Mrs K Rainford is the subject lead for Computing at Cottam. 

Intent

At Cottam Primary School, we believe that computing is an integral part of modern-day life and therefore we aim to equip children with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in a rapidly changing technological world. By the time they leave our school, children will have gained key knowledge and skills in the three main areas of the computing curriculum: computer science (programming and understanding how digital systems work), information technology (using computer systems to store, retrieve and send information) and digital literacy (evaluating digital content and using technology safely and respectfully). We hope that due to regularly being exposed to ‘computational thinking’ in how to approach devices in a logical way, children will be able to apply their understanding to any technology that they encounter either now or in their lives after Cottam.

Implementation

We believe that children should be using computers from an early age to help improve their skills when navigating and using devices - after all, some of our children will be using 22nd-century technology one day!

At Cottam Primary School, we believe that a clear and effective scheme of work that provides coverage in line with the National Curriculum is essential to meet the requirements of our children for them to thrive. To ensure that children are being exposed to high-quality lessons focusing on the skills and knowledge required to be successful ‘computational thinkers’, we have invested in Purple Mash. This ensures that all key areas of the computing curriculum are taught and revisited during a child's primary school years. This allows our children to build on their learning year after year, building on their vocabulary and to also practice skills where they may not be as confident and likewise, progress their knowledge and skills even further.

We strive to keep children safe online and provide them with the knowledge and tools to do so. We will also empower parents, carers and the wider community with up-to-date information regarding keeping children safe online. We recognise the unique contribution that e-learning makes to the motivation and effectiveness of learners in our school and the role that the school has in preparing pupils for their future by improving their knowledge and understanding of how technology is an aid to learning. Cottam Primary School have shown our commitment to protecting our pupils online by working with National Online Safety.  Each class will have at least 30 minutes of online safety each week. 

Impact

Computing plays a huge part in ensuring the curriculum we deliver to our children is engaging and current. We ensure that the teaching and learning of computing enables all our pupils to continue to learn and grow in this digital world we live in and provides them with the skills and knowledge to do this well and safely. We try to link skills taught to real-life situations to ensure that our pupils can see the importance and necessity of computing in our ever-growing, technological world. This is important in a society where technologies and trends are rapidly evolving.