It is our aim that children will leave May Park with an improved level of digital literacy, being able to use a range of skills and knowledge to confidently equip them for their future learning and work. Our curriculum also has a strong focus on online safety so that children know how to safely navigate their increasingly digital world.
We work with Teach Computing (whose vision for every child to have a world-leading computing education we share) from the National Centre for Computing Education, to map our curriculum which includes the following aspects:
- Computing Systems and Networks
- Programming and Algorithms
- Design & Development and Creating Media
- Effective use of Tools
When studying computing May Park Pupils:
- Are creative in applying and consolidating their knowledge and understanding through project-based activities.
- Demonstrate resilience through programming which requires persistence when debugging.
- Develop respect for each other through collaboration which stimulates dialogue and development of shared understanding.
- Foster their curiosity in wanting to find out more about the digital world.
- Demonstrate equality through their understanding that computing-related subjects/careers are an option for all learners with a specific focus to help redress the gender disparity.
- Celebrate achievement through sharing learning with our wider community.
Coverage of the curriculum is structured into units for each year group. Units, particularly those focused on programming, have concepts and skills that rely on prior knowledge and experiences. To ensure high standards of teaching and learning we are fortunate to be able to teach computing weekly (as opposed to block teaching) with use of our computer room or portable devices. Lessons, from the Teach Computing curriculum, are adapted to meet the needs of our learners.
Effective pedagogy is essential to good teaching and learning and evidence-based teaching practices are used to ensure effective practice. More information on the 12 principles of Computing Pedagogy can be found here.
Further information around how we at May Park focus on the key areas of programming and online safety can be found below:
Programming and Algorithms
Programming and the understanding of algorithms has become an increasingly important part of the computing national curriculum for England. By the end of Key Stage 2 pupils should be able to design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals. The understanding of algorithms and creation of simple programs starts in Key Stage 1 and computer languages used across the whole school include:
- Simple block-based (Scratch jr)
- Bee Bot directional language
- Crumble software
- Micro:bit Makecode
The breadth of experience and creativity is enhanced by a range of contexts including; robots, animations, quizzes, music, drawing, games and physical computing (sensing).
We teach online safety using the resources and lessons on www.projectevolve.co.uk
These take the 350 statements from the UKCIS (UK Council for Internet Safety) framework “Education for a Connected World” and provide resources for each. These cover 8 strands of online safety:
- Self-Image and Identity
- Online Relationships
- Online Reputation
- Online Bullying
- Managing Online Information
- Health, Well-being and Lifestyle
- Privacy and Security
- Copyright and Ownership
Online safety is an all year, ongoing focus, which is constantly returned to – teachers will use Project Evolve resources to support their online safety teaching and messages throughout the year with an overlap into PSHE learning.
The school has an Online Safety Group with representatives from a range of stakeholders from across the school and local community. They meet at least 3 times a year to discuss current school, local and national issues
More information can be found on our online safety page of the website.
Formative assessment opportunities are detailed in each lesson plan, with learners self-assessing how well they feel they have met the learning objectives. Most units also have a rubric that can be used to provide a summative assessment for the completed project / end of unit task(s).
Other methods use to assess impact may include:
- Pupil discussion and surveys (Microsoft Forms) about their learning (pupil voice).
- Photo evidence and images of practical learning.
- Evidence of outcomes (books / on pupil OneDrive accounts)
- Learning walks and reflective staff feedback (teacher voice)
- Annual reports to parents.