'Everyone deserves to take part in creating the technology that will change our world, and change who runs it.' Malala Yousafzai
Computing
At St James, we want pupils to be masters of technology, it is everywhere and will play a pivotal part in our students' lives. Therefore, we want to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely. We want our pupils to be creators not consumers and our broad curriculum encompassing Computer science, Information technology and Digital literacy reflects this.
There is a ‘spiral’ approach to sequencing the units, with themes recurring year by year. This provides ample opportunity for pupils to consolidate technical skills and achieve fluency with a range of key applications. Our curriculum also encourages creativity, collaboration and thinking skills. We recognise that technology can allow pupils to share their learning in creative ways and that using technology can provide access opportunities to ensure our curriculum is inclusive for all our learners. Our knowledge rich curriculum must be balanced with the opportunity for pupils to apply and share their knowledge creatively which will in turn help our pupils become skilful computer scientists. Therefore, we encourage staff to embed computing across the whole curriculum to make learning creative and inclusive.
We want our pupils to be able to make educated, informed choices when engaging with technology. We recognise that the best way to safeguard our children from the widely documented issues with young people’s use of technology and social media is through online safety education.
Our children are familiar with technology resources and we use Computing across the curriculum to support children's learning. We have excellent facilities, integrated into all the classrooms, with interactive whiteboards and computers, laptops and iPads and an exclusive learning zone with a range of technology.
We also teach Computing to enable our children to develop skills in using the Internet, utilising different software and programming and to increase their awareness of Internet safety. Children in Key stage 2 are encouraged to use Computing in their classwork and projects. Computing is also used as a resource to support the learning of children with special needs.
For more information on online safety with links and guides especially for parents, please click here.
Intent
At St James Primary School, our intent for the Computing curriculum is to empower our students to become MASTERS of technology. We recognise that technology is ubiquitous, shaping the very fabric of our students' lives. Our goal is to model and educate our pupils on the positive, responsible, and safe use of technology. We aspire to nurture creators, not just consumers, by providing a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses computer science, information technology, and digital literacy.
Our primary objectives are as follows:
- Digital Citizenship: We aim to instil in our pupils the values of responsible digital citizenship, emphasising ethical behaviour, safety, empathy, and respect in online spaces.
- Creative Exploration: We strive to unlock our students' creativity and innovation by offering a broad and enriching curriculum that encourages them to harness technology for creative expression and problem-solving.
- Integration Across Subjects: We believe in the transformative power of technology to enhance education. Our curriculum is designed to provide numerous opportunities for students to apply their computing skills across various subjects, deepening their understanding and proficiency.
- Fluency and Independence: By the end of Upper Key Stage 2, our pupils will be fluent in a range of digital tools and will possess the independence and confidence to utilise technology in innovative ways.
Implementation
To achieve our intent, we have implemented a strong Computing curriculum at St James Primary School. Our key strategies include:
- Curriculum Content: We use the Purple Mash scheme, a comprehensive resource that aligns with the strands of the national Computing curriculum. This resource ensures that our students receive a well-structured and progressive education in Computing.
- Online Safety: We prioritise online safety education by integrating it into our Computing curriculum. Our students learn about safe online practices, cybersecurity, and digital etiquette from an early age.
- Cross-Curricular Integration: Computing is not confined to standalone lessons. We incorporate computing into various subjects, allowing our students to apply their skills in meaningful contexts. For instance, they may use technology for data analysis in mathematics or create digital art in art class.
- Professional Development: Our teaching staff undergo continuous professional development to stay current with the latest trends in technology and education. This ensures that our students benefit from up-to-date knowledge and teaching methods.
- Assessment: We employ formative and summative assessment methods to track student progress and understanding. This allows us to tailor our teaching to meet individual learning needs and evaluate the effectiveness of our curriculum.
By implementing these strategies, we aim to create a holistic and effective Computing curriculum that equips our students with the skills they need to thrive in the digital age while ensuring they become responsible and creative users of technology.
Impact
The impact of our Computing curriculum at St James Primary School is measured by the transformative changes we anticipate in our students, both in their skills and attitudes towards technology. Our commitment to regularly assess, adapt, and improve our Computing curriculum will be integral in measuring the impact. We will use a combination of assessments, student feedback, and observed behaviours to evaluate progress toward these desired outcomes. Through this, we will ensure that our Computing curriculum remains effective in preparing our students for the ever-evolving digital landscape.
