Computing
At Park Hall we intend to provide a curriculum which offers all learners opportunities to be online-safe, online-inspired and online-confident. Learners will gain a deeper understanding of the three strands: computer science, information technology and digital literacy. Our intent for all learners is for computing to spark creativity and equip pupils with the skills to be independent and confident with the technology that is essential to our daily lives. We recognise that the best prevention of online safety breaches is through education. Our learners will leave Park Hall Academy as able and responsible Digital Citizens. By providing learners in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 with a digital device we have been able to significantly increase access to opportunities for innovative learning (1:1 iPads). Our Apple teachers use models and images to to explain and convey new concepts esnuring learning is accessible for all. The Showbie app is used across EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 to ensure staff are able to provide high quality feedback. Voice notes and annotation tools are used to ensure gaps in learning are addressed and learning is moved forward.
Our computing curriculum is a ‘window to the world’.
Our learners will become Digital Leaders by engaging in a creative and innovative curriculum which develops independence and computational thinking through problem-based learning. Our curriculum is carefully planned to develop the skills necessary for all learners to know more, learn more and remember more in computing so that they may leave primary school computer literate. We want our learners to have no limits to what their ambitions are and grow up wanting to be software engineers, video game designers, web developers or IT consultants. Our curriculum prepares all learners to live safely in an increasingly digital society.
Our computing curriculum ensures there is progression in skills and knowledge. The three strands of computing are taught explicitly and the children are given opportunities to demonstrate concepts in challenging problems. Our 1:1 devices ensure that technology is embedded in all curriculum areas encouraging high levels of originality, imagination, creativity and innovation.
Children develop essential knowledge needed to be educated citizens. Our curriculum will provide opportunities for children to consider how technology can be disruptive and improve lives, along with negative impacts. They will learn about inspirational people such as Ada Lovelace, Alan Turing, Grace Hopper, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs.
Our team of ‘Apple Teachers‘ utilise new technologies to enable children to evidence their skills and knowledge in Computing in a variety of ways. Our technology enables teachers to model and provides opportunities to highlight how our learners think as well as what they do (EEF, Digital Technology Guidance Report). We want our digital leaders to remember their computing lessons in our school, to cherish the memories and embrace the opportunities they are presented with.
Intent
- We aim to ensure that our learners are able to think, communicate (using subject specific vocabulary) and be expert digital citizens.
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We seek to develop expert digital citizens who are excited and enthused by a creative and innovative curriculum which develops independence and computational thinking through problem-based learning. Our curriculum has been carefully planned to enable to enable the children to develop the skills necessary to know more, remember more and understand more in computing so that they leave primary school computer literate. We aim to ensure that our children have no limitations on their future aspirations and grow up wanting to become software engineers, video game designers, web developers or IT consultants.
- We aim to develop our Digital Citizens and Computer Scientists with the technical knowldege and skills to be successful in our rapidly changing world. We seek to create digital citizens who are responsible, competent , confident and creative users of information and communication technology.
- ‘Apple Teachers’ aim to deepen learners knowledge of new technologies which enable digital citizens to develop their skills and knowledge in a variety of ways. Our digital citizens imagination and creativity will flourish as they independently select a range of ways to present their knowledge and understanding.
- We want our digital citizens to be fluent in the principles of computer science. We create computational thinkers who “tinker” and solve problems and can apply their knowledge and skills in a variety of contexts. We aim to equip our digital citizens with transferable skills to prepare them for careers in STEM.
Implementation
Our inspiring and aspirational computing curriculum (based on the National Curriculum) is meticulously planned to identify the knowledge and skills that our digital citizens will acquire. Each small step in our digital citizen journey has been carefully planned to ensure a challenging and progressive curriculum to meet the needs of all learners.
Digital citizens will regularly revisit key concepts (over learning) and engage in regular retrieval practice which builds upon prior knowledge and enables them to make connections to deepen their understanding of new learning, committing this to long term memory.
Our Digital Citizens access a curriculum which is rich in computer science knowledge. Digital Citizens engage in programming which enables them to apply knowledge through coding and problem solving. Learners will understand what algorithms are: how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions. They will use their logical reasoning skills to make predictions about the behaviour of simple programs. Digital Citizens build their knowldege by creating mental models to help secure and organise their knowldege. Many opportunties to practise skills and build knowledge develops learers as computer scientists.
Our digital citizens and computer scientists identify how computers are used in society and how they improve lives. Our digital citizens will understand and use a variety of accessibility digital tools which enhance their knowledge and skills . Digital citizens will use taught skills to produce and become proficient in a variety of digital artefacts (functional stop frame animations, photographs, iMovies and record sounds (to construct a podcast) and design their own website. Digital Citizens at Park Hall use voice note technology and screen recordings to create scaffolds as expert learners. All digital citizens use our strategy, “Hear the Thinking” to capture the knowledge and skills they learn across the curriculum. Our learners utilise accessibility tools which enable them to effectively develop a wide range of skills in all subject areas.
Our digital citizens access a meticulously planned e-safety curriculum which equips them with the skills to stay safe online, be responsible and respectful users, recognise potential dangers and how to safeguard themselves in an online environment.
Digital citizens are provided with opportunities to examine and demonstrate appropriate behaviour based on a Project Evolve toolkit. Digital citizens access 1:1 devices and are explicitly taught how to use these effectively.
Computational thinking provides the building blocks of our digital world. Our Digital Citizens are taught to apply their knowledge and skills to break down complex tasks into manageable steps. Elements of computational thinking are learners encounter are logic/logical thinking, algorithms, patterns, abstraction and generalisaion, evaluation and automation. Our Digital Citizens “Tinker” exploring the effects of changes they make, create, debug, finding and fixing errors, persevering deomonstrating resilience and collaborate.
Impact
Our digital citizens are confident, competent and safe users of technology who appreciate the positive impact that information technology has on their lives and their education. Digital citizens are knowldegable, computational thinkerswho transfer their skills across all areas of the curriculum. Computer Scientists understand algorithms, code with confidence, apply logical reasoning and make predictions based on their computer science knowledgeand use information to The knowledge and skills of our computer scientists is enhanced through the use of accessibility tools which allows all learners to develop their skills more effectively.
Intent, Implementation and Impact
Our Digital Citizens Ticket For A Journey Of Creativity & Innovation, Developing The Power To Understand & Change The World – From novice to expert.
Our Digital Citizens Journey
Success For All
Our Values Are At The Heart Of Everything We Do
Honesty
Being honest is important as it builds trust and strengthens relationships. Strong and positive relationships between all members of the Park Hall family are paramount to our wellbeing.
Enjoyment
Our learning journey promotes excitement and enthusiam for learners. Our children are immersed in a curriculum which develops curiosity, through innovative and creative experiences.
Achievement
We have the highest aspirations for all and are passionate about empowering and enabling our children to develop a real love of learning and see their futures as full of possibilities.
Respect
Everyone is valued for the unique individual that they are. Together we actively promote inclusion to prepare our children to play their part as active global citizens who share a belief that difference is a positive to be embraced and celebrated.
Teamwork
Together everyone achieves more. Team Park Hall work together to support all members of our very special school family.