Computing at Felbridge

What are we aiming for?

Our aim through computing lessons and the use of technology at Felbridge School is to prepare children to adapt to an ever-changing world through the use of a rich, exciting curriculum. The children leaving us every year will likely encounter technological advances in their adult lives which have not been developed yet, so educating children to understand the importance of computing and the impact that technology has on our lives is vital.

Through the use of age-appropriate activities linked to the aims of the National Curriculum, we aim to give children the tools to be successful when using current technology and adaptable when approaching new technologies in the future.

How we achieve our aims

We use a range of resources, both to support quality, whole-class teaching and also to give children a range of experiences. We are conscious that each child will have access to different technology outside school; utilising ‘common’ or open-source apps which can be accessed on different devices is an important aspect of our approach to the curriculum.

We have access to whole-class sets of Learnpad tablets and a new set of Chromebooks; PCs in our ICT suite are also used to support intervention work for small groups and to allow children in the oldest year groups to carry out independent research and group work while being appropriately supervised from their adjoining classroom.

The curriculum for each year begins with explicit online safety teaching which is supplemented by links within relevant units of work as well as linking to PSHE, circle time and assemblies where appropriate. As children grow in age and confidence, we use Google Suite to frame research and presentation tasks as well as to support collaborative work. Skills are developed through Key Stage 1 and 2 to take in animation, website creation and the theory of computing to support children’s readiness for secondary school and the increase in independent online learning which will be expected of them.

Emphasis is placed on the development of:

• Understanding the importance of online safety, reporting worries & risks and knowing a range of ways to stay safe.
• Evaluating the plausibility of information on websites;
• Understanding Coding and being able to complete basic programming tasks;
• Communicating through use of word processing, graphics and cameras;
• Modelling e.g. simulation control;
• Monitoring e.g. using devices to measure physical changes;
• Using the internet for research purposes;

At Felbridge, we have partnered with Kapow Primary, an exciting digital education resource for primary children developed by specialist teachers and featuring built-in CPD for non-specialists. We also use the Discovery Coding platform to teach a structured progression in coding that moves from basic algorithims to more complex variables and functions by Year 6.

By selecting units from Kapow’s curriculum in combination with Discovery coding units, we aim to cover the three core elements of the National Curriculum- digital literacy, information technology and computer science- while also developing opportunities for children to research and present information across the wider curriculum.

Planning for SMSC and Supporting Inclusion

Computing can enhance and add to the wider curriculum, allowing children, particularly those who may struggle with pen and paper, the means to express themselves and what they have learnt. A range of computer-based interventions support children to catch up and keep up with their peers, including Nessy and Times Tables Rockstars. Children with SEND needs can also use devices to dictate or illustrate their learning.

Online Safety lessons as well as links in units which cover the history and theory of computing support children’s understanding of social, moral and cultural issues locally and around the world, including social media, copyright, e-commerce and cyberbullying.

What will our approach result in?

Over time, as technologies are introduced and embedded, and as they grow, children will be confident in using a range of devices and tools to research and present information.

Children will understand and be able to articulate how they can stay safe online. They will be able to explain risks and talk about worries they may have resulting from the use of technology, becoming responsible ‘digital citizens’ with the growing ability to make responsible decisions about use of tech.

Children will be able to understand with growing confidence how some of the technology we use, and the online world, works and links together.