Curriculum Statement: Computing

Excellence, Truth and Grace’

‘Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.’

Philippians 4: 8-9 

 

Curriculum Intent

At Middleton Parish Church School, we believe that computing is an essential life skill, and we therefore strive to equip our children with the knowledge and skills to become confident and competent users of technology. We want our children to become digital creators, using technology to support other areas of their work and lives, and to understand the responsibilities that being digital consumers has on their time, relationships and wellbeing. We follow the ‘Purple Mash’ scheme of work, which offers coherently planned units of work to support teachers in ensuring that pupils’ computing knowledge and skills within the three fundamental areas: computer science; digital literacy and information technology are developed. Skills and techniques are taught progressively and revisited to ensure that all children are able to learn and practice in order to develop as they move through the school. We have 4 clear drivers which are inextricably interweaved with our Christian vision and mission statements across all areas.

Middleton Parish Church School’s children will be:

  • Ready to Learn: Children will be efficient in the process of logging on to a laptop. They will ensure that computing equipment is handled with care in order to keep it in good working order.
  • Respectful: Children will be understanding of the fact that the internet is a powerful and wonderful resource when used correctly. They will have a deep rooted knowledge of how to keep themselves and others safe online and become good digital citizens.
  • Reflective: Children will learn to draw upon prior learning when revisiting different Purple Mash programs and develop an understanding of new concepts. They will show resilience when tackling complex problems, making mistakes and learning from them.
  • Aspirational: Children will not only recognise that being computer literate is key for later life, but in a wide range of careers also. They will utilise opportunities to practise their computing skills in other areas of the curriculum.

 

Curriculum Implementation

At Middleton Parish Church School, we follow the Purple Mash scheme of work, which categorises Computing into elements of Digital Literacy, Computer Science and Information Technology. We use a range of core applications linked to the scheme, which enable children to develop and progress their skills throughout school. Topics are blocked to allow children to focus on developing their knowledge and skills, studying each topic in depth. Children have access to iPads, desktop computers and laptops to support all areas of the curriculum, but in Computing lessons, children use laptops which allows them to practice basic mouse and keyboard skills in each session. Teachers follow a clear progression of skills which ensure all pupils are challenged in line with their year group expectations and are given the opportunity to build on their prior knowledge. The role of parents is recognised, and they are involved in understanding how to keep their children safe at home.

 

Curriculum Impact

Children look forward to computing lessons and staff ensure that skills build on those that have been attained in previous years to consolidate and build on them as they move through school. Families at our school use technology responsibly, in line with the school’s acceptable use policy. Many parents engage with our school’s Class Dojo account to keep up to date with what is happening in school. Each year, children from Key Stage 2 are invited to apply to become Digital Leaders. These children are trained to support children that may encounter issues online. They hold informative assemblies for children, aid in data collection, push school initiatives and report any issues that they are told to a member of staff.

 

Curriculum - Computing.

Updated: 15/09/2022 492 KB
Updated: 15/09/2022 416 KB