Sankey Valley St James CE Primary School

The following aspects are taught in all year groups:

Computer Science - Understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs
execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions.
Create and debug simple programs.
Use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs. 

Information Technology - Use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content.

Digital Literacy - Recognise common uses of information technology beyond school.
Use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and
support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.

Well they:

• Enthuse and equip children with the capability to use technology throughout their lives.
• Teach pupils to become responsible, respectful and competent users of data, information and communication technology.
• Provide technology solutions for forging better home and school links
•  Teach pupils to understand the importance of governance and legislation regarding how information is used, stored, created, retrieved, shared and manipulated.
• Utilise computational thinking beyond the Computing curriculum.
• Give children access to a variety of high quality hardware, software and unplugged resources.
•  Equip pupils with skills, strategies and knowledge that will enable them to reap the benefits of the online world, whilst being able to minimise risk to themselves or others.
•  Exceed the minimum government recommended/statutory guidance for programmes of study for Computing and other related legislative guidance (online safety).

Our pupils are motivated to learn Computing with the technology that we are lucky enough to have in our school.  The school is equipped with two class set of iPads and laptops loaded with applications that are designed to support Computing as well as other areas of the curriculum. 

Children are taught to have a positive attitude towards E-safety, this is taught to every year group through the Purple Mash Scheme of Work and revisited on an ongoing basis. 

You can help by reiterating the E-safety rules when your child is using technology at home. 

Follow these rules and stay safe online.

1. Never give out personal information

2. Tell a grown-up if you find something that is not right

3. Never agree to meet people

4. Never send your picture

5. If someone says something mean online, tell a grown-up

6. Don't do things online that you know are wrong

7. Check before you download anything

8. Don't give out your password

9. Set up rules for going online

10. Show your parents and carers how to use the internet. Share!

Our vision in Computing is that we believe that every child should have the right to a curriculum that champions excellence; supporting pupils in achieving to the very best of their abilities.

We understand the immense value technology plays not only in supporting the Computing and whole school curriculum but overall in the day-to-day life of our school. Through the use of a range of technology we provide: enhanced collaborative learning opportunities; better engagement of pupils and easier access to rich content. We believe that by providing our children with a rich, creative and safe computing curriculum it will support conceptual understanding and can support the needs of all our pupils.

We want our children to ask questions and be inspired, motivated and engage in the joy of discovery.

As a school, we have chosen the Purple Mash Computing Scheme of Work from Reception to Year 6. The scheme of work supports our teachers in delivering fun and engaging lessons which help to raise standards and allow all pupils to achieve to their full potential. We are confident that the scheme of work more than adequately meets the national vision for Computing. It provides immense flexibility and strong cross-curricular links. Furthermore, it gives excellent supporting material for all of our teachers. 

Early Years

We aim to provide our pupils with a broad, play-based experience of Computing in a range of contexts. We believe the following:

• Early Years learning environments should feature ICT scenarios based on experience in the real world, such as in roleplay.
• Pupils gain confidence, control and language skills through opportunities to ‘paint’ on the interactive board/devices or control remotely operated toys.
• Outdoor exploration is an important aspect, supported by ICT toys such as cameras, and walkie-talkie sets.
• Recording devices can support children to develop their communication skills. This is especially useful for children who have English as an additional language.

Key Stage 1 Outcomes

• Understand what algorithms are, how they are implemented as programs on digital devices, and that programs execute by following a sequence of instructions.
• Write and test simple programs.
•  Organise, store, manipulate and retrieve data in a range of digital formats.
• Communicate safely and respectfully online, keeping personal information private, and recognise common uses of information technology beyond school.

Key Stage 2 Outcomes

• Design and write programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts.
•  Describe how Internet search engines find and store data; use search engines effectively; be discerning in evaluating digital content; respect individuals and intellectual property; use technology responsibly, securely and safely.
• Use sequence, selection and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output; generate appropriate inputs and predicted outputs to test programs.
• Use logical reasoning to explain how a simple algorithm works and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs.
•  Understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the worldwide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration.
• Select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information.