Computing Subject Leader: Miss Kavanagh and Ms Clark

Curriculum Aims

At Gade Valley School, we want our children to grow up with the skills to use technology safely and discerningly; to have the life skills that enable them to use it confidently but appropriately. As computing is an increasing part of life today, it is essential that all pupils gain the confidence and ability that they need in this subject, to prepare them for the challenge of a rapidly developing and changing technological world. The use of ICT will enhance and extend children’s learning across the whole curriculum whilst developing motivation and social skills. Our vision is that the use of these technologies will enrich the experience of all pupils and that these resources will help to provide an environment without boundaries, where opportunities can be explored in safety and confidence.

Our Computing curriculum aims to develop pupil’s computing skills, knowledge, understanding and capability through taught computing lessons and to provide opportunities for pupils to apply and consolidate their capability across all curriculum contexts as well as to provide an environment where access to ICT resources is natural and commonplace. We place emphasis on the teaching of coding (also known as programming) as it is a large part of the computing curriculum. We want even our youngest children to enjoy problem solving; to be confident to have a go, embrace when they have made a mistake and then have a go at correcting it. Using programmes such as Scratch and Beebots gives our children the forum to do this.

The Internet is an amazing source of information, which enhances learning in many ways. Being ‘e-safe’ means teaching our children what to do when faced with difficult situations online, such as seeing inappropriate material and if they experience cyberbullying. We use materials by Kidsmart, Thinkuknow, CBBC Stay Safe and Google Internet Legends to teach our children to be digitally aware. We follow the rule - 'Be SMART online!'.

We believe that our Computing curriculum will enable:

• Most pupils to achieve age-related expectations at the end of each academic year.

• Pupils to have a positive experience of ICT, appreciating its relevance in our society and encouraging them to see it as an essential tool for learning, communication, finding information and for controlling and understanding their environment.
• ICT to be presented as a creative and fascinating process in which children are encouraged to use their own initiative, imagination, reasoning and investigative skills.
• All pupils to become thoughtful users of ICT - developing their ICT capability to the best of their ability.
• Pupils learn to use ICT to support their learning, both individually and collaboratively.
• A reflection of the standards achieved against the planned outcome 

How We Teach Computing

At Gade Valley, we have a  computer suite of 30 computers as well as 16 iPads and 8 Chrome Books, which ensure computing is taught using a range of different devices. Computing is embedded throughout the curriculum and iPads/Chrome Books are routinely used to enrich curriculum provision. This portable equipment ensures that technology can be transported into the classroom to support wider curriculum areas whilst consolidating core elements of the Computing curriculum.

Specific IT and Computing lessons are timetabled weekly in the computing suite. During these sessions, pupils have access to their own computer. These sessions cover the skills and experience required to develop IT and Computing capability. At Gade Valley, our Computing sessions are taught through the  National Centre for Computing Education scheme. This scheme enables the children to cover a wide range of topics. We have sequenced these topics to ensure that our pupils learning takes place within a broad and balanced curriculum.  Each Computing lesson assesses pupil’s prior understanding and skills and aims to build on this. Teachers also ensure that the  Gade Valley Principles of Teaching and Learning are fully implemented within each session: this ensures that learning is effective through challenging the children, maximising learning time and providing clear learning goals. Wherever possible, the teaching of Computing is done through cross curricular subject links. For example, many classes have linked their English, History, Geography and Art to their Computing topics.  

In the Early Years, children have the same access to a weekly Computing session which focuses on the specific Early Learning Goals. Learning about technology is deepened with children in Reception so that they have a basic understanding of algorithm, use of the internet and the parts of a computer/iPad and their different functions. Additionally, pupils in the Early Years are taught the fine motor skills to effectively use technology. 

E-Safety:

At Gade Valley, E-Safety is a pivotal part of our Computing Curriculum. We ensure that pupils are aware of the possible risks when using the internet through a rolling programme of assemblies and specific lessons, as well as making sure the rules promoting e-safety are displayed near every computer area. We introduce E-Safety to pupils in EYFS and regularly make reference to it during their Computing lessons and specific E-Safety weeks. In Years 1 and 2, we enable the pupils to use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private, by teaching them to identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or inappropriate contact on the internet. In Key Stage 2, we develop their understanding of how to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly. Our pupils learn to recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour and can identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

Parents/carers and children are given any support necessary to keep them safe online both inside and outside of school.

Key Developments and Information for 2024/2025

Up to October 2024, the following measurable impact includes:

• Overall, in computing the majority of pupils are meeting or exceeding age related expectations.
• Micro Bits have been used in Year 5 lessons. Pupil voice carried out has shown that the pupils have enjoyed the Micro Bits and they have developed their programming skills.
• E-Safety is taught as part of our computing curriculum and the E - Safety section on the website has been updated with the HfL online safety newsletters.