Computing

Intent

At Bishop Monkton Primary school we aim to prepare our learners for their future by giving them the opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills that will equip them for an ever changing digital world. 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. These strands are revisited repeatedly through a range of themes during children’s time in school to ensure the learning is embedded and skills are successfully developed.

Our intention is that Computing also supports children’s creativity and cross curricular learning to engage children and enrich their experiences in school. We want our pupils to understand that there is always a choice with using technology and as a school we utilise technology 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.

Implementation

Our whole curriculum is shaped by our school vision which aims to enable all children, regardless of background, ability, additional needs to flourish to become the very best version of themselves they can possibly be. We teach the National Curriculum, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression. This ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children.

Our computing curriculum is taught using the three main strands: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. We follow Kapow computing scheme, this is a spiral curriculum which considers revisiting the key areas through KS1 and KS2. Each visit to the key area is covered with greater complexity. The pupil’s prior knowledge is utilised so they can build on previous foundations rather than starting again.

To see how our learning looks in the classroom, go to the class pages and look in the photo gallery tab under ICT.

Early Years

In EYFS, computing is taught through the ‘knowledge and understanding of the world’ strand throughout the year.  In EYFS, children are given the opportunity to use IPads as well as accessing technology in continuous provision. Children develop their understanding of the reasons that technology is used, both at home and in school, and begin to develop basic computing skills to give them a solid foundation for studying computing in KS1.

Impact

At Bishop Monkton we continuously ask the why behind the learning not just the how.  We want pupils to discuss, reflect and appreciate the impact computing has on their learning, development and well-being. We want children to 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. We also want children to be aware of online safety issues and protocols and be able to deal with any problems in a responsible and age appropriate manner. Finally we want the children to understand how to balance time spent on technology and time spent away from it in a healthy and appropriate manner.

All Children sign the

GOLDEN RULES FOR USE OF TECHNOLOGY

I will ask a teacher or suitable adult if I want to use the computers.

I will only use activities that a teacher or suitable adult has told or allowed me to use.

I will take care of the computer and other equipment.

I will ask for help from a teacher or suitable adult if I am not sure what to do or if I think I have done something wrong.

I will tell a teacher or suitable adult if I see something that upsets me on the screen.

I know that if I break the rules I might not be allowed to use a computer.

Pupils will agree to follow these rules when:

I use the school systems and devices (both in and out of school).

I use my own equipment outside of school in a way that is related to me being a pupil of Bishop Monkton C of E Primary School e.g. communicating with other pupils or teachers, accessing school email, website etc.