Computing

At Helmshore Primary School, we believe that technology is essential to our lives, at home and at work. ‘Computational thinking’ is a skill children must be taught if children are to be ready for the workplace and able to participate effectively in this digital world. Computing has the potential to enhance the quality of teaching and learning across the whole spectrum of the curriculum. Our society is changing and using Computing in the classroom will raise the demand for a higher level of technological knowledge and awareness among the population as a whole. This should help to develop a population which feels comfortable with new technology and one that can adapt to the rapid progress in this field.

eSafety is fundamental in the work we do in computing and across all areas of the curriculm. We ensure that our pupils use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly, keeping their personal information private. Children are also taught to know where to go for help and support, and know a range of ways to report when they have concerns about material or inappropriate behaviour on the internet.

This is a really exciting time to be a pupil at Helmshore Primary School. The opportunities that advances in technology are bringing to our pupils as they grow up are hard to imagine. The curiosity, creativity and courage that we nurture in our pupils now should endure as they move on through education and into adult life. To exploit fully the opportunities that current and future technology offers them, our pupils draw on the understanding of computing we provide them with, as well as confidence gained through working on a range of meaningful activities throughout their time at school.

We provide our children with the basic skills and techniques needed to access, use and manage the main curriculum software and by providing opportunities to use information technology within the wider curriculum of the school in order to enhance their communication and learning. The three aspects of the computing curriculum are: computer science, information technology and digital literacy. Our aim is for all pupils to be Computing capable. Pupils also develop the ability to use Computing as a means of accessing resources. A high proportion of work with technology is done by using shared resources. We foster the principles of group work, sharing and collaboration between peers. Caring and respect for equipment and resources is an integral part of the curriculum. Computing is integrated into all other subjects at appropriate stages and used as a tool to enhance other learning.

We recognise that there are widely different abilities throughout the school and we use a variety of methods to ensure suitable learning opportunities for all pupils, matching the challenge of the task to the ability of Special Educational Needs, Pupil Premium and Gifted and Talented children.

COMPUTING KNOWLEDGE MAPS

Please see below some examples of the Computing Knowledge Maps school have implemented, that present essential knowledge, key vocabulary, explanations and diagrams in one document.

Y1 iSafe

Y2 iAnimate

Y3 iProgram

Y4 iData

Y5 iCrypto

Y6 iNetwork