Computing

Intent

• We want all children to have an enjoyment of computing which is taught through our rich and varied curriculum.
• In line with the 2014 National Curriculum for computing, our aim at Fordingbridge Infant and Junior Schools Federation is to provide a high-quality computing education which equips children to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.
• Our curriculum will teach children key knowledge about how computers and computer systems work, and how they are designed and programmed. Children will have a high level of technical vocabulary.
• Children will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of computational systems of all kinds, whether or not they include computers.
• Through our curriculum children will have gained key knowledge and skills in the three main areas of the computing curriculum: computer science (programming and understanding how digital systems work), information technology (using computer systems to store, retrieve and send information) and digital literacy (evaluating digital content and using technology safely and respectfully). The objectives within each strand support the development of learning across the key stages, ensuring a solid grounding for future learning and beyond.
• We promote and support children across the federation to keep themselves safe online through our robust e-safety curriculum.

Implementation

• We have a computing suite with desktop computers and a class set of ipads to ensure that all year groups have the opportunity to use a range of devices and programs for many purposes across the wider curriculum, as well as in discrete computing lessons. The children also have access to a range of other hardware including cameras, beebots, android devices and voice recorders.
• At Fordingbridge Infant and Junior Schools Federation computing is taught within each of our learning units, often having a focused link. Employing cross-curricular links motivates pupils and supports them to make connections and remember the steps they have been taught.
• The implementation of the curriculum also ensures a balanced coverage of computer science, information technology and digital literacy. The children will have experiences of all three strands in each year group, but the subject knowledge imparted becomes increasingly specific and in depth, with more complex skills being taught, thus ensuring that learning is built upon. For example, children in Key Stage 1 learn what algorithms are, which leads them to the design stage of programming in Key Stage 2, where they design, write and debug programs, explaining the thinking behind their algorithms.
• Children will have the opportunity to explore and respond to key issues linked to e-safety such as digital communication, cyberbullying, online safety, security, and social media. Opportunities for the safe use of digital systems are considered in wider curriculum planning, closely linked to our PSHE Curriculum and the celebration of safer-internet day. The importance of online safety is shown through displays within the learning environment, our half termly assembly focus and our everyday safeguarding discussions with our children. Parents are informed when issues relating to online safety arise and further information/support is provided if required. To support parents we hold annual online safety information sessions as well as half-termly e-safety bulletins in our newsletters. In KS2 our Cyber ambassadors are part of our school leaders programme. Each class has a Cyber Ambassador representative who has received training from Hampshire Constabulary.

Impact

• Our approach to the curriculum results in a fun, engaging, and high-quality computing education.
• Children will be confident users of technology, able to use it to accomplish a wide variety of goals, both at home and in school. Much of the subject-specific knowledge developed in our computing lessons equip pupils with experiences which will benefit them in secondary school, further education and future workplaces.
• Children will have a secure and comprehensive knowledge of the implications of technology and digital systems. This is important in a society where technologies and trends are rapidly evolving.
• From research methods, use of presentation and creative tools and critical thinking, computing at Fordingbridge gives children the building blocks that enable them to pursue a wide range of interests and vocations in the next stage of their lives.