Computing Subject Leader: Nick Thomas

At Telford Junior School our aims for Computing are taken from the National Curriculum.

To ensure that all pupils:

• can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
• can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
• can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology

Key stage 1

Pupils should be taught to:

• understand what algorithms are, how they are implemented as programs on digital devices, and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions
• create and debug simple programs
• use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
• use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content
• recognise common uses of information technology beyond school
• use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies

Key stage 2

Pupils should be taught to:

• design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
• use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
• use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
• understand computer networks, including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the World Wide Web, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration
• use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content
• select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information
• use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact

Intent

It is our intention to enable children to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information. We also focus on developing the skills necessary for children to be able to use information in a discriminating and effective way. We want children to know more, remember more and understand more in computing so that they leave primary school computer literate. Computing skills are a major factor in enabling children to be confident, creative and independent learners and it is our intention that children have every opportunity available to allow them to achieve this.

We intend to build a computing curriculum that develops pupil’s learning and results in the acquisition of knowledge of the world around them that ensures all pupils can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems.

We intend to build a computing curriculum that prepares pupils to live safely in an increasingly digital British society where pupils can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems.

Implementation

• A clear and effective, bespoke cross curricular scheme of work that provides coverage in line with the National Curriculum. Teaching and learning should facilitate progression across all key stages within the strands of digital literacy, information technology and computer science
• Access to resources which aid in the acquisition of skills and knowledge.
• Children will have access to the hardware (computers, tablets, programmable equipment) and software that they need to develop knowledge and skills of digital systems and their applications
• A clear and effective scheme of work that provides coverage in line with the National Curriculum.
• Teaching and learning should facilitate progression across all key stages within the strands of digital literacy, information technology and computer science. Children will have the opportunity to explore and respond to key issues such as digital communication, cyber-bullying, online safety, security, plagiarism and social media.
• Wider Curriculum links and opportunities for the safe use of digital systems are considered in wider curriculum planning.
• The importance of online safety is shown through displays within the learning environment and computer suite.
• Parents are informed when issues relating to online safety arise and further information/support is provided if required.
• As well as opportunities underpinned within the scheme of work, children will also spend time further exploring the key issues associated with online safety.

Impact

• Children will be confident users of technology, able to use it to accomplish a wide variety of goals, both at home and in school.
• 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.
• Children will be able to apply the British values of democracy, tolerance, mutual respect, rule of law and liberty when using digital systems.
• Children will be fully aware of the school SMART rules for internet safety and use them to guide their actions to stay safe online. 

RESOURCES

Each classroom has one computer and an interactive whiteboard. We have a bank of 33 i-Pads that are shared around the school. The ICT Suite has thirty three Windows 10 computers.

TIMETABLE

Each class is timetabled for one hour per week for Computing.

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICIES

Pupils are expected to sign an acceptable use policy each year they are in the school.Staff sign the policy when they start work at school.

PASSWORDS

The children have their own logins and passwords are changed frequently.

Visits/Workshops

To supplement the curriculum, visits or workshops are planned annually for each year group. 

Note - As of 2020, the below trips are currently under review due to changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic

Year 3

 Lego WeDo Workshop (Spring Term)

Year 4

Visit to Pound Lane for Drone Workshop (Summer Term)

Year 5

Visit to Jaguar Landrover, Solihull for control technology (Spring Term)

Year 6

Lego Mindstorm Workshop (Summer term)

Internet safety competition winners 2022

Congratulations to our Internet Safety Competition winners 2022. This year's competition had over one hundred entries from across the whole school and was incredibly difficult to judge. The theme of this year's competition was to create an internet safety superhero which embodies the ethos of keeping safe online and superpowers to protect children.  A huge well done to our top three entries:

1. Emily from Hazel class (Internet Ivy)
2. Freya from Oak class (Lacie Safety)
3. Martha from Spruce class (Brian Brain)

For winning first prize, Emily has had her superhero chosen to be our school mascot for internet safety. In addition, her superhero has been made into a plush and had artwork created by our very own Mrs. Carvalho!