Welcome to the ever evolving world of computing!
It is our intention to enable children to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information. We focus on developing the skills necessary for the children to be able to use information in an effective way. We want children to know more, remember more and understand more in computing so that they leave primary school computer literate. Computing skills are a major factor in enabling children to be confident, creative and independent learners and it is our intention that children have the opportunity available to allow them to achieve this. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content.
Mrs Claire Maddox
class teacher
Leadership and intent of Computing at West Rainton Primary School
As a teacher at West Rainton Primary School, I am incredibly proud to lead our Computing provision. At West Rainton Primary School, we recognise the importance of computing and its importance in an ever changing technological world. We want pupils to develop a love for computing and strive to reach their full potential with the vast array of technology available to them. We strive to develop technological curiosity and to provide pupils with fun, inspiring lessons.
Please see my full pen profile as subject leader here:
The content of our Computing curriculum has been mapped out carefully after training for subject leads and staff meetings. Whole-school staff training has recently been carried out over twilight sessions in 2021 covering app use in lessons from early years- Y6.
Long term planning planning for the subject is carried out each academic year and involves meetings between the computing subject lead and class teachers. This particular approach is important during years when there are mixed age classes, to ensure complete coverage of all objectives and to make sure that topics are not duplicated.
Medium term planning for this subject identifies within each unit of work; learning objectives, computing activities, assessment opportunities, the vocabulary to be taught and used, E-safety issues, how much information and technology and resources should be used.
You can see the full subject policy and curriculum mapping for computing here:
E-safety is an integral part of the national curriculum and one that we aim to embed throughout our teaching of computing. We live in a world where we are surrounded by technology and we as parents and teachers have a duty to ensure that our children and have the knowledge to know how to keep themselves safe in the future.
The importance of online safety is shown through displays within the learning environment and computer suite.
Parents are informed when issues relating to online safety arise and further information/support is provided if required.
As well as opportunities underpinned within the scheme of work, children will also spend time further exploring the key issues associated with online safety.
Please see our E-Safety policy and curriculum mapping for E- safety below.
WRPS Online Safety Policy September 2023
Online Safety Map January 2022-
E-Safety information for parents
We also have a range of leaflets on the latest apps and games outside of our school office. These are regularly updated.
A few examples of resources available to you include:
What do parents and carers need to know about Roblox
Aiming high
In computing, this is achieved through the engaging and enriching opportunities on offer, such as working with some of our brand new coding equipment. This includes Microbits, Lego programmable robot kits, bee bots and our coding apps. Children in all key stages have regular opportunities to interact with a range of computing programmes. Our computing units also lead to discussions about possible career pathways.
Skills for learning and life
In computing, this is promoted through high level questioning and ample opportunities for teamwork and leadership, when using the coding equipment or working together on their computing designs. We ensure computing is intertwined with other subjects, to enrich our curriculum and ensure our children are given the best opportunities to practise, and showcase, their computing skills. Children gain a bank of vocabulary and also answer a range of questions.
Growing healthily
In computing, our lessons promote an understanding of current issues and often have a focus on exploring human rights and how these have changed over time. Our children also learn how to work together as part of a group and extend their understanding of e-safety when completing research tasks online. With the right e-safety knowledge, children can better understand the dangers of releasing personal information, as well as how to recognise unethical behaviours or prevent cyberbullying. Common sense media provides up to date useful reviews for parents. Forming healthy relationships, on and off line, is also an integral part of our RSHE curriculum.
Knowledge of the world
The computing curriculum map and is carefully tailored so our children cover the three main areas of computing: computer science, information technology and digital literacy including e-safety. Children experience a range of tasks relating to the three main topics and use a variety of coding hardware and programmes. These are tailored to each year group allowing for a wider coverage of the computing curriculum and ensuring that they build upon prior learning.
How Computing is taught at West Rainton
The purpose of computing is for all pupils to be confident digital citizens who have the knowledge, skills and understanding to use technology safely, creatively and effectively.
Children at West Rainton Primary receive 60 minutes of specific Computing activities in one sessions per week. Each term, the entire school, from our nursery two-year-olds to our year six pupils, cover objectives from the same overarching theme (digital literacy, computer science or information technology). This enables us to carry out whole-school activities such as assemblies, projects or events with a common theme e.g. E-safety week. It also allows the subject lead to monitor delivery and progression in a clear and seamless way.
The school makes regular use of wider partnerships and community to support the teaching of computing, such as working alongside local comprehensive schools in discussing pupils next steps and how best to prepare pupils for that.
Evidence scrapbooks in each class demonstrate the journey our children go on throughout their primary years. The children are very proud of their input into these documents. In 2021/22 these scrapbooks will also be used to evidence the revisiting of objectives missed during the partial closure in line with consistent school marking and feedback policy.
As part of our provision on offer, pupils with special educational needs are planned for very carefully in school. This is an important part of the computing curriculum, as we strive to ensure that all of our pupils fully understand what they are being taught. This may involve careful explanations of concepts such as e-safety, as we strive to ensure that our most vulnerable pupils remain safe online. It is always a priority for us to ensure that pupils are taught what they need to know, and focus on the most relevant parts of the computing curriculum. Our provision across the curriculum was highlighted when we were awarded the inclusive ‘Centre of Excellence’ award in late 2020. It is crucial for us that our pupils with SEND make progress, and move on from where they are in their learning journey. This provision may look very different to our other pupils, through differentiation and modification of the curriculum. Our decisions are made in consultation with the SENDCo, Mrs Firth, who advises and supports members of staff with their provision.
subject action plan for computing 2023
computing progression of skills. whole school map
The impact of Computing at West Rainton
It is very important to us that our children know why we teach what we do. As part of this, we try to foster a growing awareness of where the subject can progress to in terms of secondary and further education and potential career paths.
Children will be confident users of technology, able to use it to accomplish a wide variety of goals, both at home and in school.
Children will have a secure and comprehensive knowledge of the implications of technology and digital systems. This is important in a society where technologies and trends are rapidly evolving.
Children will be able to apply the British values of democracy, tolerance, mutual respect, rule of law and liberty when using digital systems.
We look at incredible individuals in Computing and their achievements.