"I think it's fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tool we have ever created. They are tools of communication, they are tools of creativity, and they can be shaped by their user." 

                                                                                                                          - Bill Gates 

Intent

At our school we want pupils to be masters of technology and not slaves to it.

Technology is everywhere and will play a pivotal part in children’s lives. Therefore, we want to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely. We want our pupils to be creators not consumers and our broad curriculum encompassing computer science, information technology and digital literacy reflects this.

We want our pupils to understand that there is always a choice with using technology and as a school we utilise technology (especially social media) to model positive use. We recognise that the best prevention for a lot of issues we currently see with technology/social media is through education.

Building our knowledge in this subject will allow pupils to effectively demonstrate their learning through creative use of technology We recognise that technology can allow pupils to share their learning in creative ways.

We also understand the accessibility opportunities technology can provide for our pupils. Our knowledge rich curriculum has to be balanced with the opportunity for pupils to apply their knowledge creatively which will in turn help our pupils become skilful computer scientists.

We want our pupils to be fluent with a range of tools to best express their understanding and our aim is that, by the end of Year 6, children have the independence and confidence to choose the best tool to fulfil the task and challenge set by teachers.

Implementation

At Marsh Green Primary School, it is our intention to provide a clear and effective, bespoke Computing scheme of work that provides coverage in line with the National Curriculum. 

Teaching and learning should facilitate progression across all key stages within the strands of digital literacy, information technology and computer science.

Children will have access to the hardware (computers, tablets, programmable equipment) and software that they need to develop knowledge and skills of digital systems and their applications.

Teaching and learning should facilitate progression across all key stages within the strands of digital literacy, information technology and computer science. Children will have the opportunity to explore and respond to key issues such as digital communication, cyber-bullying, online safety, security, plagiarism and social media.

Further time within the Computing curriculum is devoted to children exploring the key issues associated with online safety. The importance of online safety is also reiterated through PSHE lessons, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 assemblies and within the wider school environment (for example, displays).

Impact

We encourage our children to enjoy and value the curriculum we deliver. We will constantly ask the why behind their learning and not just the how.

We want learners to discuss, reflect and appreciate the impact computing has on their learning, development and well-being. Finding the right balance with technology is key to an effective education and a healthy life-style.

We feel the way we implement computing helps children realise the need for the right balance and one they can continue to build on in their next stage of education and beyond. We encourage regular discussions between staff and pupils to best embed and understand this. The way pupils showcase, share, celebrate and publish their work will best show the impact of our curriculum.

We also look for evidence through reviewing pupil’s knowledge and skills and observing learning regularly. Progress of our Computing curriculum is demonstrated through outcomes and the record of coverage in the process of achieving these outcomes.