Intent

A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use creativity to understand and change the world. At Radcliffe on Trent Nursery and Infant School children are introduced to a wide range of technology, including programmable toys, tablets and interactive whiteboards, allowing them to continually practice and deepen the knowledge they learn. This ensures they become digitally literate so that they are able to express themselves and develop their ideas through information and computer technology, ready for the future workplace.  We teach computing using the Purple Mash scheme of work that enables children to become effective users of technology who know:

• about the safe use of the internet when accessing online material and know who to turn to for help when needed
• how to confidently debug and solve problems
• how to successfully interact with and navigate the changing digital world

Implementation

Our implementation of the computing curriculum is in line with 2014 Primary National Curriculum. This provides a broad framework for the procedural and declarative knowledge taught in class. We follow the Purple Mash scheme which ensures consistency and progression throughout the school. This scheme of work enables clear coverage of the computing curriculum whilst also providing support and CPD for teachers to confidently deliver up to date lessons. Purple Mash Lessons are broken down into weekly units which are practical and engaging and allow computing lessons to be hands on and cover a broad range of computing components such as coding, spreadsheets, animation and online safety.

As an online ,age appropriate portal, Purple Mash also provides software, games and subject specific materials to support children’s learning across the curriculum. In addition to this Spelling shed, Numbots and TT Rockstars are used to practise spelling and mathematics with each child having their own login which enables them to access to these apps both at school and at home.

Seesaw is used for communication between the classroom and  home. Classes are able to share their learning through photos and videos of what they have been doing at school. Children also add photos and videos onto SEESAW of their achievements outside of school which they can then share with their peers in school.

A vital part of our computing curriculum is internet safety. We have an Online Safety Policy that provides guidance for teachers and children about how to use the internet safely. Our children participate in lessons on Online Safety and understand how to stay safe when using technology by using our SMART rules. We also highlight the importance of online safety by providing up to date guidance for parents in our newsletter and take part  in initiatives such as Online Safety Day.

Impact

Our Computing Curriculum is high quality, well considered and is planned to demonstrate progression and build on and embed knowledge. Through Purple Mash, Seesaw, Numbots and Spelling Shed, children have a broad base of transferable knowledge which can be used on other platforms. Children also become increasingly proficient on school equipment and have good knowledge of online safety which is transferred into their own lives. Pupil voice, subject monitoring and lesson observations all ensure a positive impact of computing as a subject.