William Penn School
Computing INTENT
At William Penn Primary School, we believe Computing is an indispensable part of the national curriculum and is a key skill for everyday life. Computers, Chromebooks, iPads, green screen and digital and video cameras are a few of the tools that can be used to gather, showcase, store, handle, interpret, communicate and present information. Our aim is for children to become confident, enthusiastic, independent, creative and responsible users of technology.
We recognise that pupils are entitled to quality hardware and software and a structured and understandable approach to the learning of these vital skills needed to enable them to use it effectively. In order to achieve this, we have chosen to use the Purple Mash computing programme. Purple Mash is a programme that is used from Year 1 to Year 6, allowing for a progressive skill development. In Reception, Mini Mash is used. This is the EYFS friendly version of Purple Mash to give them an introduction to the world of computing. We recognise that computing and technology are an ever increasing part of day to day life and will become a core part of the children's future. Through our Purple Mash scheme, pupils are taught to become responsible, respectful and competent within the three areas of:
- Computer Science.
- Information Technology
- Digital Literacy.
All children have a week a term dedicated to computing, in addition to using technology in their learning across other areas of the curriculum. All children develop their typing skills, working towards touch typing in Key Stage 2, through regular practice with appropriate keyboard games and teaching websites.
From Year 2, children learn how to use Google Classroom to access learning both in school and at home.
Learning about e-safety is integrated into computing topics in every year group. As at William Penn e-safety is at the core of all computing teaching, as the children's wellbeing and safeguarding will always be at the heart of what we do.
Through the Purple Mash units, pupils are taught how to use the internet safely and responsibly and to use it in line with our school Acceptable Use Policy, that all parents are also made aware of.
Online safety skills are lifelong skills and if our children understand the risks and how to make sensible and well-informed choices when online, then they will get the most from the internet whilst staying safe. Safeguarding the children is at the heart of everything we do at William Penn.
SEND and Computing
Our expectation is that IT and computing is for everyone. Whilst we encourage children to support one another with technical problems, they must do this by pointing and explaining – not taking over. We learn better when we do things ourselves and even better when we explain something to somebody else. Computing covers a wide range of skills and knowledge and allows different children to shine in different areas. We recognise that children who may find literacy based activities challenging can achieve highly in graphics work or programming activities and vice versa. The hands-on practicality of computing and working on digital devices can be very motivating.
In computing lessons, key vocabulary is presented aurally and visually and revisited regularly. Teaching content is carefully sequenced and revisited as children move up the school.
Scaffolding is provided for reading, writing and spelling or completing more complex tasks e.g. support entering passwords, vocabulary written individually on paper or a mini whiteboard, a list of steps to follow, peer support or adult support. When using the Chromebooks and Ipads each class has a seating plan with careful thought given to individual needs. Effort is recognised alongside achievement.
Assistive technology is available and used as needed both within computing lessons and across other curriculum areas – e.g. Big Keys keyboard, magnification settings on Chromebooks, iPad with dictation facility, Reader Pens, coloured filters.