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Computing

Intent:

At Sandown Primary school 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. Our broad curriculum encompassing computer science, information technology and digital literacy reflects this. We believe Computing should be safe, Computing should be challenging with high expectations and Computing should be fun.

Implementation:

Computing is taught mainly through discrete lessons using the Purple Mash scheme of work. This ensures children are able to develop depth in their knowledge and skills over the duration of each of their computing topics. We have Chrome books, laptops, iPads and interactive whiteboards to ensure that all year groups have the opportunity to use a range of devices and programs for many purposes across the wider curriculum. Employing cross-curricular links motivates pupils and supports them to make connections and remember the steps they have been taught.

Our curriculum ensures a balanced coverage of the three strands of the Computing curriculum:

Digital Literacy 

This is about the safe and responsible use of technology, including recognising its advantages for collaboration or communication.

Computer Science 

This will introduce children of all ages to understanding how computers and networks work. It will also give all children the opportunity to learn how to write algorithms and solve problems to create a computer programme.

Information Technology

This is about the use of computers for functional purposes, such as collecting and presenting information, or using search technology

To read our Computing curriculum overview please click here.

In addition to our normal class curriculum, we participate in events such as Hour of Code and Safer Internet Day. Internet safety is taken extremely seriously and is embedded within our curriculum. We have an E-Safety Policy that provides guidance for teachers and children about how to use the internet safely. Each year group participates in lessons on e-safety, children understand how to stay safe when using technology and Internet safety days are held regularly to address current issues. We also have our specialist Digital Leaders whose role is to assist pupils with any internet safety questions they may have and to help them stay safe online

For additional information about this subject, please contact the school office and ask to speak to the subject leader.