Computing
Computing Curriculum at Oakdale
Our children are growing up in a world where technologies are ever changing the way that we live, work and socialise. With technology playing such a significant role in today’s society, it is important that children are equipped with the skills they need to use technology effectively and safely. Computing is a tool that can be used across the curriculum and therefore children should explore the creative side of computing alongside the general use of technologies, remaining safe whilst doing so.
Intent
Computing at Oakdale Primary School provides a diverse, robust and progressive range of learning experiences in order to ensure that children are confident and secure with using technology, understand how it is used for a variety of purposes and how to stay safe while using it. They will explore the creative side of computing, including the production of art, presentations and simple games, in conjunction with safe internet use, coding and how computers and ICT systems work. This knowledge is explored in regular Computing lessons where skills are developed from early device usage in Reception to higher level content creation in Year 6. We want our children to be digitally literate so they can be active participants in the digital world during and beyond their time with us at Primary School.
How Computing is taught
Our computing is taught through the Chris Quigley Essentials Curriculum, covering the 4Cs;
· Connecting (E-safety)
· Communicating
· Coding (Programming)
· Collecting (Databases)
This is supplemented with units from Teach Computing to ensure full curriculum coverage across each key stage, and each unit progressively builds on skills learned.
iPads are used predominantly across EYFS and Year 1, whilst Chromebooks are used by Years 2 through 6 in regular computing lessons to cover the curriculum milestones. Computing is also used across other subjects as appropriate.
Most computing sessions consist of a whole class demonstration, independent or paired practice and some small group work or paired evaluation.
Google classroom is used confidently across the school by both staff and children with both classwork being set through this platform as well as another form of communication with parents and carers. Policies and codes of conduct are in place to ensure safe use, and this is regularly reviewed and updated when necessary.
Online Safety
All children are taught about the importance of online safety through independent lessons using Project Evolve. Children and teachers are able to share their knowledge through a series of activities and scenarios. PSHE assemblies and Online Safety Days are also used to confirm the importance of being safe online.
Assessment
Through the explicit teaching of the computing skills, both the teachers and the pupils assess their learning continuously throughout the lesson. Teachers can then make assessment judgements that are recorded and used for future learning. We assess children for their understanding on the key areas: Connect, Collect, Coding and Communicate.
Use websites for learning at home. https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/primary/zd7p47h
https://www.stem.org.uk/primary/resources/collections/computing