Computing Subject Leaders-Mrs Price and Mrs Hothersall.

Intent:

We believe in providing a high-quality computing education which teaches our pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology.Through the study of Computing, children will be able to develop a wide range of fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding that will actually equip them for the rest of their life.  Computers and technology are such a part of everyday life that our children would be at a disadvantage would they not be exposed to a thorough and robust Computing curriculum.

The core of our computing curriculum is computer science, in which our 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, our pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that our pupils become digitally literate (able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology) at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

Each class is equipped with an interactive white board, PC and has access to a bank of laptops and Ipads. We regularly purchase new hardware and software which ensures our pupils develop their programming skills.

Our main aim is to support children to become independent, confident and responsible users of ICT in order to prepare them for life in an increasingly IT rich world. We teach our children to:

• understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
• analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
• evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
• be responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

The curriculum at Hoole St Michael’s aims to prepare children for the demands of the technological world of the future. We want to use IT in innovative ways to enhance children’s learning and through this provide opportunities to spark their curiosity. Through effective use of IT we want to give our children opportunities to develop an understanding of the global village and the part that they can play in this. When planning and teaching computing, we believe that it is an essential part of the curriculum; a subject that not only stands alone but is woven and should be an integral part of all learning.  Computing, in general, is a significant part of everyone’s daily life and children should be at the forefront of new technology, with a thirst for learning.

With the excitement and opportunities that this affords comes responsibilities. We want to ensure that we safeguard our children and are always mindful of the implications of developing new technologies within our school. We want to ensure that our children are taught to understand how to stay safe on line and know what to do if they do not. All our children are exposed to the understanding of internet safety as they explore the world around them and how technology is an everyday part of their learning and understanding of the world.

Implementation:

In Key Stage 1 the children learn to understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions. They will be taught to create and debug simple programs and use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs. They will be shown how to use a range of technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content as well as recognise common uses of information technology beyond school. They will be taught to use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.

In Key Stage 2 the children will design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts.  They will use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs, use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and correct errors in algorithms and programs. Children will be taught to understand computer networks, including the internet, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration. They will use search technologies effectively, learn to appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content. Children will be taught to select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals. They will use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

Hoole St Michael, we use such computer programs as Scratch and Kodu to teach the fundamentals of programming. We also use programmable toys in the infants such as BeeBots. We also have access to sets of Lego Minecraft.

Impact:

After the implementation of this computing curriculum, children at Hoole St Michael’s will be digitally literate and able to join the rest of the world on its digital platform.  They will be equipped, not only with the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively and for their own benefit, but more importantly – safely.  The biggest impact we want on our children is that they understand the consequences of using the internet and that they are also aware of how to keep themselves safe online.

As children become more confident in their abilities in Computing, they will become more independent and key life skills such as problem-solving, logical thinking and self-evaluation become second nature.

Our IT Subject Leaders are Mrs Juliet Price and Mrs Sue Hothersall

What do we do here at Hoole St Michael’s?

A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and at Hoole St Michael’s we endeavour to equip our children with the skills they will need for the future workplace. The 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. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through information and communication technology.

At Hoole St Michael’s we immerse the children in the use of Computing as much as possible through the use of our IPads and Laptops. These high-quality resources allow for robust cross-curricular links and we have found that their use elicits enthusiasm and engagement with learning from the children

Recommended Computing Websites

Hour of code KS1 and KS2

https://code.org/learn

An amazing website which allows students of all ages to learn the basics of computing programming and the vocabulary that comes alongside this.

Barefoot (KS1 and KS2)

https://www.barefootcomputing.org/homelearning

Downloadable activities and games for children, links to live lessons and a guide for parents – includes cross-curricular lesson plans and resources that unpack computational thinking in a range of subjects.

Code Club (KS2)

https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en/codeclub

Projects and activities for home learning and a parent guide.

UK Safer Internet Centre (KS1 and KS2)

https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/young-people/resources-3-11s

Online safety resources aimed at 3 -11 year olds.

STEM Learning e-Library (KS1 and KS2)

https://www.stem.org.uk/primary-computing-resources

An online resource bank, which links to resources on external websites. The site features a live chat function offering support from subject experts. New home learning resources are being developed.

Computing at School – Home Learning (KS1 and KS2)

https://www.computingatschool.org.uk/homelearning

Information and links to a range of at home computing activities

Thinkfun – All ages

http://info.thinkfun.com/stem-education/6-unplugged-coding-activities-for-hour-of-code

Unplugged activities for children to learn the basics about algorithms without a computer.

Things to do

Computing (coding) is important for children as it will help improve their mathematics and writing skills, it will give them valuable life skills, which will be used eventually in the workplace.  Develop your child’s skill by start learning the basics of coding; you do not even need a computer! Problem solving, thinking creatively, and it helps them to develop resilience.

Google Classroom

As home learning continues, we remain committed to ensuring the very best outcomes for our children. We wish to work with you to extend the provision given to your child by providing more direct teacher input. To support you with this, we have invested in Google Classroom.

Google Classroom is an educational tool, which will be used strictly for educational purposes. Each class has a page, which includes work for pupils to complete at home, links to helpful websites and educational videos to enhance our provision. It also provides a platform for pupils to keep in touch with their teacher during the scheduled lessons, which is so important whilst children are working remotely

Please see our page on Google Classroom on our website-https://www.hoolesmprimary.co.uk/our-classes/google-classroom/