Computing

Our subject lead for Computing is Mrs Bicknell.

Intent

At Marden Vale we want pupils to be MASTERS of technology and not slaves to it. Technology is everywhere and will play a pivotal part in students' 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. 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 encourage staff to try and embed computing across the whole curriculum to make learning creative and accessible. We want our pupils to be fluent with a range of tools to best express their understanding and hope by Upper Key Stage 2, children have the independence and confidence to choose the best tool to fulfil the task and challenge set by teachers.

Implementation

We follow the PICT.com progression document to best embed and cover every element of the computing curriculum. The knowledge/skills statements build year on year to deepen and challenge our learners. The majority of learning will be embedded across the curriculum. The Computer Science aspects of the curriculum are taught explicitly but the primary focus is always to make learning cross curricular wherever possible. We implement this through the use of iPads, iPad apps (for example Popplet, Socrative, iMovie, Garage Band, and Book Creator) Chromebooks and our learning platform, Showbie.

Impact

At Marden Vale we encourage our children to enjoy and value the curriculum we deliver. We constantly ask the WHY behind their learning and not just the HOW. You will see:

• Learners discussing, reflecting and appreciating the impact computing has on their learning, development and well-being.
• The right balance with technology as this is key to an effective education and a healthy life-style.
• Computing which 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.
• Pupils showcase, share, celebrate and publish their work shows the impact of our curriculum. We also look for evidence through reviewing pupil’s knowledge and skills digitally through tools like Google Drive and Showbie and observing learning regularly.