Computing

Computing

Intent

At Sutton CP we intend to develop ‘thinkers of the future’ through an ambitious and relevant education in computing. In our ever increasing digital society, we want to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely. We want to equip pupils to use computational thinking and creativity that will enable them to become active participants in the digital world. We want to ensure that all children can understand and apply the fundamental principles of Computer Science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation, and that they can analyse problems in computational terms. It is important to us that the children understand how to use the ever-changing technology to express themselves, as tools for learning and as a means to drive their generation forward into the future.  We want children to develop as respectful, responsible and confident users of technology, aware of measures that can be taken to keep themselves and others safe online. Our aim is to provide a computing curriculum that is designed to acquire a broad and deep knowledge, alongside opportunities to apply skills in various digital contexts, through a range of engaging and motivating learning experiences. Beyond teaching computing discreetly, we will give pupils the opportunity to apply and develop what they have learnt across wider learning in the curriculum.

Implementation

Children experience purposeful computing lessons each week, this allows them sufficient
time to practice their knowledge and skills. Recalls of knowledge and skills throughout the
embedding of technology in the rest of the curriculum will ensure these are consolidated in
long-term memory. We use Purple Mash as a scheme to support Teacher’s planning and
delivery, which caters for all children. Each year, children are taught the three main
components of computing (Computer Science, Digital Literacy and Information Technology).
This allows children to build on and progress from their previous experiences, developing
their skills, vocabulary and understanding in order to be active, responsible digital
participants. Early Years Foundation Stage also use Purple Mash, having opportunities to use
Mini Mash within their day to day classroom activities.
In addition to the online safety lessons covered within Purple Mash, children also have
opportunities to build on their online resilience through the use of the ‘Project Evolve –
Education for a Connected World’ framework. The framework aims to support and broaden
the provision of online safety education, so that it is empowering, builds resilience and
effects positive culture change.

Impact

The implementation of our Purple Mash computing scheme will enable pupils to leave
school equipped with a range of skills to enable them to succeed in their secondary
education and be active participants in the ever-increasing digital world. They will be critical
thinkers and able to understand how to make informed and appropriate digital choices in
the future. They will also show a clear progression of technical skills across all areas of the
National curriculum - computer science, information technology and digital literacy. Our
pupils will be able to share their knowledge of how to be a responsible user of technology
and ultimately will be prepared for the next stage in their lives, knowing how to be a
responsible user of technology in the wider world and most importantly, know where to
seek support if needed.