Intent 

At John Shelton, we want our children to understand the potential of technology and start to build computing skills for the future. We want them to become digital creators, using technology to support other areas of their work and lives, and also to understand the responsibilities of being digital consumers on their time, relationships and wellbeing. We know the digital workplace is continuously evolving and want them to grow up wanting to a part of that as software engineers, video game designers, web developers or IT consultants. Our Computing curriculum strives to develop resilient, reflective, creative and independent learners. It gives space for children to become “computational thinkers”, tackling complex problems, making mistakes and learning from them. It also engages our children, through the creative use of technology, to prepare pupils for the demands of the 21st century and the technological world that awaits them in the future. As well as the huge potential of technology, we teach our children to understand the challenges and problems it can create. We teach them to become good digital citizens, to know how to stay safe and keep others safe online, to be aware of the need to test out what and who they see and the importance of what they share in creating their own digital footprint. 

Implementation

• At John Shelton, we are following the Purple Mash scheme of work but incorporate other schemes to best suit the needs of our children.  

• Computing units are categorised into elements of Digital Literacy, Computer Science and Information Technology.  

• Children complete computing units half-termly, but digital literacy is embedded in all subjects and is used on a daily basis to enhance and support the learning of other curriculum areas.  

• The school uses a suite of core applications linked to the scheme, which enable children to develop and progress their skills through-out school.   

• Topics are blocked to allow children to focus on developing their knowledge and skills, studying each topic in depth.  

• Children have access to iPads, Chromebooks, Windows Laptops, VR headsets and Sphero Bolts to support all areas of the curriculum.   

• Teachers follow a clear progression of skills which ensure all pupils are challenged in line with their year group expectations and are given the opportunity to build on their prior knowledge.   

• To support teaching, staff access a range of resources and planning including Purple Mash.  

• The role of parents is recognised and they are involved in understanding how to keep their children safe at home.  

Impact

We encourage our children to enjoy and value the curriculum that we deliver. Fundamentally, we ask the ‘why’ and not just the ‘how’ to explore the depth of each objective within a stimulating environment that encourages children to discuss, reflect and appreciate the impact that Computing has on their learning, development and wellbeing. Finding the right balance with technology is key to an effective education and a healthy lifestyle. We feel the way that we implement Computing within cross curricular helps children realise the need for the right balance and one they can 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. We look for positive impact through observing learning regularly, early intervention where necessary and reviewing pupil’s digital skills through tools across Purple Mash. Progress of our Computing curriculum is measured through outcomes and the record of coverage through work saved in pupils’ personal document folders and saved ‘to do’ content electronically.