Computers, digital devices and internet access are becoming ever more essential for daily life. Therefore at The Colleton, we want to model to and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely so they can apply their knowledge later in life. Through our computing curriculum, we encourage our pupils to experiment, explore and tinker with the resources they use with the aim of them being able to tackle tasks without fear. We believe that by allowing children to experience a range of equipment and platforms, we are giving them the best possible grounding for their futures in a digitally diverse world.
We aim to:
We have arranged the curriculum from Teach Computing strategically to ensure progression and revisiting of learning across our two year rolling programme of themes. It follows carefully planned units of learning based around our core computing golden threads of Coding and Programming, Digital Creations/Computer Skills and Online Safety.
We recognise that technology can allow pupils to share their learning in creative ways. We want our pupils to be sensitive and respectful when presenting themselves online and we have a robust code of conduct in place for e-safety throughout school that allows our pupils to use devices independently with the knowledge of how to behave if an uncomfortable situation were to arise. We ensure that staff in school model positive the use of technology, including the use of social media where appropriate to celebrate individuals’ effort and notable school events.
Our children love using our digital devices and look forward developing their computing skills. We endeavour to make this as natural as possible by embedding technology into the curriculum wherever we can and investing in new and innovative technology to complement and enhance our curriculum. We currently use Chromebooks, iPads, Windows laptops and we have VR Headsets to bring learning to life, with a 360° camera so we can create our own virtual content!
During and after each unit of work, teachers will make judgements on whether pupils have met, exceeded or are working towards the objectives. This will pass on with the children as they move into each new team to inform the teachers of where the individual needs lie. The subject leader will also analyse the data to track and monitor achievement and progress and the impact that this has had. Through close monitoring of the planning across the teams at The Colleton, the subject leader will assess the outcomes of our curriculum in order to enrich the subject, for example by offering further training to staff and keeping up with advances in technology.
Effective implementation of our curriculum will lead to pupils applying their skills and knowledge in other areas of learning and being able to share their knowledge of how to be a responsible user of technology through discussion when questioned. They will be prepared for the next stage in their lives, knowing how to use technology in wider contexts and most importantly, know where to seek support.