At Castle Primary School, we believe that a holistic education is vital.
Computing skills is an important part of the children’s education and crucial to our taught curriculum offer which is underpinned by our learning intentions, to create independent, resilient and empathetic learners. It is a way of thinking, problem solving and using creativity to understand and change the world.
Through the teaching of computing we aim to develop the processes of computer systems, technologies, hardware and a variety of software. We also aim to provide children with the opportunities to work through the essential elements and concepts of computer science, programming and data handling as well as building on the children’s research, communication and presentation skills using the eLim resources as a basis for our programme of study. Computing encourages logical thinking, problem solving and creativity and strongly links to all other areas of the curriculum.
A clear ‘skills and knowledge progression’ ensures a systematic teaching and learning sequence that builds on children’s prior attainment. Our learning values (independent, resilient, empathetic learners) support the holistic development of the children in all areas of the curriculum. Through the study of computing, children will be able to develop a wide range of fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding that will actually equip them for the rest of their life. Computers and technology are such a part of everyday life that our children would be at a disadvantage would they not be exposed to a thorough and robust computing curriculum such as the eLim programme of study. Children must be taught in the art form of ‘computational thinking’ in order to provide them with the essential knowledge that will enable them to participate effectively and safely in the digital world beyond the school gates.
Castle Primary School takes internet safety extremely seriously. We have an e-safety policy that provides guidance for teachers and children about how to use the internet safely. Woven within the eLim programme of study are specific lessons on e-safety appropriate for each year group so that children understand how to stay safe in the digital world.
At our school, we believe a clear and effective scheme of work that provides coverage in line with the National Curriculum is essential and we have chosen the eLim scheme for this purpose. This covers five areas of learning: e-safety, programming, technology in our lives, handling data and multimedia. Teaching and learning facilitate progression across all key stages and is fully inclusive for all learners. In KS1, one of the ways we are teaching pupils about the language and concepts of computer programming is by using the espresso coding lessons using block coding. Children in KS2 build on this knowledge using a wide variety of hardware and software. Computing is implemented across all aspects of our school curriculum, examples are the use of Seesaw in all classes, ixl and Times Tables Rockstars during maths lessons.
The importance of online safety and celebrations of the computing curriculum are shown through displays within the learning environment. The school takes part in Safer Internet Day and within the scheme of work spend further time exploring the key issues associated with online safety. Every child actively participates in a range of activities linked to being safe with technology and parents are informed or any issues relating to this.
Our school strives to ensure every child can become a confident user of technology, while being able 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 by the time they leave. This is important in a society where technologies and trends are rapidly-evolving. They will be able to apply the school values of respect, responsibility and tolerance when using digital systems, which will hold them in great stead in their future endeavours.
It is important in the Early Years stage of schooling to give children a broad, play-based experience of computing in a range of contexts, including outdoor play. They use technology to access age appropriate software to provide opportunities for mark making as well as supporting their imaginative play, often re-enacting real life experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
