Computing

What we want our children to learn in Computing at Ghyllgrove

At Ghyllgrove we recognise that technology can allow pupils to share their learning in creative ways and understand the powerful impact that opportunities in technology can provide for all of our children. We are determined to provide our children with a wide range of lifelong transferable skills alongside the Computing knowledge of the subject, which include our school Learning Powers (Learn as a team, Challenge Yourself, Stay focused, Believe in yourself and Persist, progress and be proud).

We provide a knowledge rich curriculum, which is balanced with the opportunity for pupils to apply their knowledge creatively, which will in turn help our pupils become skilful, confident and well-rounded in COMPUTING. With a captivating and knowledge rich curriculum, students are immersed in the technology for the future, both inside and outside of the classroom. Our aim is to provide our children with the confidence to be ready for their next steps in computing and feel confident and safe in using and creating new technologies in the fast paced world of technology that they live in.

In KS1 Pupils will be taught to:

• understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions;
• create and debug simple programs;
• use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs;
• use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content;
• recognise common uses of information technology beyond school;

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.

In KS2, pupils should be taught to:

• design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts;
• use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output;
• use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs;
• understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration;
• use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content;
• select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information;
• use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

How we teach Computing at Ghyllgrove 

Our Computing curriculum is underpinned by our four Computing themes (Digital Literacy, Programming, Understanding Technology and E-Safety). Throughout these four themes, key Computing vocabulary is at the heart of each lesson to ensure it is highlighted, discussed and explained to ensure all pupils can use these terminologies to help deepen their understanding and immerse themselves into the subject.

Every theme has been carefully planned in clear progression maps to ensure every lesson offers a range of opportunities for consolidation, collaboration, challenge and variety, whilst allowing skills to build over time. This allows children to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computing through: developing analytical problem-solving skills; learning to create, evaluating and applying information; understanding the creation and development of the internet; and understanding how to become responsible, safe, competent, confident and creative users of technology.

Our curriculum is intertwined with practical, written and collaborative activities that build over time, allowing our children to deepen their knowledge and ensuring the aims of the National Curriculum are covered. Every lesson builds on existing knowledge from the previous lesson, where teachers ensure key knowledge and vocabulary are continuously revisited through online quizzes to ensure learning is embedded into their long-term memory. Through delivering structured sequences of lessons not only in Computing but also through carefully designed cross-curricular lessons, children develop an understanding and appreciation of how technology supports the learning of all subjects throughout our school.

Learning in computing will be enjoyed across the school. Teachers will have high expectations and quality evidence of children's achievements will be presented in a variety of forms. Children will use digital and technological vocabulary accurately, alongside a progression in their technical skills. They will be confident using a range of hardware and software and will produce high-quality purposeful products. Children will see the digital world as part of their world, extending beyond school, and understand that they have choices to make. They will be confident and respectful digital citizens going on to lead happy and healthy digital lives.

for each year group, offering structure and narrative. These are not to be used exclusively but will support teachers' planning.

Online Safety

It is our intention at Ghyllgrove that our pupils are well equipped with an online safety curriculum that is purposeful and provides pupils with the necessary knowledge and skills to keep themselves safe whilst using technology. We understand how important and useful technology can be in our lives but also acknowledge the potential risks that come with it. We give online safety the highest priority when teaching computing and progressive planning from years 1-6 ensures that online safety is taught alongside the computing curriculum, in order to have optimum impact. Online safety is also taught through assemblies and themed days, including Safer Internet Day. Our curriculum is responsive to current events and issues and we are constantly looking for ways to engage the pupils and enhance the teaching of online safety.