"Technology is not just an event, it's part of everyday learning"

STEMulate Thinking

Our Scheme Of Work

The purpose of study, straight from the National Curriculum, is clear:

"To equip pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world."

As a school, we find the emphasis on pupils being creative incredibly inspiring. As technology moves so fast in the digital age we live in, it's important that teachers and pupils stay up-to-date with modern trends and progressions so that teaching is current and relatable.

That's why as a school we use the Switched On Computing Rising Stars scheme of work. The scheme uses a wide range of applications (such as Scratch 2.0, Garageband and ShowMe) to really allow pupils to be creative and learn skills that will set them up for their futures. It also encourages pupils to work collaboratively to produce quality work they can be proud of - and most importantly, enjoy!

Intent

When planning and teaching computing at Shavington Primary School, we believe that it is an essential part of the curriculum; a subject that not only stands alone but is woven and should be an integral part of all learning.  Computing, in general, is a significant part of everyone’s daily life and children should be at the forefront of new technology, with a thirst for learning what is out there.  Computing within schools can therefore provide a wealth of learning opportunities and transferrable skills explicitly within the Computing lesson and across other curriculum subjects. Through the study of Computing, children will be able to develop a wide range of fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding that will actually equip them for the rest of their life.  Computers and technology are such a part of everyday life that our children would be at a disadvantage would they not be exposed to a thorough and robust Computing curriculum.  Children must be taught in the art form of ‘Computational Thinking’ in order to provide them essential knowledge that will enable them to participate effectively and safely in the digital world beyond our gates.

Implementation

Computing is taught for one session per week through the Rising Stars, Switched On Computing scheme of work but also woven into other subjects wherever possible. Through using a range of iPads, data-loggers, digital cameras, laptops and other technology, pupils will develop their confidence and understand that computing is all around us and plays a huge part in our daily lives. During creative, practical lessons, pupils are taught computer literacy and coding skills. Pupils will learn how to stay safe online and be taught what to do if they ever feel unsafe on the internet. Internet safety is taken extremely seriously at Shavington Primary School and we invite parents to attend an e-safety meeting to educate them how to keep their children safe outside school too. We have an e-safety squad that promote online safety.

Impact

Our approach to the curriculum results in a fun, engaging, and high-quality computing education. Much of the subject-specific knowledge developed in our computing lessons equip pupils with experiences which will benefit them in secondary school, further education and future workplaces. From research methods, use of presentation and creative tools and critical thinking, computing at Shavington Primary School gives children the building blocks that enable them to pursue a wide range of interests and vocations. They will be creative, confident, competent and responsible users of technology, preparing them for life and work in today’s society. 

Our Class Books

Each class has a class book where they evidence what they have learnt after each unit they have been taught. Using a class book to evidence pupils learning allows the teachers more time in lessons to focus on actual teaching and also time to fix any technical issues that occur.