Intent
At Langley Mill Church of England (Controlled) Infant School and Nursery, we believe that an effective computing curriculum is essential in teaching children the knowledge and skills that will enable them to make sense of and contribute to their world. Increasingly, that requires the use and understanding of computers. Computing and ICT need to be taught. Learners who have grown up with technology around them often naturally develop into competent operators. However, this does not give them any awareness of the underlying processes involved and an understanding how best to apply their skills safely and ethically.
Implementation
- Computing is taught within a thematic approach, carefully planned for coverage and progression across terms, year groups, key stages, school. This enables children to link their learning across a range of subjects, apply the skills and understanding which they have learnt to everyday life and prepare them for the future.
- Computing is used as a valuable cross curricular aid to stimulate, motivate and enhance the teaching of other subjects. The skills and techniques that are developed can be applied across the curriculum and many subjects.
- Topics have been carefully selected which allow sufficient opportunities for development of ICT skills, knowledge and understanding.
- Teaching of some key computing skills is discrete to support children within learning tasks.
- Planning includes use of a variety of ICT equipment and resources e.g. IPads, laptops, programmable toys and introduction to a wide range of IT applications and tools, such as word processing, internet searches, graphics, and software coding.
- Teachers plan real purposes for ICT work, linked to topics e.g. create a presentation to showcase learning this term for parents, develop a school leaflet to give to prospective parents, etc.
- Special events, theme days and competitions are planned within curriculum time to enhance teaching and learning and support online safety work (Cyber Bullying Day and Internet Safety Day).
- When teaching computing, the teachers follow the children’s interests to ensure they are engaged in their learning.
- A variety of teaching approaches are used based on age, appropriateness and teacher judgement.
- Online safety is an integral part of computing work, reinforced with posters around school and information on the school website.
Impact
- Children make good progress in their computing skills, knowledge and understanding across years, key stages and the whole school.
- Children develop a love of learning about technology.
- Children are inspired to succeed in computing.
- Children acquire the skills to use appropriate IT tools safely, effectively, with purpose and enjoyment.
- Children become more autonomous users of ICT.
- Children take advantage of a wide variety of opportunities to make informed judgments about IT applications and their effects.
- Children take greater responsibility for their own learning and decide when it is appropriate to use ICT in their work.
- Children know how to keep safe online and are responsible and safe users of the Internet and other communication technologies.
