Computing

Teaching Computing at Over Hall Community School

'Be supported, feel supported - make a difference'

Computing leads: Miss Marshall & Mrs Power

At Over Hall, we believe that computational thinking is vital in helping children to solve problems and one that all pupils should develop competence in, in order to be prepared for today’s rapidly changing world and future. We want all children to be digitally literate, being able to use and develop their ideas through information and communication technology at a level suitable for a future workplace and so that they are prepared to be active participants in a digital world.

 Implementation

Information and communication technology is an integral part of the national curriculum and is a key skill for everyday life. Computers, tablets, digital and video cameras are a few of the tools that can be used to acquire, organise, store, manipulate, interpret, communicate and present information. At Over Hall, we recognise that pupils are entitled to quality hardware and software and a structured and progressive approach to the learning of the skills needed to enable them to use it effectively. We have learnpads available in all classrooms and seek to maximise their use in all areas of learning.  

Following the National Curriculum strands for Computing our children are provided with the following opportunities.

In KS1 children:

•  Learn mouse handling, keyboard skills and how to save work.
• Use the internet for research.
• Use paint programmes
• Take photos.
• Understand how to use technology safely.
• Understand what algorithms are.
• Use BeeBots.
• Create talking ebooks.
• Use Scratch program for coding.

In KS2 children

• Use search engines.
• Control and Coding.
• Learn about e-safety and cyber bullying
• Electronic art programs.
• Digital literacy
• Use a range of technology to support learning across all areas of the curriculum.
• Become confident and competent users of technology.

Leadership: staff receive training and support in order to have the knowledge, expertise and skills to successfully implement ICT within their year group. Staff have access to support from the subject leaders to support their teaching of new topics and skills.

Equal opportunities: All children are given sufficient time to produce, plan and save work.

Planning: The long-term plan for computing is progressive in terms of both knowledge and skills. The key areas are built upon and expanded each year in accordance with the growing knowledge of the children.

Breadth and depth:

By making our curriculum progressive, our children are better prepared to remember and build upon learning from previous topics, years and key stages. 

Wherever possible, opportunities for the use of ICT are incorporated into all subject areas, allowing children to consolidate learning and to use it in real contexts.

Additionally, opportunities to take learning beyond the classroom are sought to allow pupils to see ICT used in real-life settings. First-hand experiences have the ability to engage the whole child and make learning memorable and meaningful.

Assessment: Subject Leaders monitor the progress of computing through work scrutiny, pupil voice, work displayed etc. Next steps for the subject then become evident.

Pupils are taught to understand and use correct computational vocabulary based on the objectives, skills and areas being taught.

Impact

Through our teaching and learning of computing children will become creative, logical thinkers, who analyse problems in computational terms. They will appreciate the relevance of digital literacy in our society and see it as an essential tool for learning, communication and finding information. As children‛s confidence grows they will be able to make informed and discerning choices about their use of information technology and most importantly know how to keep themselves safe when using all forms of technology.

*Please see class or key stage pages for learning intentions for each year group.