Intent

• Pupils are given the opportunity to learn and develop in a rapidly advancing technological world.
• We teach a skills based curriculum as opposed to a knowledge based curriculum.
• Experiential and experimental learning allows children to explore new software and hardware to discover the uses and limitations for each.
• Children can access software and solve problems independently on any given piece of technology.
• Audit and reviews undertaken looking at the best research and information available on how children learn most effectively and specifically in the subject of computing.
• Purple Mash computing scheme followed for several years – positive impact is obvious through children’s learning and confidence in computing.
• We implement a repetitive 2 year cycle which teaches the key concepts in computing. Each unit has built in practice, retrieval and reinforcement of the key concepts to ensure knowledge sticks in the long-term memory.

National Curriculum

• The Purple Mash Computing Scheme of Work is a comprehensive set of resources aligned to the National Curriculum for Computing, Technology and Digital Competence.
• The three computing key concepts allow children to be fluent in computing and these underpin the computing curriculum map.
• Computing pedagogy is based on the development of these key computing concepts:
  • Problem solving and logical thinking
  • Creative Content
  • Digital literacy- three strands are taught through weekly, hourly computing lessons.
• Lessons created via Purple Mash enable children to explore and enhance their knowledge in a fun and creative way- exciting curriculum focused activities, creative tools, programs and games.
• Purplemash ensures clear progression of skills for each year group, which provides a secure foundation and meets the needs for our pupils from Reception to Yeat 6.
• Computing is mapped out across the curriculum where each Purple Mash unit includes a detailed curriculum map, showing exactly what will be covered in each topic. This helps teachers plan their lessons efficiently and ensures that children receive the right amount of content.
• Curriculum maps are outlined in the medium term plan.

Teaching and Learning in Computing

• Our Computing curriculum ensures that children are well versed in the digital world and they are able to apply their skills on a variety of different software and hardware.
• Staff are up to date with the latest in educational, technological resources.
• Purple Mash scheme of work supports our teachers in delivering fun and engaging lessons which help to raise standards and allow all pupils to achieve their full potential.
• The scheme meets the national vision for Computing by providing flexibility and strong cross-curricular links.
• The scheme of work promotes progressions and sequential learning throughout the school, where children can build upon previous knowledge.
• We deliver a curriculum that inspires enthusiasm for learning, where teachers have good subject knowledge
• Purple Mash offers material for less confident teachers and staff who are able to understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation.
• Staff are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.
• Children have opportunities to use computing from Reception so that they can develop skills early in life and build on them as they progress through school.
• Staff surveys are used to give evidence of the impact of staff confidence in the subject and the further need for any training in specific areas which will be provided by the Subject Leader or Purple Mash team.

Monitoring, assessment and progression

The computing leader and SLT are confident that teaching within the subject is strong and promotes the acquisition of key knowledge, building on prior learning; through observations, work scrutiny and pupil discussions.

• The subject leader oversees assessment and uses it well to see how teachers check understanding, inform future teaching, ensure yearly end points have been achieved.
• The subject leader ensures they are making best use of financial and human resources to impact on standards and has undertaken CPD training to support the delivery of the curriculum.
• Assessment judgements are linked with the evidence collated for each child. These are in the form of observations, discussions with the children or work that has been produced and can be accessed from Purple Mash.
• Pupil attainment is assessed using a school tracking grid, which enables staff to accurately identify attainment of pupils through the detailed exemplification it has for each key learning intention.
• Formative assessment is undertaken each session in Computing and pupils are very much encouraged to be involved in that process.
• The impact of computing is monitored and evaluated through firstly pupil voice and evidence of work. This gives a clear understanding of what is being delivered and the quality.
• We believe that when assessing computing, it is important to look for evidence of knowledge of understanding as well as technical skills. Asking pupils to talk about what they have learned as well as showing the work they have completed, provide important evidence of learning.
• We assess through observation of work on tasks and pupil voice, which is then placed onto individual class tracker grids.
• A challenge activity is provided within each computing lesson and the 2Dos feature on Purple Mash is used to set work for a class, individual pupils, or groups. Children have purple mash logins which are accessible outside of school.

SEND, PPG, EAL pupils

• Purple Mash has been designed specifically for Primary-aged children so is child friendly and easy for them to find their way around.
• The Purple Mash tools and icons are consistent across all parts of Purple Mash, making it even easier for children to use. Vulnerable groups of pupils are taught the same skills, knowledge and understanding through our computing curriculum.
• Where they need support to access the curriculum, teachers adapt to the needs of the individual child.

EYFS

• Staff adopt ‘Mini Mash’ and computing is taught in a cross curricular way every day during both adult directed and child initiated learning. E.g. through games on the IWB, using a beebot or learning to use the buttons on the CD player.
• Computing is recorded through observations and evidence which consists of pictures of children’s work, children’s voice, moments from home e.g. games on their home Ipads, adult led activities, independent activities as well as child initiated learning (this is where children can choose where to work and we scaffold their learning).
• Examples of some activities that can be seen across the year in EYFS are: • Beebots moving forwards and backwards • Using a CD player • Completing games for all areas of the curriculum on the IWB and class computers • Turning on and off a torch • Using google to find out information
• Teaching computing within the curriculum ensures that children enter Year 1 with a strong foundation of knowledge.
• Computing lessons in the EYFS also ensure that children develop listening skills, problem-solving abilities and thoughtful questioning — as well as improving subject skills across the seven areas of learning.

Subject leader

The subject leader:

• has a clear understanding of the Purplemash Scheme of work and ensures that the curriculum meets national requirements.
• ensures that all teachers are aware of expectations for their own year groups and know starting and end points; enable pupils to build their knowledge and skills towards the agreed end points.
• ensures the content is taught in a logical progression, systematically and explicitly enough for all pupils to acquire the intended knowledge and skills.
• checks colleagues have access to appropriate resources to ensure delivery of a rich and challenging new curriculum.
• is aware of staff who have had necessary CPD to support their teaching of the curriculum and assessment.

Governors are up to date with SDP and any updates to staff training, child progression in Staff meetings which take place regularly.

Computing Policy

• This policy sets out our school’s vision, aims, principles and strategies for the delivery of Computing and the use of technology to support the curriculum. This can be found on our school website.

Documents