Computing

The Intent of our Computing Curriculum

At Royal Cross, we believe that computing interconnects with all other subjects and continues to be a common place and essential part of our everyday lives. Moreover, technology is everywhere and will play a pivotal part in our pupil’s lives. Therefore, we want to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely.

At Royal Cross, we have chosen Purple Mash scheme of work from EYFS – Year 6. This scheme provides a range of engaging and fun learning activities that can be accessed both in school and at home. The scheme has been adapted to meet the needs of our children, giving them a breadth of knowledge and an awareness of how to stay safe online.We want our pupils to understand that there is always a choice with using technology and as a school will always endeavour to model positive use.Our broad curriculum follows the National Curriculum and encompasses Computer Science, Digital Literacy and Information technology.The scheme of work has been planned to show progressions and continuity. It provides immense flexibility, strong cross curricular links and is a great supporting tool for all teachers.

We recognise that technology can allow pupils to share their learning in creative ways. We also understand the accessibility opportunities technology can provide for our pupils. Our knowledge rich curriculum has to be balanced with the opportunity for pupils to apply their knowledge creatively which will in turn help our pupils to develop their computing skills. As a school, we are also aware of the vulnerability of some of our pupils and therefore provide continuous internet safety and the opportunities to learn about how to stay safe online in today’s society.

The Implementation of our Computing Curriculum

We support parents by providing termly online safety newsletters as well as online safety workshops.

The Impact of our Computing Curriculum

Children in the Early Years will have access to a range of devices and remote controlled toys and resources sothat they can explore simple technologies independently and use them in their learning and play. Throughout Key Stage 1, children are taught to use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content. In Key Stage 2, children select, use and combine a variety of software on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplishes given goals. Children across school are encouraged to use technology where appropriate to support their learning in all subjects and to share their work on relevant platforms.

Deaf children need highly visual forms of ICT and Purple Mash along with other technology provides our children with increased, positive access. The use of video, animation, web cams etc mean that deaf children can communicate using BSL or English. Computing gives them independence, self-esteem and increases their motivation to read, write and initiate communication building on their deaf identity. Today’s technology has generated multiple forms of communication therefore expanding the scope of exposure for our deaf pupils.

Primarily, pupils will be better skilled in key computing skills (typing and communication) which we feel are essential for success in the 21st century. Pupils will feel empowered to be more confident, creative, safe and systematic when using computers for a variety of different purposes.Pupils will develop key skills and be confident individuals providing them with life skills whilst preparing them for their KS3 journey.