Computing

Intent  

At St Robert Southwell, we believe that Computing is an integral part of preparing children to live in a world where technology is continuously and rapidly evolving. We aim to develop inquisitive and digitally literate children, who are able to navigate and use technology confidently and safely. We hope to equip children with the tools and knowledge to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world in which they live. 

We aim to provide opportunities for all children to access, use and explore ICT throughout their time in school. Children are encouraging to use develop their Computing skills not just through Computing lessons, but across the curriculum. We aim to engage children in a range of skills through real life and hands-on learning experiences in the classroom and at home. 

Implementation 

The Computing Curriculum at St Robert Southwell follows the objectives outlined in the National Curriculum for England and is carefully planned and tailored to meet the needs of our children. In line with the National Curriculum, we aim to ensure that all children: 

  • can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation, 
  • have practical experience of writing computer programs and solving problems that may occur in program development, 
  • can evaluate and apply information technology analytically to problem solve, 
  • are responsible, safe, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology. 

At St Robert Southwell, every child has hands on experience of computers, iPads and other technologies. High quality teaching of Computing, from Reception through to Year 6, utilises a combination of practical lessons and theory lessons designed to promote discussion and nurture understanding. Computing is used as a cross curriculum tool and permeates most other areas of the curriculum – with especially close links with mathematics, science, and design and technology. The core of Computing is computer science, in which children are taught the principles of information and computing, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. We also teach the use of popular processing programmes such as: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, OneNote and Excel. Children use these programs to process and handle data and spreadsheets and information from the internet. In KS1, children use the 2Simple software to create a range of drawings, stories and animations. 

All children have their own login ID and password. Children also have their own Office 365 accounts and can access Teams Office 365 from home to support home learning. Nursery and Reception also utilise Tapestry and Years 1 to 4 have access to SeeSaw. All classes have an interactive whiteboard and visualisers and make use of online interactive resources in lessons. We have sets of iPads available to every class and apps and programmes loaded on them to help support learning.  

The school takes e-safety very seriously and is aware of the health and safety issues surrounding children’s use of ICT. We ensure that children have a safe environment in which to learn and that effective filters are in place to safeguard children. Internet access is planned to enrich and extend learning activities across the curriculum. However, we have acknowledged the need to ensure that all children are responsible and safe users of the Internet and other communication technologies both in school and outside of school. E-safety is discretely taught each half term by class teachers, through assemblies and Safer Internet Day activities. Children also learn about rights and responsibilities when using the Internet. 
 
Impact  

Outcomes are measured through a variety of methods including both formative and summative assessment, learning walks, discussions with children, and classroom observations. 

Our children become confident users of ICT and are able to navigate the internet safely. Children’s work is celebrated in class and on display in the Computing suite. We celebrate Computing and E-safety during the year on the following special weeks and days: 

13th September – International Programmers Day

15th – 19th November 2021 – Anti-Bullying Week

13th November – World Kindness Day

10th December 2020 – Human Rights Day – our digital rights and responsibilities online.

8th February 2022– Safer Internet Day