Computing

Intent

With technology playing such a significant role in society today, Western House Academy’s intent is to equip pupils with a wide range of skills to prepare them for the future if they are to be able to participate effectively and safely in this digital world as digitally literate citizens. We aim for pupils to develop essential IT skills through hands-on experience: mastering diverse software and devices, learning how computer systems function, and applying technology to foster creativity and develop their ideas. Our inclusive curriculum is thoughtfully sequenced to build on previous knowledge and uses a cyclical structure to revisit topics effectively. Online Safety is a continuous and integral part of all learning delivered. Lessons provide connections to be made between the real world and the range of technology in their hands.

Implementation

At Western House Academy, we have a two way approach to Computing: Online Safety taught through Project Evolve alongside the Teach Computing scheme which covers National Curriculum aims and covers the Education for a Connected World DFE document. The units are carefully mapped in the year throughout the whole school to enable clear progression and to time certain themes nearer to the school holidays where more time is typically spent online. Units are taken from Teach Computing, BBC Mircrobit and TinkerCad (3D modelling) to ensure breadth, new experiences and challenge. Lessons encourage critical thinking and creativity. External visitors (Tech She Can) are invited throughout the year who represent gender diversity.  In the Early Years the focus throughout the year is on online safety with a focus on health and wellbeing due to a noted increase in screen time of this age group. In KS1 and 2 each half term a new online safety strand is introduced alongside another unit of computing. Children start the year by understanding computing systems and networks as the foundation of their learning. The areas of Computing taught from Years 1-6 are:Algorithms - Be able to comprehend, design, create, and evaluate algorithms Computer networks - Understand how networks can be used to retrieve and share information, and how they come with associated risks Computer systems - Understand what a computer is, and how its constituent parts function together as a whole Creating media - Select and create a range of media including text, images, sounds, and video Data and information - Understand how data is stored, organised, and used to represent real-world scenarios Design and development - Understand the activities involved in planning, creating, and evaluating computing artefacts (anything created by a human using a computer)Effective use of tools - Use software tools to support computing work Impact of technology - Understanding how individuals, systems, and society as a whole interact with computer systems Programming - Create software to allow computers to solve problems Safety and security - Understand risks when using technology, and how to protect individuals and systemsChildren with SEN or deemed vulnerable receive extra online safety lessons through digital pupil leads and have adapted online safety lessons which suit their level of understanding and needs.

Impact

Children are assessed at the end of the unit against the success criteria through a summative assessment which shows progress and secure understanding. When starting a new unit, children are able to recall prior learning from the previous year as shown in their start point assessment. Deeper Engagement: Move beyond passive consumption (like just watching videos or playing games) to actively enjoy and interact with technology on a deeper, more meaningful level.Articulate, responsible digital citizens: Develop an increased understanding of why online safety is essential, including recognising the risks and dangers associated with inappropriate technology use. School logs show a decrease in online safety incidents. External visitors have commended the strong articulation of children with regards to their knowledge of online safety and how their computing learning transfers into their future life. Parents and children report feeling confident to share online bullying incidents as they know it will be resolved. Fostering Independence and Creativity: Show a greater willingness to engage creatively with technology independently choosing different software/tools for different purposes, driven by the targeted and effective use of devices within the classroom.Integrating Technology: Demonstrate greater application of digital devices across other curriculum areas.