Computing

Our Computing Vision

Janet Duke School believes that every child should have the right to a curriculum that champions excellence, supporting pupils in achieving to the very best of their abilities and prepares them for an ever-changing technological world. We understand the immense value technology plays not only in supporting the Computing Curriculum but overall, in the day-to-day life of our school.

We believe that technology can provide:

• Enhanced collaborative learning opportunities
• Better engagement of pupils
• Easier access to rich content
• Support conceptual understanding of new concepts
• Support the needs of all our pupils.

The children have access to a wide range of computing equipment including iPads and Surfaces. We use the Purple Mash scheme of work to teach Computing, which also incorporates all aspects of the wider curriculum. The Purple Mash Computing Scheme of Work is a comprehensive set of resources aligned to the National Curricula for Computing, Technology and Digital Competence. The Scheme of Work is intended to facilitate teachers in achieving the very best outcomes for all children. It exposes children to a wide variety of digital tools, technological skills and innovations to enable them to become informed members of the digital community.

Computing Coverage

Computing_Unit_Overview

Lighthouse Provision

In Lighthouse we aim to provide our pupils with a play-based experience of computing. We have several SEN iPads which have the same apps as the rest of the school but are specific for the SEN children. In Lighthouse an iPad is logged into, and children have the opportunity to play learning games (supported with an adult) throughout their continuous provision.

Purple Mash is also used for the online drawing tool where the children can use technology to make and create their own pieces of art just by using their hands and fingers. This works great for the children who want to be artist but do not have the fine motor skills for painting and colouring just yet. There is also use of an interactive whiteboard during Maths, English and other non-core subjects which keeps the children engaged and enthusiastic. The children have the opportunity to complete activities on a greater scale and visible to all children and adults in the room.

Early Years Goals

We aim to provide our pupils with a broad, play-based experience of Computing in a range of contexts to help them gain a greater understanding of the world.

We believe the following:

• Early Years learning environments should feature Computing scenarios based on experience in the real world, such as in roleplay.
• Experience of using programs/games linked to learning using devices such as Ipads or interactive whiteboard screens
• Pupils should be given the opportunity to gain confidence, control and language skills through interactive devices; including outdoor exploration when safe and appropriate.
• Access to recording devices can support children to develop their communication skills. This is especially useful for children who have English as an additional language.

Key Stage 1 Outcomes

• Understand what algorithms are, how they are implemented as programs on digital devices, and that programs execute by following a sequence of instructions.
• Write and test simple programs.
• Organise, store, manipulate and retrieve data in a range of digital formats.
• Communicate safely and respectfully online, keeping personal information private, and recognise common uses of information technology beyond school.

Key Stage 2 Outcomes

• Design and write 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; generate appropriate inputs and predicted outputs to test programs.
• Use logical reasoning to explain how a simple algorithm works 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.
• Describe how Internet search engines find and store data; use search engines effectively; be discerning in evaluating digital content; respect individuals and intellectual property; use technology responsibly, securely and safely.
• Select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information.
• Pupils learn how to use the internet responsibly, protect their personal information, recognise potential risks, and report any concerns to a trusted adult. They are taught about safe communication, respectful online behaviour, cyberbullying, privacy settings, and the importance of critically evaluating online content. Online safety is embedded across the curriculum

Displays

There is a dedicated display in the Upper School corridor that showcases the previous terms work for EYFS/KS1 and KS2, this is updated frequently. This allows the children and visitors to see what tasks and topics all year groups are taking part in. There is also an online display board which the children can access through their Purple Mash accounts to share their work if they are particularly proud of it.