Computing

At Oxclose Primary Academy, we believe that pupils should be given the opportunity to develop computing skills whilst deepening their understanding of modern-day technologies they encounter.  Across their time in primary school, we want pupils to have the opportunity to learn about the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and be able to use this knowledge through programming and become digitally literate to enable them to become active participants in the digital world they live in.

Alongside this, we believe that pupils should be provided with the skills they need to be able to use a range of technologies in an effective and safe manner.  Online safety is a fundamental aspect of computing, to enable children to develop their own resilience and make positive choices to support their own mental well-being.

We believe that by allowing our pupils to gain these skills and deepen their knowledge it will help them throughout the rest of their lives.

Computing is a core subject within school and the Computing Long Term Plan has been created in a bespoke way for our pupils. It incorporates the Rising Stars ‘Switched on Computing’ scheme and is used in conjunction with a Basic Skills Long Term Plan, which builds on the key computing skills children need to achieve the objectives set out in the National Curriculum. To ensure all pupils use the internet safely, as a school we encourage pupils to always share their thoughts on Online Safety and teach this throughout our whole curriculum. Additionally, we follow the Project Evolve scheme and teach standalone Online Safety lessons at the start of each half term. We also celebrate Safer Internet Day and educate on Online Bullying during our Anti-Bullying week.

Computing is taught each week in all year groups in our computer suite. Children also have access to laptops and iPads that can be used cross curricular which staff will book in advance using an agreed timetabling system. Each year group has three units to cover across the year. These units have been carefully selected to cover all curriculum aims within each strand of Computing: Digital Literacy, Computer Science, and Information Technology. For most units of work an end of unit expectation has been identified.  Where possible this has been linked to one of the core or driver subjects.

Within each class there is a poster displaying the current unit.  This includes key vocabulary and a list of objectives which the pupils will achieve by the end of the unit. Also, in each classroom there is a poster containing the SMART rules to show our commitment to Online Safety.

Pupils will save work in their own folders on the school’s computer network. Each file will be named with the lesson number and dated. This will then show a build-up of work and the end of unit expectation showing progression of the skills learnt. Additionally, each class has their own floor book to present practical activities and vocabulary learnt throughout the unit.

Assessment will take place through live verbal feedback. Feedback should take the form of examples and demonstrations from both the pupils and teacher. Additionally, an evaluation of the lesson will be written on planning documents including pupil responses to evaluate their own learning. Key skills taught throughout the unit will also be assessed in the end of unit expectation and in future units. This will inform summative assessment grids as stated in the school assessment policy.

As a school, Oxclose is committed to supporting staff through CPD around the teaching of Computing. For support with subject knowledge staff can make use of video tutorials on the Rising Stars website and have access to knowledge organisers based on the stands of Computing in addition to CPD delivered by the subject leader.

Pupils will be able to confidently discuss, and demonstrate all aspects of the computing curriculum that they have been covering and will show appropriate key computing skills.  They will have knowledge of creating and debugging programs, the use of variables, inputs and outputs, logical reasoning, computer networks, search technologies, selecting and using software and using technology safely, respectfully and responsibly. Pupils will be able to retain the knowledge, even after the unit they have been covering.  End of unit tasks will demonstrate the pupils’ learning. 

To enable us to measure the impact, the subject leader and senior leaders will use lesson visits, planning and work scrutinies and pupil voice activities across the year.

What is a digital leader? 

Digital leaders are children with a passion for technology who want to share their knowledge with others and promote the use of all things digital throughout the school. Being a digital leader is a fantastic opportunity to take on responsibility, learn new skills, develop and demonstrate leadership skills. 

At Oxclose Primary Academy, digital leaders will be responsible for the following: 

• Ensuring the computer room is always tidy and being looked after during lessons 
• Helping to promote online safety 
• Giving ideas for online safety celebrations (SID and anti-bullying week) 
• Being a voice for advances in technology and online trends 
• Share their expertise with their peers and teachers 
• Help to create displays for Computing 
• Test and review new Computing resources 

We have 2 digital leaders from each class in KS2. So far, we have had an introduction on what a Digital Leader is, we have looked at career aspirations within STEM and all about Computational Thinking.

Internet Safety is a huge part of our young people’s life, children are exploring technology from a very young age and need to be educated on how to create their own ‘toolbox’ to ensure they stay safe when using a wide range of technology to access the internet. Throughout the year, children in all year groups will benefit from internet safety lessons. These will be planned to ensure they cover a wide range of issues relevant to each year group. There may be additional internet safety lessons taught across the year if needed because of something in the media or school environment. As a school we also celebrate Safer Internet Day each year following the official theme. 

In addition to our computing scheme Rising Stars ‘Switched on Computing’, children will also be taught fundamental skills in graphics, formatting, researching, databases and more. These skills are highly transferable and allow all pupils to be able to access technology and understand it better to use it across the whole curriculum.