Computing

Curriculum Intent Statement for Computing

 

At Appletree our aim is for all pupils to become safe and proficient users of technology.  We believe that computing has the potential to bring topics to life, extend our knowledge beyond the realms of textbooks and enables us to develop ideas and make things happen. We aim to equip children with transferable skills to support our pupils to be independent lifelong learners with ambition to achieve in any chosen direction.

 

At Appletree we: 

  • Model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely. 

  • Help pupils to understand that there is always a choice with using technology and as a school we utilise technology to model positive use as we strive to be thoughtful citizens who recognise the impact we can have on our friends, community and the wider world. 

  • Give pupils the Digital Literacy skills and knowledge needed in order to share their learning in creative ways. 

  • Actively encourage children to develop their knowledge and understanding of how computers work (Computer Science), while giving them practical experience of coding, programming and debugging.

  • Encourage staff to try and embed computing across the whole curriculum to make learning creative and accessible.

 

Implementation 

 

Our computing curriculum is divided into two parts: Digital Literacy and Computer Science.  Children are actively encouraged to develop their knowledge and understanding of how computers work, while giving them practical experience of coding, programming and debugging.   Our planned curriculum for Digital Literacy also includes a strong emphasis on internet and e- safety.  From Nursery through to Year 4 staff address a range of issues related to e-safety with a view to maximising children's awareness of personal safety online and the ways in which they conduct themselves while navigating the ever changing online world.  

 

On site we have a dedicated computer suite of 31 computers.  Our ICT suite allows every pupil to have planned lessons which enhance pupils leaning using up to date technology. Every class has a weekly morning or afternoon slot in the suite to learn discrete ICT skills. The suite is also used additionally in all other subjects to enhance the children’s enjoyment of leaning by using ICT.   ICT is also used across the curriculum to enhance and support learning in other subject areas e.g. creating weather report videos, research skills, animating stories etc.    

 

Every classroom is equipped with computers, Apple TV and Interactive Whiteboards. In addition to this we have 70 iPads for use across the school.  iPads are used throughout the school, for a multitude of purposes, to record, share, celebrate and distribute different work. The use of iPads allows children to creatively and purposefully record work in different ways.  Movable touch screen boards allow us to use technology in all areas of the school.  

 

We invest well in the services offered by North Tyneside Learning Trust and North Tyneside CLC to provide: practical sessions and workshops for children, staff training, information for parents meetings and access to alternative Computing opportunities both inside and outside of our school.  We follow a Computing Scheme of Work created by the North Tyneside CLC that is in line with the 2014 National Curriculum alongside a subscription to Purple Mash. The scheme is continuously reviewed and updated by experts to reflect progression of skills and to include ever changing technologies.

 

Targets for 2021/2022

 

  • Provide teachers with high quality resources and guidance to help them to deliver a digitally rich curriculum.
  • Continue to develop the Computing Curriculum to evidence impact and provide more opportunities for pupils to reflect on their learning.
  • Share learning opportunities with parents and the wider community