in the modern world. When children leave Walworth Primary School, we endeavour to make sure they have the skills to:
- understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
- analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
- evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
- be responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology
Computing Implementation
At Walworth School the Computing curriculum is taught through the use of the online platform ‘Purple Mash’. This tool allows teachers to deliver a robust and dynamic curriculum that challenges all learners. In Computing, as with all subjects, in order to develop the continuity and progression of teaching and learning, a balance between whole class, individual and group work, and direct teaching, pupil investigation and skills practice should be planned throughout the school whilst following the long-term plan. This plan enables children to access the curriculum in an organised and sequential way. By completing the scheme of work our children will have a deeper understanding of computers and how they can enhance our lives. They will also be more aware of the safety aspects surrounding computers, following our online safety programme (see online safety policy). Specific parts of the computing curriculum will be taught stand alone, but where possible parts of the curriculum will feed into other areas of the curriculum to help enhance delivery and outcome.
In the foundation stage there is a holistic approach to the delivery of the EFS Curriculum where children are free to access different areas of the curriculum in a way that enhances their professional development. There are opportunities for children to access technology and computers in addition to adult led sessions. In both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 Computing is taught on average for 45 minutes per week. This occurs during timetabled sessions organised by each class teacher. Within these sessions’ children will be shown the following areas;
- coding
- computational thinking
- Spreadsheets
- internet and email
- art and design
- music
- databases and graphing
- writing and presenting
- communication and networks
In addition to this part of the ICT curriculum can be taught using other areas of the curriculum as drivers. For example, creating presentations during history enquiry.
Computing Impact
Our curriculum aims to improve the wellbeing and life chances of all children at Walworth school; not only through the skills taught, but through the underpinning values and disciplines that computing promotes. Through strong links with PHSE we promote the overall well-being and health of each child through teaching about self-discipline and that to be successful you need to take ownership and responsibility of their own work.
We recognise that each child has their own starting point upon entry to our school, and progress is measured in line with those starting points to ensure every child can celebrate success. Most children who join Walworth Primary School already have a good understanding and enthusiasm for technology. Therefore, the primary aim is to channel that enthusiasm and knowledge in a way that enables them to succeed.
Formative assessment is used to help teachers plan progression and meet the individual needs of children. Teachers also use an assessment tracking tool (iASEND) to help evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum. This relates to the National Curriculum Programme of Study for computing. This in conjunction with lesson observations will enable the subject lead to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of our curriculum.
All children’s work is stored within the Purple Mash Platform. It is the job of class teachers to ensure this takes place easily accessible to the Computing Subject Lead. For Nursery and Reception, it may not always be practical to keep work, but observations and discussions could be recorded.
