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

STEMulate Thinking

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. 

We use a range of software throughout the school including:

Scratch

Scratch 2

Microsoft Office

Garage Band

iMovie

iBooks

Poki

ShowMe