Kerr Mackie Primary School

Computing

Intent 

At Kerr Mackie Primary School, we want pupils to be masters of technology and not slaves to it. Our aim is to provide pupils with a broad, deep understanding of computing and how it impacts their daily lives. Therefore, we will model and educate our pupils on the positive, responsible and safe use of technology.  To achieve this, we offer a structured sequence of lessons, which ensure that each teacher has a clear pathway of the skills required to meet the aims of our National Curriculum.   

We want our pupils to be creators of digital content, not consumers, and our broad curriculum encompassing computer science, information technology and digital literacy will reflect this. Safety online is paramount. We want our pupils to understand that there is always a choice to be made when using technology and as a school, we model how it can be used positively. We recognise that technology can allow pupils to share their learning in creative ways. We realise that technology can be of utmost importance to those pupils who may otherwise find accessing aspects of the curriculum. This ensures that no child is left behind. 

We encourage staff to try and embed computing across the whole curriculum to make learning creative and accessible. By Upper Key Stage 2, our pupils will be fluent with a range of tools to best express their understanding and will have the independence and confidence to choose the best tool to fulfil the task and challenge set by teachers. 

Implementation 

At Kerr Mackie Primary School, our computing lessons utilise the online Purple Mash platform. We have created a comprehensive progression document for staff to follow to best embed and cover every element of the computing curriculum. A copy of our long-term coverage can be found below. Through a clear sequence of unit plans and individual lessons, pupils have the opportunity to embed previous learning as well as being introduced to new skills and challenges.   

 

Each class has a weekly, timetabled slot in the new school Computing Suite.  Additionally, each year has access to laptops and iPads which they are able to use to support learning in Computing and across the wider curriculum. 

In Key Stage 1, the focus is on introducing the use of:  

  • Online safety 
  • Coding tools 
  • Simple data presentation 
  • Creative arts 

By the end of Key Stage 2, the above areas are developed further.  Additionally, pupils develop their understanding of: 

  • Communications and networks. 
  • Writing and presenting tools 

Teaching staff are provided with assessment tools to enable them to confidently assess their pupils’ progress against the skills taught. 

  

Impact 

We encourage our pupils to enjoy and value the curriculum we deliver. Teachers will have high expectations of pupils and will gather evidence in a variety of formats. By the end of the primary years, pupils will be confident using a range of hardware and software and will be able to talk about technology using the correct terminology. We want learners to discuss, reflect and appreciate the impact computing has on their learning, development and well-being in today‘s world. Finding the right balance with technology is key to an effective education and a healthy life-style. We feel the way we implement computing helps children realise the need for the right balance and one they can continue to build on in their next stage of education and beyond. We conduct ’pupil voice’ interviews to ensure that pupils are engaged with the subject and take onboard their feedback in order to develop their curriculum further. We also look for evidence through reviewing pupil’s knowledge and skills digitally through Purple Mash and observing learning regularly.