Computing @ Tickenham

Computing Intent Statement

At Tickenham, we want pupils to be confident with 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. We want our pupils to be creators not consumers and our curriculum reflects this. We want our pupils to understand that there is always a choice with using technology and as a school we utilise technology (especially social media) to model positive use. We recognise that the best prevention for a lot of issues we currently see with technology/social media is through education. Building our knowledge in this subject will allow pupils to effectively demonstrate their learning through creative use of technology.  

We encourage staff to try and embed computing across the whole curriculum to make learning creative and accessible. We want our pupils to be fluent with a range of tools to best express their understanding and hope by Upper Key Stage 2, children have the independence and confidence to choose the best tool to fulfil the task and challenge set by teachers. 

Computing Implementation Statement

We use computing alongside our lessons where possible to help children become creative thinkers and access learning in a variety of ways. Lessons are planned to maximize learning potential and a variety of resources are used to support this when appropriate. The range of programs and apps children access throughout their time in the school allow them to build a bank of resources to support them in developing their learning and expressing their creativity. At times, areas of the computing curriculum is taught discreetly such as the beginning of the school year in which all children are asked to discuss and agree to the AUP (Acceptable User Policy). In addition, specific lessons relating to online safety, GDPR and personal information are taught to the children. GDPR is a key priority with children being taught what we mean by personal information, who should have access to it and how to keep it safe. Children are introduced to safe passwords, safe communication and what to do if they get that ‘uh oh’ feeling. In addition to discreet teaching, this continues to be implemented through other linked lessons and each time children access digital devices. Discreet teaching will also, at times, be appropriate for areas of computer science to ensure children can become confident in the specialist areas of this. There will still be cross-curricular links where appropriate. 

Computing Impact Statement

To fulfil our vision of inspiring a generation, we encourage our children to enjoy and value the curriculum we deliver. We will constantly ask the WHY behind their learning and not just the HOW. We want learners to discuss, reflect and appreciate the impact computing has on their learning, development and well being. Finding the right balance with technology is key to an effective education and a healthy life-style. We feel the way we implement computing helps children realise the need for the right balance and one they can continue to build on in their next stage of education and beyond. We encourage regular discussions between staff and pupils to best embed and understand this. The way pupils showcase, share, celebrate and publish their work will best show the impact of our curriculum. 

 Progression of Skills Computing