COMPUTING CURRICULUM INTENT

“Whether you want to uncover the secrets of the universe, or you want to pursue a career in the 21st century, basic computer programming is an essential skill to learn.”

Stephen Hawking

At Spilsby Primary Academy, our aim is for our pupils to connect with others responsibly and are competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology. We want our pupils to experience Computing across the curriculum; providing opportunities to apply knowledge and skills in a range of contexts and participate effectively and safely in our digital world.

IMPLEMENTATION

• Teachers will act as role models in their safe use of technology, modelling correct use and vocabulary.
• Computing lessons are taught through Barefoot Computing blocks which create an environment that gives pupils the knowledge and skills needed to use technology and stimulates the generation of ideas.
• Specific core concepts will be taught which will then be applied cross-curricular.
• Using modern technology forms an integral part of our approach to creating pupils who are ready to enter today’s society and flourish.
• Offering the opportunity for parents to develop their own understanding of digital literacy and E-safety through National Online Safety.

The fundamentals

• A belief that every child can, and will, become a competent user of technology.
• A focus on teaching the skills of computing.
• A cross-curricular approach giving chances for skills to be applied in a wide range of contexts.
• Consistent focus on E-safety.
• Explicit teaching of vocabulary.
• A variety of high-quality, relevant computing programmes are used.
• E- safety displays in every classroom.

Year 6 spent their computing session in a role play World War 1 communications headquarters. Using an encryption website they created and sent messages focusing on the World War 1 knowledge that they had learnt so far in their project Britain at War. 

First they chose a question from their project knowledge organiser, typed it into the text box, then encrypted it. This was then handwritten and put in an ‘out’ tray. Office clerks then collected these messages and they were taken to the decoding operators, who decrypted the question and answered it. 

A challenge was then set when German encrypted messages were received. First the encryption code key had to be worked out then the knowledge question answered. 
This lesson built on from their Science lesson, where they created circuits to send Morse code messages.