Computing
At Mount Street Primary, our aim is to ensure that all pupils leave their time with us, fully equipped to enter their technological futures as the rapid pace of technological change requires pupils to not only know how to do something today, but to be fluid in their thinking for tomorrow. In order to ensure our pupils are provided with a balanced curriculum, the computing programme of study has been broken down into three aspects of computing at each key Stage. This allows pupils to develop their “computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world” NC – Computing PoS.
Computer Science (CS) – How digital technology works and programming.
Information Technology (IT) – The use of technology to create programs, systems and a range of content.
Digital Literacy (DL) – To express and develop ideas (safely) as active participants in a global world.
At Mount Street Primary School, we then develop the children's conceptual knowledge and understanding through 'Big Ideas' which develop both in depth and knowledge as the children progress through the school.
Our scheme of work, Kapow Computing, enables pupils to at a minimum meet the end of Key Stage Attainment targets and aims outlined in the National Curriculum ensuring children:
• can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
• can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
• can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology
When used in conjunction with Jigsaw’s PSHE scheme, our Computing scheme of work also satisfies all the objectives of the DfE's Education for a Connected World framework. This guidance was created to help equip children for life in the digital world, including developing their understanding of appropriate online behaviour, copyright issues, being discerning consumers of online information and healthy use of technology.
E-safety
Each academic year, all year groups focus on aspects of e-safety in the first term. This is designed to ensure pupils feel confident when talking about any issues arising throughout the year with their peers and class teacher, as well as knowing early on what to do and who to talk to if they have concerns. Throughout the Computing Curriculum, pupils are taught to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour and ways to report concerns about content and contact. In the Spring term, along with all LAT schools, we all take part in the global campaign ‘Safer Internet Day’ using the theme and resources to enhance the Computing curriculum.
