Curriculum Intent Statement

At More Park we appreciate the ever-changing digital world in which we all live and the importance of delivering a high quality computing curriculum, making links to science, mathematics and design technology. We also want to ensure that children now how to stay safe online whilst achieving these goals.  

At the core of our curriculum is computer science in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming.  Building on this knowledge and understanding we intend for our children to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content.  We aim to ensure that pupils become digitally literate – able to use and express themselves and develop their ideas through information and communication technology as active participants in a digital world. 

Implementation

At More Park we follow the Switched on Computing scheme of work.  This is structured around six units of work per year group, each of which has six sessions.  One unit is taught each half term.  It can be implemented through weekly computing lessons or used more flexibly and can be used for a whole day of computing.  

There are many ways to link these units to other subjects pupils are studying.  Therefore, the topics do not need to be taught in a particular order.  Many of these units refer directly to the online platform Purple Mash.  Using this platform allows children to begin their computing lessons supported at school and carry them on as homework.  The scheme also provides extension task which again, through using Purple Mash, children can also challenge themselves at home.  

Purple Mash also gives the children the opportunity to continue their computing lessons as part of remote teaching. 

Computing lessons are timetabled for each class at least once per week.  During these sessions classes can chose to use either ipads or laptops for implementation of the scheme.  However, at More Park we recognise that computing isn't just about devices, but computational thinking is a part of everyday life.  Therefore, during a timetabled computing lesson, teachers may chose to teach computing without computers.

The most important aspect of our Computing curriculum is ensuring the children know how and understand why they need to stay safe online.  Online Safety lessons will be taught as the first Computing lesson in Terms One, Three and Five.  Information will be displayed in each class as a reminder of how to stay safe.  

Impact

Through the teaching of Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy, the children at More Park will be confident users of technology enabling them to use it to accomplish a wide variety of goals both at home and in school.

Children will have a secure and comprehensive knowledge of the implications of technology and digital systems.  They will also understand the consequences of using the internet and know how to stay safe online. 

As children become more confident in their abilities in Computing, they will become more independent and key life skills such as problem-solving, logical thinking and self evaluation will become second nature, preparing them well for a world with rapidly revolving technology. 

Beebots

As part of their learning on Algorithms, Year Two children have been learning how to program the Beebots to create different shapes!

COMPUTER AMBASSADORS AT THE BETT EXHIBITION

EXCEL LONDON

This year we had the opportunity to take our four Computer Ambassadors on a trip to the BETT Exhibition held at Excel in London.  The purpose of the trip was to look at the technology of the future and ascertain what resources would benefit our children in school. 

Having planned the trip from the timings of the day, to which trains to get and the direction to go in, the Ambassadors were a credit to our school.  They took part in several technological learning opportunities, from coding to interactive 3D books and from wellbeing interactive screens to Minecraft for education.  Their favourite of the day was dissecting a frog in the virtual reality classroom!  

CODING CLUB

Coding Club is open to all children in Year 5 and 6.  It is held on a Wednesday lunchtime and run by Mrs Seal.  The children have the opportunity to learn how to code programs and create their own games.  Coding skills are learnt through Purplemash allowing the children to continue their coding and game building at home if they wish to do so.