COMPUTING AT OAK GREEN SCHOOL

Why do we teach what we teach? (Our intent)

Computing is a practical subject, in which invention and resourcefulness are encouraged; this leads to children who are curious, creative and courageous.  We want our children to be prepared to thrive in the technologically-rich ever changing world that we live in. Furthermore, we also want our children to use technology effectively, responsibly and safely. We want our pupils to a have a high level of computer literacy so they are better able to conceptualise, understand and use computer-based technology, better prepared as they move on through education and into adult life. We teach them to become good digital citizens, to know how to stay safe online and emphasise that what they share and view creates their own digital footprint.

How do we teach it? (Our implementation)

At Oak Green School, we follow the National Centre for Computing Education scheme of work which has six different units that are the followed in year groups 1-6. With the units being structured the same across every year group, following the same unit headings, it allows for progression to be clear across all classes. The tasks provided are set to build on prior knowledge from the previous year, develop the use of subject specific vocabulary, make links to the wider life of the school environment and challenge pupils in their computing knowledge.  

We have a variety of resources for teaching computing here at Oak Green.  As a Google School we use Google Chromebooks supplemented by a class set of iPads for each Key Stage amongst other resources. These are all well-utilised and timetabled by staff for pupils to use each week. We are enabled for Remote Learning through our use of Google Suite applications, including Google Classroom and several online software packages and our extensive loaning of equipment. 

As well as hardware, we have numerous pieces of software to support staff and pupils with the teaching and learning of computing. We use Teach Computing resources to support our curriculum and use software such as Scratch, Microsoft Office and practical hardware such as ‘Bee-bots’ and 'Blue-bots' to provide children with an enriched learning experience.

What is the difference that this makes? (Our impact)

We measure the impact of our curriculum through pupil discussions and interviewing the pupils about their learning through pupil voice, monitoring with our subject computing lead and through completed lessons and photographic evidence. 

By the end of their time at Oak Green, 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 become critical thinkers that can solve problems and have a solid understanding of word processing and presentation skills as well as being able to write clear and concise procedures for coding. They will be responsible, respectful and safe users of data, information and communication technology.