Computing
Computing Curriculum in Detail
We live in a digital world, and a high-quality computing education is essential to equip pupils understanding in this rapidly changing technological world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. 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 a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
The school has introduced the Purple Mash computing scheme which provides the basis for the computing work. Computing skills are taught as discrete skills but are practised in conjunction with other areas of the curriculum, for example by word processing work produced in English, producing PowerPoint presentations, creating excel spreadsheets for calculating and creating databases.
In using the Purple Mash we value the simplified versions of programmes that accompany the scheme in the early stages of the pupils’ learning, whilst remaining committed to ensuring pupils have developed skills in using the full, wider available programmes such as Microsoft Word and Excel for example.
Every classroom has an Interactive Whiteboard. The Computer Suite houses computers and an Interactive Whiteboard. In addition, teachers and children can use laptops in their classrooms or in the Computer Suite.
We have 6 digital microscopes, i-pads, simple digital video cameras that are adapted for educational use and a digital camera for each class. Classrooms also have visualisers to allow children’s work to be easily projected and shared.
All our computers have access to the internet using Broadband through the Hertfordshire Grid for Learning. This screens material to ensure online safety though our children are all taught, through their Computing lessons and day to day discussions, how to keen themselves safe online. Pupils are taught the importance of and understanding of online safety throughout the Purple Mash scheme as both discrete units and also throughout the wider scheme.