Computing at Christopher Hatton School
Intent
Our aim is for all pupils to be informed, articulate and empowered:
In computing this means children learn through a well-designed sequential curriculum. The different aspects of computing, such as coding, digital literacy and online safety, are taught by a specialist teacher to support children to acquire the knowledge and skills they will need to be successful in a digital world.
Informed
- Children learn coding skills, how to be safe in the online world, how to use digital technology in creative and functional ways.
- Children develop the knowledge and skills to apply their coding skills across different platforms and be confident, productive and safe when using digital resources.
Articulate
- Through the teaching of subject specific technical vocabulary, children will be able to explain computer terms such as function, loop, algorithm, optimise and pattern recognition.
- Children will be able to tell someone if they are feel unsafe whilst using digital technology. They will be able to question information they read, see or hear online.
Empowered
- Where ever possible, diverse role models are used to encourage all children to see themselves as being successful coders and users of technology.
- The focus on having a growth mind-set is essential in the teaching of coding. A key skill is to debug code that has gone wrong and it is taught that this is part of the coding process and perseverance a key skill for the successful coder.
- Children explore the purposes of computing within a context as well as its meaning within their own life and future e.g. using computing lessons to support art, music and topics as well as linking coding skills to maths skills, using logo to build prototypes and test scientific hypothesis.
- Children have opportunities to use computing across the curriculum for real life purposes e.g. creating a climate change animation to raise awareness as part of the school environment focus.
- Visits to the CLC and wide ranging resources and software, give children a full range of experiences in how to purposefully use digital technology.
- All children including those who have SEND or are disadvantaged are supported to fully access the computing curriculum. This may include additional adult support or use of additional or adapted resources.
Implementation
- The computing scheme of work, developed by the computing lead across all key stages, including EYFS, lays out the sequential steps to be taught so that new knowledge and skills build on what has been taught before and pupils can work towards clearly defined high quality outcomes.
- Children from Reception to Y6 have a weekly computing lesson taught by a specialist teacher.
- We use a comprehensive range of tools including: programable Lego, Beebots, Chromebooks and Ipads. These are regularly updated to ensure children have access to up to date technology. Where equipment is not available we use the CLC to provide extended opportunities to develop deeper projects such as using Mircobits, Bluebots and music software.
- Computing is taught in units, enabling children to develop and build upon their knowledge and understanding of each area of computing.
- Each strand of computing (coding, digital literacy, online safety, digital creativity) is covered and revisited so that pupils retain and build upon prior learning.
- Children can further their interest and experience by attending code club.
Impact
- Children at Christopher Hatton enjoy computer lessons and have opportunities to succeed in the wide variety of digital tasks.
- Children build practical skills to enable them to successfully access technology and prepare them for secondary school and beyond.
- Children understand links between coding and maths and can apply skills between both subjects.
- Children understand how to keep themselves safe and how to seek help and support if they experience dangers online.
Computing lesson videos and links
Year 2 Purple Mash Recycling games
Year 3 Purple Mash Plastic in the oceans games
Our gallery shows some of our learning experiences and the work children have produced.
Computing
