Our Computing Curriculum brings the digital world into our classroom, where each and every child has the opportunity to have a truly hands on approach; that engages, enthuses and sparks wonderment whilst developing advanced problem-solving skills. Empowering children to safely operate online; whilst enjoying the thrills of coding, modelling, creating and presentational applications, all ensures their future readiness.
Computing Curriculum Intent
At Highburton C.E First Academy, we understand that a high-quality computing education is essential for pupils to understand modern information and communication technologies (ICT), and for them to use these skills to become safe, responsible, competent, confident and creative participants of an increasingly digital world. The aim of the computing curriculum is to inspire pupils to continue to learn and apply the skills and knowledge that they have learnt at school and to use them as a foundation for the future.
Computing Curriculum Implementation
The majority of our computing curriculum will delivered through a scheme called Purple Mash in KS1 & KS2 and Mini Mash in Early Years. It is an award-winning website, packed with creative tools, educational games and themed resources that has everything the children need to access the computing curriculum in one secure place. It has been tailored to meet the specific needs of our pupils and deliver the full curriculum in a fun and progressive way.
Each year will build progressively on the previous year with regards to programming skills and use of technological vocabulary. Children will build upon a basis of knowledge by using a variety of ever increasingly complex programmes and apps year upon year. As well as coding, other fundamental skills will be taught and built upon from the basics of word processing and basic internet use in Year 1 to more advanced concepts of networking in Years 5. Internet safety will be constantly discussed and referenced during lessons as well as having a block of dedicated lessons every other year. An Internet safety team will also be created each year to continue to assess and maintain online safety throughout the year via both assemblies and drop in sessions. There will be regular contact with parents regarding responsible use of technology with drop in sessions, assemblies and regular reminders via our Newsletter.
Along with the use of Purple Mash in specific computing lessons the children also have access to a wealth of technology at Highburton First Academy – especially the use laptops. We want children to leave Highburton First Academy being confident, knowledgeable, well-rounded and above all safe users of technology and we believe that our computing curriculum is designed with this is mind.
Computing Curriculum Impact
Pupils at Highburton First Academy will be digitally literate and able to join the rest of the world on its digital platform. Children will understand the relevance of the computing skills they are learning and how they can apply them to other areas of the National Curriculum. They will be equipped, not only with the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively and for their own benefit but more importantly- safely! The biggest impact we want for our children is that they understand the consequences of using the internet and that they are also aware of how to keep themselves safe online. As children become more confident in their abilities in computing, they will become more independent and key life skills such as problem solving, logical thinking and self-evaluation become second nature.
Computing Curriculum Map
Our Curriculum Map for Computing gives an overview of what is taught in each year group and in which half term it will be taught. There will be at least one specific Purple Mash Computing study taught each term as well as daily skills being developed through use of iPads and other electronic devices.
Computing Curriculum Skills and Critical Content
At Highburton First Academy we know that children are more engaged online than they’ve ever been before. Ownership of smart devices is increasing and the range of content they are viewing is always expanding. In an ever-changing world, ensuring pupils’ online safety has never been more important. As a result of this our Purple Mash computing curriculum has been built around a solid foundation of online safety lessons. Each age group has a block of specific online teaching lessons every year. This is backed up with teachers discussing and revisiting key aspects of online safety at the beginning of every other lesson.
Coding is also an increasingly important aspect of the world we live in today as well as a vital cog in the computing curriculum. Making children aware of the role computing code plays in much of the technology that they use and giving them the skills to explore writing and coding themselves we believe is vital in setting them up for both future careers and their further learning. Due to this each age group gets a block of coding each year which aims to progress the skills of the children.
To give the children as broad a range as possible of what computing entails and to develop and instill the skills the children need, we have then selected various different blocks of learning. These range from basic computing skills of using spreadsheets, sending emails, searching effectively to more advanced skills like making music, digital art, creating animations, 3D modelling and creating games.
Pupil Voice
We regularly conference pupils to gain an awareness of their attitudes to a range of curriculum subjects. Below is a sample of thoughts from a range of pupils about how they feel about the Computing curriculum at Highburton First Academy.
Reception
I like using the interactive white board with my class when we are computing.
Year 1
It helps me to do all sorts of different learning!
Year 2
Computing is an exciting subject. I really enjoy computer design and coding.
Year 3
I think I probably know even more about coding than my parents!
Year 4
I really like the computing, it is really fun and you get to be creative. It is learning but having fun at the same time!
Year 5
We learn about online safety which helps us keep safe from risks online. For example, what to do if you receive an unkind message online.