A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. 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. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

Intent

At Lightwater Village School we understand the immense value that technology plays not only in supporting the Computing and whole school curriculum but overall, in the day-to-day life of our school.

Our vision is for children to be confident users of technology so that we can strengthen their skills, knowledge and understanding that will enable them to develop a curiosity for learning and inspire creativity as resilient, critical thinking digital citizens, understanding their role and responsibilities in the digital landscape.

As stated in the National Curriculum: ‘A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. 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. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.’

In line with the National Curriculum for Computing, Lightwater Village School aims to ensure that all pupils:

· can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation

· can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems

· can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems

· are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

Implementation

To ensure high standards of teaching and learning in computing, we implement the Kapow Primary scheme of work throughout Reception and Key Stage 1. Our computing curriculum is in line with 2014 Primary National Curriculum requirements and provides a progressive and broad framework that outlines the knowledge and skills taught in Key Stage 1.

Kapow is suitable for all pupils irrespective of their skills, background, and additional needs. The units for key stages 1 are based on a spiral curriculum. This means that each of the themes is revisited regularly (at least once in each year group), and pupils revisit each theme through a new unit that consolidates and builds on prior learning within that theme. This style of curriculum design reduces the amount of knowledge lost through forgetting, as topics are revisited yearly. It also ensures that connections are made even if different teachers are teaching the units within a theme in consecutive years.

The Kapow Primary scheme of work is designed with three strands which run throughout:

· Computer science

· Information Technology

· Digital literacy

Every year group learns through units within the same five themes (computing systems and networks, programming, data handling, creating media and online safety).

Teachers and pupils are aware of the importance of health and safety and pupils are always supervised when using technology and accessing the internet. Our pupils are fully encouraged to engage with ICT and technology outside of school. Lightwater Village School also uses Tapestry for Reception pupils and Seesaw is used by each year group for homework and ad hoc communication. We provide a variety of opportunities for computing learning inside and outside the classroom. Computing and safeguarding go hand in hand and we provide a huge focus on internet safety inside and outside of the classroom. In addition to this, we also take part in National Safer Internet Day in February.

Impact

At Lightwater Village School we believe that by delivering a high-quality computing curriculum we will inspire and equip the next generation of computational thinkers to participate in the rapidly changing world where technology impacts the lives of us all daily and on a global scale.

Lightwater Village School believes that Computing:

· gives pupils immediate access to a rich source of materials in school which may not be available elsewhere.

· can present information in new ways which help pupils understand, access and use it more readily.

· can motivate and enthuse pupils through a wide range of resources which in turn can help pupils focus and concentrate.

· can give children another platform to express their ideas which may not be in a written form.

· has the flexibility to meet the individual needs and abilities of each pupil.

· offers potential for effective group working supporting children through mixed ability pairs and differentiated tasks where relevant.

· can give children an understanding of online safety which is transferred into their own lives.

· ensures that pupils become digitally literate – that they are able to use and express themselves through technology safely, respectfully and responsibly and that they are at a level suitable for the future workplace as active participants in an ever-changing digital world.

Pupil voice, subject monitoring and lesson observations will ensure a positive impact of computing as a subject

"playing games on the IPAD" Reception Child

"Computing is about learning how to use beebots" - Year 1 Child

Computing Lead - Miss K Parsons

E-Safety

At Lightwater Village School we take E-Safety very seriously.

The appropriate use of the Internet and other technologies can extend and enhance learning in previously unattainable ways. However, the use of these new technologies can put young people at risk from within and from outside our schools. To minimise the risks we take a holistic approach to e-safety.

E-Safety in our Curriculum

Our e-safety curriculum teaches pupils:

• To discuss how to stay safe on the internet and to describe positive behaviour on the internet.
• To be able to navigate the web and carry out simple web searches to collect digital content. 
• To follow the school’s safer internet rules.
• To recognise that there are other people on the internet.
• To know how to make safe choices if they find inappropriate content online.
• To understand to tell a trusted adult if someone they don’t know tries to contact them via the internet.
• To understand why passwords shouldn’t be shared.
• To use technology safely for learning and communicating with others. 

E-Safety for Staff

Our designated E-Safety co-ordinator is Kathryn Parsons.

All staff receive e-safety training and adhere to our e-safety policy. Our staff work collabortaively with pupils and parents to reduce online risks for our pupils. 

E-Safety for Parents and Carers

Home - Ineqe Safeguarding Group offers a range of advice and resources for parents and carers to support e-safety practices.

How do I report harmul content? Report Harmful Crontent is provided by the UK Safer Internet Centre and offer an online reporting platform and advice if harmful content is found online. Please use the following link to Report Harmful Content - We Help You Remove Content.

Computing progression of knowledge documentComputing progression of skills document

Knowledge Organisers

Y1-Algorithms-unplugged-KOY1-Comp-Digital-imagery-KOY1-Improving-mouse-skills-KOY1-Introduction-to-Data-KOY1-Programming-Bee-Bot-KOY1-Rocket-to-the-moon-KO

Y2-Algorithms-and-debugging-KOY2-Comp-What-is-a-computer-KOY2-International-space-station-KOY2-Programming-Scratch-JR-KOY2-Stop-motion-KOY2-Word-processing-KO