The importance of Computing
Children and now an increasing number of educators, have never known a world before the Internet. The Internet, continued development of computing technologies and collaborative activities has transformed the way people communicate, trade and live their daily lives. The impact of this has created jobs that would never have existed a few years ago. As the digital world continues to evolve, children currently of primary age will be entering jobs in the future that don’t currently exist. It’s therefore paramount that children are given skills, knowledge and opportunities to embrace the digital world confidently, yet safely.
-Purple Mash
Intent for Computing
It is our intent for all children at Fairlight to achieve personal success in using a range of technology confidently, competently and safely. In order to achieve this, they will
- Know how to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; including keeping personal information private, recognising acceptable / unacceptable behaviour and how to report concerns about content or contact.
- Design, write, and debug programs to accomplish specific goals; working with variables and various forms of input and output.
- Develop computational thinking; using logical reasoning to analyse a problem and plan out solutions; and decomposing them into smaller parts.
- Use search technologies effectively and be discerning in evaluating digital content.
- Understand how computer networks operate and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration.
- Select use and combine a variety of software on a range of devices to design and create a range of content, including collating, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information.
Implementing our intentions
At Fairlight we follow the Purple Mash scheme of work which covers the whole primary curriculum with a clear structure of progression building on children’s previous knowledge. Lessons are taught with the 7 steps of metacognition in mind. It uses resources embedded within the platform which allows pupils to save, combine and import content which can be shared across the school safely. In addition, at Fairlight we recognise the need to focus on developing vocabulary right from the start of the child's journey with us. We endeavour to teach a wide variety of new vocabulary constantly in computing using 4 square activities, word walls and through general speaking and listening activities. The Purple Mash platform is also used across the curriculum to embed the use of technology in other subjects. The scheme is supplemented by additional lessons on computer networks; and the use of BeeBots when creating computer programs.
We also participate actively in Internet Safety day, making good use of annual themes to raise the profile of different aspects of E Safety. In addition to the Purple Mash E Safety lessons, further learning takes place throughout the school year to maintain its profile. As a school, each class reviews the Internet Safety Agreement for their year groups and signs their agreement at the beginning of each academic year.
Impact
Our Computing curriculum ensures that children leave Fairlight:
- Knowledgeable, confident and creative users of a range of digital technologies.
- Equipped with the knowledge and skills to access the next stage of their learning, with a clear understanding of how quickly this knowledge will evolve.
- Able to apply their knowledge and skills in utilizing information technologies to communicate their ideas to a range of audiences.
- Responsible digital users who are able to explain how to stay safe online.
- Fully aware of the risks of using digital technologies and measure they can take to mitigate against these risks.
