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Computing

At Meadowside Academy, we understand the immense value that technology plays not only in supporting the Computing and whole school curriculum but overall in the day-to-day life of our school. Our vision is to fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum for Computing whilst also providing enhanced collaborative learning opportunities, engagement in rich content and supporting pupil’s conceptual understanding of new concepts.

“A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world…core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content.” National Curriculum

Intent

• Technology is ever evolving and we aim to develop pupils who can use and express themselves, develop their ideas through, information and communication technology at a suitable level for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
• Equip children to be responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.
• For Children to know how to keep themselves safe whilst using technology and on the internet and be able to minimise risk to themselves and others.
• Children become responsible, respectful and competent users of data, information and communication technology.
• Children are able to evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems. They can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience writing computer programs in order to solve such problems.
• Children can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation.
• To ensure children are digitally literate and are active participants in a digital world and are equipped with the capability to use technology throughout their lives.
• Develop an understanding of the importance of governance and legislation regarding how information is used, stored, created, retrieved, shared and manipulated.
• Children understand and follow the SMART E-Safety rules, the E-Safety messages and can keep them safe online. They know who to contact if they have concerns.

Implementation:

At Meadowside teachers use the Purple Mash scheme of work alongside the skills progression outlined in our Rainbow Curriculum. Computing lessons are broken down into weekly units, usually with two units taught per half-term. Units cover a broad range of computing components such as coding, spreadsheets, Internet and Email, Databases, Communication networks, touch typing, animation and online safety.

• Computing teaching at Meadowside has deep links with mathematics, science and design and technology and our aim is to provide a broad and balanced curriculum whilst ensuring that pupils become digitally literate and digitally resilient.
• Teachers and pupils are also aware of the importance of health and safety and pupils are always supervised when using technology and accessing the internet.
• Pupils are encouraged to engage with ICT and technology outside of school. Each teacher and pupil at Meadowside has their own unique Purple Mash login and password. Computing work can be stored and saved using pupil log in details and homework or ‘2do’s’ can also be set for pupils to access and complete tasks at home that link with their current class learning
• Computing teaching is practical and engaging and a variety of teaching approaches and activities are provided based on teacher judgement and pupil ability. We have a wide range of resources to support our computing teaching including but not limited to, iPads, laptops, bee-bots and webcams.
• Parents are encouraged to support the implementation of ICT and computing where possible by encouraging use of ICT and computing skills at home during homework tasks and support pupils beyond the classroom by registering with the ‘Parent Portal’.
• Through our Purple Mash subscription our teachers can deliver thematic, cross curricular lessons that also follow children’s interests and provide flexibility. Purple Mash has an online portal of age-appropriate software, games and activities as well as topic materials and materials to support children’s learning in other subject areas for all key stages
• .Through pupils computing lessons they will also use the Purple Mash software to ‘make music’ using the 2Sequence program, design and make using the 2Animate software and make links with maths through spreadsheets using 2Calculate.

Impact:

We measure the impact of our curriculum through the following methods:

• Pupil discussions and interviewing the pupils about their learning (pupil voice).
• Governor monitoring with our subject computing link governor.
• Moderation staff meetings with opportunities for dialogue between teachers.
• Photo evidence and images of the pupils practical learning.
• Video analysis through recording of performance in lessons.
• A reflection on standards achieved against the planned outcomes.
• Learning walks and reflective staff feedback (teacher voice).
• Dedicated Computing leader time

Please click here to access our long term plan curriculum plans linked to our big ideas

Please see the Computing subject guide below, which shows the long term plan and progression of knowledge and skills.

At Meadowside we follow Purple Mash as our computing scheme of work. Below you will find the overview of the scheme and long term plan. You can also see a progression of skills document for the subject showing how the three key stands of Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy are built on from Year 1 to Year 6.