Computing at Hunts Cross Primary School has been divided into three areas: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy (which includes E-Safety). The aims and intentions of the Programmes of Study, issued by the Department of Education, have been categorised into these three main areas, applicable to key Stage 1 & 2.
KS1 – CS
- 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
KS2 – CS
- Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
- Use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
- Use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work 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 World Wide Web
KS1 – DL
- 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
KS2 – DL
- Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact
KS1 – ICT
- Use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content
KS2 – ICT
- Use search technologies effectively
- Select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information
The school utilises fantastic resources to implement our teaching and learning intentions from Purple Mash, MGL, Scratch and bespoke schemes of work. To implement our work on E-Safety, we have adopted Project Evolve by SWGfL Internet Safety scheme.
In Computing and Information and Communication Technology, as with all subjects, we implement teaching and learning using a variety of while class, individual and group work, direct teaching, pupil investigation and skills practice. Staff confidence and expertise in the understanding and implementation of the curriculum has been developed by employing a specialist teacher for MGL World (a Liverpool-based computing educational specialist company). Staff consult regularly with the specialist teacher to develop the teaching and learning intentions along with the most effective implementation methods for each term, alongside the Computing Subject Advisor. Termly assessments of pupils taught are made and progression is monitored.
To ensure implementation of the curriculum, all classes are timetables in the ICT suite, and teachers can request additional time when cross-curricular links present themselves. Teachers identify links with other areas of the curriculum wherever possible so that previously gained skills can be reinforced and applied in new contexts, as well as supporting learning in other areas. ICT time are listed on the weekly planning document.
In addition to the PCs in the ICT suite, there is a PC in each classroom and each teacher has their own i-Pad. All of these machines are linked to the school network. We also have 12 i-Pads to further enhance learning opportunities and implementation of the curriculum objectives in a variety of different settings.