Computing at The Links


Computing Intent

At The Links Primary School, we want pupils to be MASTERS of technology and not slaves to it. Technology is everywhere and plays a pivotal part in students’ lives. Therefore, we want to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely. We want our pupils to be creators not consumers and our broad curriculum encompassing Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy reflects this.

We want our pupils to understand that there is always a choice with using technology and as a school we utilise technology (especially social media) to model positive use. We recognise that the best prevention for many issues we currently see with technology/social media is through education. At least one Digital Literacy (E-Safety) lesson will take place each half term ensuring children are constantly learning and progressing with their knowledge of how to be safe online.

We recognise that technology can allow pupils to share their learning in creative ways. We also understand the accessibility opportunities technology can provide for our pupils. Our Information Technology aspect of the Computing Curriculum is embedded across the whole curriculum to make learning creative and accessible. We want our pupils to be fluent with a range of tools/apps to best express their understanding and hope by Upper Key Stage 2, children have the independence and confidence to choose the best tool to fulfil the task and challenge set by teachers.

Computing Implementation

We have created a comprehensive progression document for staff to follow to best embed and cover every element of the computing curriculum. The knowledge/skills statements build year on year to deepen and challenge our learners.

Information Technology Computing Science Digital Literacy
Word Processing Computational thinking Be Internet Sharp
Data Handling Programming Be Internet Alert
Presentations, Web Design and eBooks Computing Networks Be Internet Secure
Animations Artificial Intelligence Be Internet Kind
Video Creation Be Internet Brave
Photography & Digital Art
Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
Sound

Computing Impact

We encourage our children to enjoy and value the curriculum we deliver. We want learners to discuss, reflect and appreciate the impact computing has on their learning, development and well-being. Finding the right balance with technology is key to an effective education and a healthy life-style. We feel the way we implement computing helps children realise the need for the right balance and one they can continue to build on in their next stage of education and beyond. We encourage regular discussions between staff and pupils to best embed and understand this. The way pupils’ showcase, share, celebrate and publish their work will best show the impact of our curriculum. We also look for evidence through reviewing pupil’s knowledge and skills digitally through tools like Seesaw and observing learning regularly. Progress of our computing curriculum is demonstrated through outcomes and the record of coverage in the process of achieving these outcomes.