The world we live in is changing rapidly and technological advancements are at the heart of this. We know that the use of the internet, mobile phones and online Apps and games are rapidly becoming the norm and children have access to these from a young age. At the Bedonwell Federation, we believe in equipping the children with the skills to use technology safely to ensure that they are digitally responsible.  

The development of our children’s knowledge and skills in computing is fundamental and essential in order to prepare them for the ever-changing world in which we live. We endeavour to enable all children to make excellent progress and provide tools for teachers to promote efficient and effective teaching. A high-quality computing education equips our pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand the world.

Intent

The core of computing 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.

We have carefully considered chronology in our planning that builds progressively on pupils’ knowledge and skills from Nursery to Year 6. We use the National Curriculum as a basis for our planning and personalise and extend it to suit our specific context.

 We aim that computing  enables children:

• To develop computational thinking and problem-solving skills.
• To use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content.
• To ensure that pupils become digitally literate by ensuring they are able to use technology, express themselves and develop their ideas at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
• To develop computing capability in finding, selecting and using information.
• To use computing equipment for effective and appropriate communication.
• To apply hardware and software to creative and appropriate uses of information.
• To apply their computing skills and knowledge to their learning in other areas.
• To use their computing skills to develop language and communication skills.
• To know how to use computing equipment in a safe and positive way.

Implementation

Computing is taught weekly. We believe digital literacy can only be achieved with regular practise. Online safety is taught half termly, consistently building upon prior learning and relevant to children’s home life and changes in technological advancements.

Classes have access to iPads and chromebooks, which enables children to use technology across a variety of subjects. From EYFS to KS2, children use a range of programs and programmable toys including: Scratch, Inkscape and Beebots.

As the aims of computing are to equip children with the skills necessary to use technology to become independent learners, the teaching style that we adopt is as active and practical as possible.  Children receive direct instruction on how to use hardware or software through computing skills lessons and staff embed computing where applicable into all aspects of the curriculum to enhance the teaching and learning taking place. 

In the EYFS, children use computing equipment as part of their exploration through play.   We encourage the children to explore ways in which the use of such equipment can be utilised for particular purposes and to complete certain tasks.

A key feature that is prominent in every year group is the concept of E-Safety, whereby each year, the children are taught about how to use the internet safely, such as:

• Search engines – understanding that the use of specific key words typed could result in inappropriate websites/images.
• Social media – understanding that children need to be over 13 to use all forms of social media and over 16 to use whatsapp. They are also taught about how to use them appropriately, such as not disclosing personal information etc.
• Cyber-bullying – understanding that all conversations are stored and that nothing is ever ‘fully deleted’.
• Online gaming – understanding that accepting requests or chats from unknown people should not happen.
• Ensuring that a responsible and trusted adult is aware of the child’s actions online.