Computing

How do we teach Computing at Albrighton Primary School?

Intent

At Albrighton Primary School and Nursery, we believe that a broad, rich and creative curriculum is essential in the education of all pupils. We understand that a high-quality computing education should inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about technology and prepare them for their next stage in education. Closely linked with our PSHE curriculum, we aim to enable our children to become happy, healthy, independent and responsible citizens online. Our computing curriculum will equip pupils with knowledge about computer science, information technology and digital literacy. Our principle aims for computing are for children to:

  • Develop their understanding of technology and how it is constantly evolving.
  • Develop their skills and capability which is essential to developing Computer capability.
  • Evaluate the benefits and risks of technology and how to manage their use of it safely and respectfully.
  • Be responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.
  • Celebrate success in the use of technology.

At Albrighton Primary School we embed computing, in our classrooms, across the whole curriculum and use technology to support those with additional needs. We believe that the knowledge and skills that intertwine with computing learning are vital in not only a child’s education, but also in their wider life. Our computing curriculum will support pupils to be prepared for the next stage in their young lives and to live responsibly in a modern, diverse world.

Implementation

In EYFS children learn through exploratory play, using technological toys and learn that they can make them work by pressing buttons and clicking on icons. They are taught how to complete simple programs which they use to support their phonics and mathematical skills. Through role play, discussion and stories children learn that technology can be used for a range of purposes across home and school.

At Key Stages 1 and 2, we follow the National Curriculum Objectives, which have been broken down into the necessary knowledge and skills that need to be taught at each phase. We plan weekly computing lessons using and adapting agreed planning from Teach Computing to focus on maximising children’s knowledge acquisition over time. Children will learn about different programmes, coding, online safety, games and creative tools. Where appropriate, meaningful links are made between the computing curriculum and the wider curriculum, especially PSHE. Employing cross-curricular links motivates pupils and supports them to make connections and remember the skills they have been taught. Local links with RAF Cosford and STEM opportunities facilitate challenge for pupils in computing.   

Impact

Children will have developed the computing knowledge and skills to help them become confident and competent users of technology. Children’s knowledge and skills will develop progressively as they move through the school, not only to enable them to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum but to prepare them to effectively live a modern and diverse world.

We measure the impact of computing through the following methods:

  • Assessing children’s understanding of the knowledge and linked vocabulary before and after the unit is taught.
  • Formative assessment throughout lessons - questioning and AFL tasks to check knowledge and understanding. 
  • Opportunities to use knowledge in other contexts such as in literacy or PSHE.
  • Interviewing the pupils about their learning (pupil voice).
  • Moderation staff meetings where there is the opportunity for a dialogue between teachers to understand their class’s work.
  • Annual reporting of standards across the curriculum.
  • High quality discussions around the Learning Objectives and Success Criteria.

 

Adaptive Teaching

Adaptive teaching means that teachers adapt their teaching to make it appropriate for all students in their classroom so each and every child can access the learning and be successful in their learning. For Computing this means that all children will receive Quality First Computing teaching in the classroom and the lesson and resources will be adapted to suit the needs of all pupils. This might take the form of questioning tailored to each individual pupil, targeted support from the teacher or teaching assistant, mixed ability pairs or groupings for children to support and teach each other including the use of a 'driver/navigator' approach. 

 

At Albrighton Primary school we provide learning experiences that balance all aspects of computing.

Technology is such a big part of our everyday lives, it is important that children are taught to effectively use and stay safe using technology. 

Pupils will explore the three areas of the computing curriculum:

DIGITAL LITERACY - evaluating digital content, using technology safely, respectfully and responsibly and identifying a range of ways to report concerns.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - using technology to create, manipulate and retrieve digital content and present data and information.

COMPUTER SCIENCE - design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals.

 

E-Safety is taught throughout the curriculum across school. This helps the children to embed their knowledge of being safe online. This method is used in Computing lessons and core and foundation subjects. For example, if using iPads in a literacy lesson the children would be reminded of how best to search online for appropriate material rather than a stand alone lesson in this area. 

Please see our Key Terms Glossary below

Please read the guide below for support to keep your children safe on the internet at home.

What have we been learning.....

Reception

Reception have worked on their fine motor skills using doodle buddy and used beebots to look at direction. 

Year 1 and 2

In Year 1 and 2, we have been looking at Programming a robot using our school beebots and Data and information and in particular grouping data. 

Year 3 and 4

In Year 3 and 4 over the Autumn Term, we have been looking at Computing systems and networks and Repetition in shapes. 

Year 5 and 6

In Year 5 and 6, we have been looking at Databases and using our new crumble equipment to look at coding! 

Scan the QR code to see our crumbles in action!