Computing

At Elsley Primary School we aim to enable pupils to embrace and utilise new technologies through the application of essential knowledge, principles and concepts. We aim to equip our pupils to operate in a rapidly changing modern and technological world. We want them to be digitally literate and be prepared for the career opportunities that will be open to them. Technology is everywhere and will play a pivotal part in pupils’ lives. Therefore, we want to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely. We want our pupils to understand that there is always a choice with using technology and as a school we utilise technology (including social media) to model positive use. We recognise that the best prevention for issues that arise involving technology and social media is through education. We want our pupils to communicate, collaborate, express ideas and create digital content using a variety of media and gain a solid understanding of how computing systems work. This is achieved through our broad curriculum that encompasses ‘Computer Science’, ‘Digital Literacy, Information Technology’ and ‘Online Safety’. Developing computational thinking skills in pupils gives them a deeper understanding of how to articulate a problem and think logically. Hence, this essential life skill is woven through our curriculum.

Technology provides opportunities for our pupils to share their learning in creative ways. Our knowledge-rich Computing curriculum is balanced with the opportunity for pupils to apply their skills creatively, which will in turn create a foundation for them to become proficient computer scientists of the future. We want our pupils to reflect on the past and be inspired by computing pioneers who have influenced and impacted the growth and sophistication of technology over time.

Our curriculum allows pupils to develop the following disciplinary skills within the domain of Computing:

• Finding things out (research and discovering how computer systems work)
• Developing ideas and making things happen
• Exchanging and sharing information
• Reviewing, modifying & evaluating work as it progresses
• Create and communicate computationally
• Responsible online citizenship 

At Elsley, our Computing curriculum is taught in 3 blocks across the year in order for our pupils to achieve depth in their learning. Our curriculum has been carefully planned to enable pupil progression within and across each year group. We have created a bespoke computing curriculum with strong cross-curricula links to Humanities, RE, Art, Science, Maths and English. We use computing to enrich learning and creativity within these topics through the use of technology. Every year group includes elements of Online Safety, Coding, Digital Creativity and Core Skills. The skills acquired are then embedded throughout the computing curriculum in all topics.

Based on the ‘Education for a Connected World’ framework, created by the UK Government’s Council for Internet Safety; online safety skills and knowledge are taught through a variety of mediums such as stories, videos and discussions. Some of these activities are then reinforced via PSHE lessons and during in-class assemblies. As a foundation to coding, pupils are taught problem-solving skills through computational thinking activities. Pupils then progress onto applying these skills into increasingly challenging contexts, including creative exploration through a variety of programming languages and software. In addition, these skills are also applied to our physical computing strand as pupils interact with a range of robotics and micro-controllers. 

Digital creativity is integrated into the wider curriculum topics, enriching the learning experience and giving purpose to the computing knowledge and skills pupils acquire. The engagement and learning of our pupils is enhanced by their exposure to a wide range of multimedia that includes different forms of animation, editing, digital art and design and elements of virtual reality. Our Computing core skills lessons give our pupils a foundation on how to effectively use common office software. Pupils also gain an understanding of how networks and computer and internet systems work.

Pupils are exposed to a range of digital devices and staff are widely encouraged to incorporate technology outside of Computing lessons. Children with a keen interest and passion for Computing are given leadership opportunities through our Digital Leaders program which embraces our Elsley values of achieving and sharing. As part of their role, they support other children in class, lead computing assemblies and work in collaboration with Digital Leaders from other schools. All pupils are also exposed to a diverse range of past and present computing pioneers. This is to gain an understanding of their significance and influence to the field of computing and technology as well as to inspire them into a potential career in one of the many aspects of computing and digital multimedia.