At Warren Primary Academy, we deliver a structured sequence of lessons using the Purple Mash scheme. This ensures that children are equipped to use a range of computational thinking skills and creativity in order to understand the importance of technology, how technology is used throughout the world and the future potential it has. Teaching across Warren Primary Academy offers a range of opportunities for consolidation, challenge and variety which children will approach with courageous optimism. This allows children to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science. Children develop analytical problem-solving skills and learn to evaluate and apply information technology. It also enables them to become responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information technology. Through their time at Warren Primary Academy our children will become digitally literate so that they can use, express themselves and develop their ideas through information and communication technology at a level that will prepare them for future work and a digital work.
Aims
The National Curriculum for Computing aims to ensure that all pupils:
Key Stage One
Pupils should be taught to:
Key Stage Two
Pupils should be taught to:
Implementation
Computing at Warren Primary Academy is taught through unit blocks, each unit is not always split into the same number of lessons. Units taught cover the 3 areas of computing; computer science, information technology and digital literacy in great detail across each year group. Teachers are provided with a long term overview which clearly identifies which aspect of computing each unit teaches, alongside a suggested timetable of teaching to ensure full coverage is able to be completed each year. The Purple Mash scheme provides planning and PowerPoints to aid in the deliverance of lessons; although, teachers are encouraged to adapt these to ensure they suit the needs of their children. Each year group have been provided with a vocabulary list that will be used throughout the year. Purple Mash offers a section called Mini Mash which is aimed at EYFS. All of our children have their own account and log on details to access Purple Mash and are encouraged to continue embedding skills at home.
The structure of a lesson through Purple Mash is the same across year groups, each lesson contains revision, introduction of new vocabulary, analysis and problem-solving. Through the sequence of lessons, we intend to inspire pupils to develop a love of the digital world, see its place in their future and give teachers’ confidence.
Teaching in KS1, the focus is on developing the use of algorithms, programming and how technology can be used safely and purposefully. In KS2, lessons still focus on algorithms, programming and coding but in a more complex way and for different purposes. Children also develop their knowledge of computer networks, internet services and the safe and purposeful use of the internet and technology. Data Handling is featured more heavily in UKS2. Skills learnt through KS1 and LKS2 are used to support data presentation. Adult guides are offered, as well as end-of-unit assessments, enabling staff to feel confident in the progression of skills and knowledge and that outcomes have been met.
At Warren Primary Academy, we offer our children a rich digital learning experience by incorporating the use of iPads for cross curricular purposes. We use the iPads to skill our children in using modern technology allowing them to conduct research for Wider Curriculum subjects and to further enhance our working collaboratively skills.
We understand the importance of our role in safeguarding our children when using technology and this forms a huge part of our Computing curriculum alongside “Safer Internet Day”. We put great emphasis on ensuring children understand what e-safety is and how to stay safe online we do this by;
