Intent

We want children to see ICT as a fun and interesting subject which is relevant to their future. We aim to prepare our learners by giving them the opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills that will equip them for an ever changing digital world. Knowledge and understanding of IT is of increasing importance for children’s future both at home and for employment. Our computing curriculum focuses on a progression of skills in digital literacy, computer science, information technology and online safety to ensure that children become competent in safely using, as well as understanding, technology.

When pupils leave Christ Church we intend for them to have a sound grasp of the basics of coding, spreadsheets, data bases and other creative tools. They should be able to confidently use technology safely and respectfully.

Implementation

We teach the National Curriculum, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression via Purple Mash. Pupils have a weekly computing slot. To ensure a broad range of skills and understanding, Computing is taught across three main strands in every year group: digital literacy, computer science and information technology.

Information technology is about the use of computers for functional purposes, such as collecting and presenting information or using search technology.

Digital literacy is about the safe and responsible use of technology, including recognising its advantages for collaboration or communication.

Computer science provides children with an understanding of how computers and networks work. It also gives children the opportunity to learn basic computer programming.

Lessons are taught weekly for an hour; online safety is also covered in our PSHE lessons and there are ample opportunities to use computing skills in our cross-curricular learning. The Purple Mash curriculum is formatted in a way which revisits topics regularly and builds on the children’s existing knowledge.
 

Impact
Due to the recent IT hiatus we have opted to use the crash course plans which will see the lessons pitched at an appropriate pace.  Our current target is to introduce members of staff to the assessment tools built into purple mash. We hope that this will allow members of staff to store data in an easy and efficient manner. This will also allow us to better monitor the subject. With the evidence gathered and from discussions with staff we will adapt our staff meetings accordingly. Our previous meeting was derived from discussions of staff lacking confidence with coding lessons and used this for the base of our meeting.