Oxton St Saviour's CofE Aided Primary SchoolAn Oxton St Saviour's Digital Citizen
Computing at Oxton St Saviour's
At Oxton St Saviour's, we recognise the integral part that technology plays in our children’s lives and aim to equip children to become active and responsible participants in the ever-changing digital world. We are aware that our children’s access to technology outside of school varies widely and also of the barriers and stereotypes that exist in the world of Computing, particularly around gender and race. We therefore aim to inspire all children to consider themselves as the computational thinkers and computer scientists of the future. Furthermore, we aim to develop children’s perception of technology as a tool for learning, innovation and discovery, as well as helping them to understand the advantages and disadvantages associated with online experiences.
As such, we teach children to understand how computers work as well as what measures can be taken to keep themselves and others safe online. Our curriculum focuses on Digital Citizenship, Information Technology, Digital Literacy and Computer Science and aims to give children a deep and broad knowledge through opportunities to apply skills in various digital contexts. Ultimately, all children should leave Oxton St Saviour's as confident, able and responsible Digital Citizens who are prepared for the technological challenges they will face in the future.
Intent
At Oxton St Saviour's we want our children to love computing. We want to show pupils the links between knowledge, skills and real life employment opportunities and have no limits to what their ambitions are. We want our children to grow up wanting to be software engineers, video game designers, web developers or IT consultants. We want them to embody our core values and encourage them to dream big!
Safeguarding is our primary concern and to ensure all of our children are able to use the internet safely, we teach a planned Online Safety curriculum through both Computing and our PSHE curriculum. We also respond to situations as they arrive. All pupils, including those with SEND and vulnerable children, are taught the Online Safety curriculum and the computing curriculum.
During early years, the intent is to enhance learning through use of technology and exposure to computing concepts that children will encounter in computing throughout primary school. Throughout KS1, children will become more familiar with coding concepts, using algorithms, programs and debugging. They will use technology that will enable them to communicate and present information using information technology. Additionally, they will begin their journey of becoming digitally literate citizens of the future.
When in KS2, children will continue to increase their knowledge of computer programming, building in more ideas such as loops, abstraction, logic data representation and conditions. This will allow them to develop skills in solving real word problems. They will continue to analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated experience of writing computer programs in order to solve problems. They will evaluate and apply IT, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems. They will become responsible, competent, confident and creative users of ICT. We ensure computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems.
Implementation
In early years, children will begin their knowledge of coding by sequencing stories, which is a prerequisite to sequencing code. This may also include giving/ following instructions for building with construction toys, making a map from a story and sorting objects which may help them with sifting through information to debug when they’re older. Children will use cameras or iPads and audio equipment to record and interpret information in the world around them. This teaching of skills and knowledge will continue into KS1 and KS2 and will be enhanced through experience of using a variety of devices and broadening the library of software and apps they are able to use to implement their knowledge. All pupils have access to Purple Mash, which they can use at home as well as in school, covering all aspects of coding with well planned out progression. They will begin to present and interpret their knowledge of the different subject areas through IT. They will learn how to use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies. For example using videos and books depicting situations where they will need to make decisions of how to keep themselves safe.
Teachers are regularly updated about new software and hardware available for them to implement their lessons. CPD is provided to ensure all staff have the subject knowledge and confidence to promote and teach what is a relatively new curriculum.
The sequence of progression of lessons has been carefully considered to ensure knowledge and skills are built at each stage It will also allow for pupils to revisit and reapply their knowledge and skills, building this into their long term memory, for example the vocabulary of code, algorithm, debugging is used from an early age to embed this understanding.
Impact
Children will be confident users of technology, able to use it to accomplish a wide variety of goals, both at home and in school. Children in our community will be given the same opportunities to succeed. Every child will be taught the full computing curriculum, which will not be diminished if they have been identified as having SEND in any other subject. They will have a secure and comprehensive knowledge of the implications of technology and digital systems. This is important in a society where technologies and trends are rapidly evolving. Computing hardware and software will be utilised to enhance the learning outcomes of our children, across the curriculum. Our children will be confident using a wide range of hardware and software, and will be diligent learners who value online safety and respect when communicating with one another.