Welcome to our Computing curriculum page where you will find a range of information about Computing at Endeavour Academy. Our subject leader for Computing is Miss Butler.
INTENT
As computer scientists and programmers at Endeavour Academy we want our learners to be equipped to use computational thinking and be digitally literate; to have acquired the principals of information and computation; to understand how digital systems work and to know how to write computer programs in order to solve problems. Our learners will understand basic concepts of computer science such as logic, algorithms and data representation and be able to analyse problems in computational terms. They will be responsible, confident and creative users of information and communication technology and know how to use it safely.
Characteristics of an Endeavour Computer Scientist
- Competence in coding for a variety of practical and inventive purposes, including the application of ideas within other subjects. (cross-curricular)
- The ability to connect with others safely and respectfully, understanding the need to act within the law and with moral and ethical integrity.
- An understanding of the connected nature of devices.
- The ability to communicate ideas well by using applications and devices throughout the curriculum.
- The ability to collect, organise and manipulate data effectively.
IMPLEMENTATION
At Endeavour Academy, computing is taught via a weekly discrete lesson. We use the award-winning Purple Mash Scheme of Work in order to inform our teaching and allow our learners to explore and enhance their computing skills within a variety of areas. Our whole school overview of learning can be viewed below and is used by staff to reinforce, build upon and make links between prior learning in turn supporting pupils to know more and remember more on their journey through school.
Computing - Overview
Teaching and learning in Computing is organised around school identified key concepts that we refer to as ‘big ideas’. These big ideas enable us to focus our attention on the most meaningful content which for Computing we have identified as:
- Computer science (coding)
- Information technology
- Digital literacy.
Knowledge, skills and understanding in Computing is developed around these same ideas and build progressively year on year. Our school progression documents illustrate how this is mapped out across school.
Computing - Progression
At Endeavour Academy we are committed to using opportunities within Computing to educate our pupils to be the best versions of themselves in order to become valuable and fully rounded members of society. Our Computing curriculum is designed to encompass meaningful SMSC (spiritual, moral, social and cultural) development and promote British Values through a variety of engaging learning experiences. You can read more about our integrated approach to personal development through Computing below:
Computing - Personal Development
IMPACT
The Computing subject leader, supported by the Head teacher and Senior Leaders, takes responsibility for ensuring children are progressing as expected in Computing. They regularly monitor planning and children’s work to evaluate curriculum delivery and standards. Teachers complete Computing assessments termly and this data is used by the Computing leader to inform curriculum developments.
Pupils are also asked to reflect on their learning. Some examples of this can be seen below.
- Computing is important to learn as we will need it as we continue to study at high school, college or university. Lots of different jobs now use computers (Abigail UKS2)
- I liked learning how to type. I now know which keys to press with each finger. The more you keep trying the better you get. (Yahya LKS2)
- I used the computer for grouping and sorting. I liked thinking about different ways to do it and the computer means you can check quick too (Kacie KS1)
- Coding is like a problem solving exercise. Just when you thought you’d done everything right you go back and find you need to add one more thing. (Kalvin UKS2)
- Online safety is about keeping safe online. Do the right things e.g. don’t answer calls from people you don’t know. Never share passwords and if someone is being unkind on line don’t respond to them. If someone is verbally abusing you on line tell an adult that you trust (Daanya UKS2)
- Online safety means don’t tell people the school you go to or your name and address. Like stranger danger but on a computer (Helena KS1)
ASPIRATIONS
As part of our commitment to raising aspirations for all pupils we want to develop an understanding in our pupils of how learning Computing can be useful to them in their everyday lives (see pupil voice above) or in their future careers. Here are some jobs pupils can aspire to:
- Landscape designer
- Games creator
- Chief technical officer
- Website administrator
More ideas can be found at https://www.firstcareers.co.uk/
SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD WITH COMPUTING
The best way to support your child with any aspect of computing is to enjoy using technology with them and model the safe and responsible use of it. You can do this by:
- Becoming the student
Let your child show you how to use their favourite app or do something they have learned in school. - Help them use technology to support their homework
If they have to practise a maths skill, help them create a how-to video demonstrating the skill. Why not create a short film based on a story they have written? Or perhaps an animation? Find some YouTube videos or play games together that support what they’re learning about in school. Your child will have their own individual log in for Purple Mash, which can be found in their homework books. Your child will have 2DO’s set by their class teacher weekly, which they can complete and submit at home. - Research with them
Research a topic they are learning about or are interested in with them. Decide together how reliable you think each website is — does the information on it appear anywhere else? Who created the website? Discuss the rankings — why does the search engine rank some at the top and some further down? - Communicate with family
Keep in touch with family members by composing emails together or using services like Skype to make video calls. Discuss how useful these tools can be when used responsibly. - Chat regularly
Ask children how they have been using technology this week, what their favourite app is etc. Make sure they feel they can come to you, should an issue arise for them.
You can also nurture your child’s passion for Computing through their love of reading. They may enjoy the books below:
Billy Goat and his best friend Cyril are messing about with the farmer's mobile phone, taking selfies and playing games... until they discover the number for a troll. Grandpa Gruff says all trolls are bad, so Billy and Cyril decide to get their own back by sending mean messages. After all, trolls really do stink! Don't they?
Everyone loves Goldilocks’ hilarious online videos, but in her quest to get more likes, more laughs and more hits, she tries something a little more daring: stealing porridge #pipinghot, breaking chairs #fun, and using someone else’s bed #sleep. What will Daddy Bear do when he sees that online?
Peter is about to turn seven years old. For his upcoming Birthday he is gifted a 3D Printer by his father - one that is capable of printing anything! Pablo The Printer is powered by invention, fun and courage. While most 3D Printers can only print in plastic, Pablo can literally print things to life! Pablo not only prints Peter the toys he wants, including a new best friend (a blue dog named Rocky will always be a man's best friend), but he also shares timeless wisdom with him. Peter soon learns a valuable lesson. Even though Pablo is capable of printing anything, it doesn't mean that Peter should print everything.