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Our Computing Curriculum

The Computing curriculum at Cononley is designed to enable pupils to embrace and utilise new technologies through the application of essential knowledge, principles and concepts. “Whether you want to uncover the secrets of the universe, or you want to pursue a career in the 21st century, basic computer programming is an essential skill to learn.” Stephen Hawking Theoretical Physicist, Cosmologist and Author.  Pupils must be equipped to operate in a rapidly changing workplace and to be prepared for the career opportunities that will be open to them.  

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 ‘Online Safety’ reflects this. 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 and social media is through education. 
 
Technology provides accessibility opportunities for our pupils and also allows them to share their learning in creative ways. Our knowledge rich curriculum has to be balanced with the opportunity for pupils to apply their skills creatively which will in turn help our pupils become proficient computer scientists. 

What our pupils will learn (intent): 

Computing skills are taught explicitly at Cononley; children in EYFS are taught in a block of lessons and children in Y1 to Y6 receive a weekly dedicated computing lesson. Each half-term has a focus on either Information Technology or Computer Science, with Online Safety lessons also taught during each half-term. The skills acquired are then embedded throughout the curriculum in all subjects. Online Safety lessons are mapped to the ‘Education for a Connected World’ framework and some of these activities will be reinforced via PSHE / RSE lessons and assemblies. We want our pupils to be fluent with a range of tools to best express their understanding and have the independence and confidence to choose the best tool to fulfil the task and challenge set by teachers.  

Online safety is very important at Cononley Primary School. We ensure this profile is maintained and that pupil needs are met by providing the following:

  • A relevant up-to-date online safety curriculum which is progressive from Early Years to the end of Year 6.
  •  A curriculum that is threaded throughout other curriculums and embedded in the day-to-day lives of our pupils.
  •  An Acceptable Use of ICT and Policy which all staff, volunteers and governors are required to read and sign.
  •  An On Line Safety Policy which is regularly reviewed and updated.
  •  On line Safety Rules for pupils in EYFS, KS1 and KS2 which are discussed on school. The rules have been sent home and parents/carers have been asked to discuss the rules at home with their children as well.
  •  Training for staff and governors.
  • Filtering and monitoring systems for all on-line access in school.
  • Data policies which stipulate how we keep confidential information secure.

How our pupils will learn (implementation):

EYFS
At Cononley Primary School, staff select resources from the Barefoot EYFS curriculum to support the teaching of the Early Years curriculum and the achievement of the Early Learning Goal for Technology. EYFS pupils are taught in variety of ways through adult-led and supported tasks and child-initiated learning in provision areas.

Key Stage 1

The Purple Mash computing curriculum for Key Stage 1 is taught weekly using a mixture of activities from Purple Mash and also ‘unplugged’ activities (those where children do not require an electronic device). These activities promote computational thinking, which can then be applied to various programs on Purple Mash such as databases and coding.

Key Stage 2

The Purple Mash computing curriculum for Key Stage 2 is taught weekly. There is a mixed aged planning format, developed by consultant Martin Bailey, to accommodate children in Year 3/4, Year 4/5 and Year 5/6. This ensures that pupils have access to the full curriculum within the mixed-age group structure of our classes. The Subject Leader for Computing teaches pupils in Willow Class (Year 4/5) and Oak Class (Year 5/6)

Progress and Assessment in Computing

Pupils' learning is assessed during and at the end of the unit, using the assessment documents which are part of the Purple Mash computing scheme. 

Impact

The impact of the curriculum will be reviewed at the end of the year, using information from end of unit assessments, observations and of pupils’ learning, reviews of pupils’ work and through pupil discussions about their learning.