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Computing
Computing
Through teaching Computing at St. John Vianney school, we aim to equip our children to participate in a rapidly changing world where work and leisure activities are increasingly transformed by technology. It is our intention to enable pupils to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information. Children are also taught the process of logical thinking, effective problem solving, understanding algorithms and they participate in practical coding. Computing skills are a major factor in enabling children to be confident, creative and independent learners equipped with skills for the modern world. At St. John Vianney, we endeavour to ensure that children have every opportunity to enhance their lives and enjoy what computing has to offer in the modern digital world while understanding the importance of keeping safe on line.
INTENT:
The intent of the subject of Computing at St. John Vianney is to give children:
a varied introduction to computing skills including coding and programming;
a chance to harness and develop skills needed in the modern world such as presentation and word processing;
an understanding of how to efficiently and responsibly use the internet;
a strong knowledge of e-safety and how to keep safe on the internet;
a knowledge of cyber bullying and what to do should this occur.
Our programme of study is designed to be progressive and build upon previous skills gained. There is an emphasis on developing prior learning throughout the children’s time at St. John Vianney. Throughout all of this, threaded through the curriculum, is the importance of online safety and Digital Literacy. E-safety is taught in every year group from Foundation Stage and guidance is also shared with parents / carers throughout the year in the form of written communications and presentations.
IMPLEMENTATION:
At St John Vianney, we teach a high quality, well thought-out computing curriculum which has cross curricular links with a range of subjects including Technology, Numeracy, Science, History, Geography and English. Computing should be engaging and exciting, therefore a broad range of resources are at the disposal of staff and children, these allow physical outcomes to be achieved. There are weekly lessons using the school laptops while school IPads are also used regularly to supplement learning. A range of additional hardware is available to support learning across all key stages including Raspberry Piis, Crumble Controlers, Crumble-Bots, Bluetooth enabled Bee-Bots, Makey Makeys and as well as a range of additional equipment. Unplugged Computing takes place without the use of machines and technology and allows children to develop skills and knowledge without the use of digital technology.
In Year 1 to 6, the children follow a curriculum that is progressive and challenging. There is regular revisiting of knowledge and new learning is always based on prior learning. It is regularly reviewed and adapted to take into account new developments in technology and to incorporate the latest advances.
We take internet safety extremely seriously. We have an E-Safety Policy that provides guidance for teachers and children about how to use the internet safely. Every year group participates in lessons on e-safety and children understand how to stay safe when using technology.
IMPACT:
After the implementation of this exciting and current computing curriculum, children at St John Vianney will be digitally literate and able to join the rest of the world on its digital platform. They will be equipped, not only with the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively and for their own benefit and enjoyment, but more importantly – safely. The biggest impact we want on 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 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.
CULTURAL CAPITAL:
At St. John Vianney school, we approach cultural capital through Computing. Lunchtime and after-school clubs as well as a rich and varied curriculum provide an opportunity to introduce activities to help develop pupils’ cultural capital hands on. These include in-school Computing projects, extra-curricular Computing clubs and outdoor learning activities in addition to providing many external experiences through school trips and visits.