Computing
At James Brindley Community Primary, we aim to prepare our learners for their future by giving them the opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills that will equip them for an ever changing digital world. Knowledge and understanding of ICT is of increasing importance for children’s future both at home and for employment.
As a school, we have made the decision to use Purple Mash to deliver the Computing curriculum which focuses on a progression of skills in digital literacy, computer science, information technology and online safety to ensure that children become competent in safely using, as well as understanding technology. These strands are revisited repeatedly through a 'spiral approach to learning' intended to introduce, build and deepen knowledge for all children. It also combines declarative knowledge (knowing ‘that’) with procedural knowledge (knowing ‘how’) which work together to underpin skilful use of technologies.
Choosing to use Purple Mash as a scheme of work allows us to build confidence in both teachers and pupils, and provide opportunities to explore increasingly wider ranges of computing and technologies.
Throughout the school, we use computing as a tool to enhance learning throughout the curriculum. It is important to respond to new developments in technology and to equip pupils with the confidence and capability to use computing throughout their later life. Pupils enhance learning in other areas of the curriculum using computing and continually develop the understanding of how to use computing safely and responsibly. Pupils have access to Chromebooks on a regular basis, for discreet Computing lessons, and for cross-curricular use, such as research, information sharing, online lessons, lesson enhancement. Ipads and tablets are used to enhance the learning in other areas. Children with SEN have access to a variety of devices throughout the day to make lessons accessible and to target certain areas of learning – e.g. Spelling Shed, Times Tables Rock Stars, Purple Mash and the Nessy reading program, number songs and rhymes.