Madley Brook Primary School Computing Policy 2015

Vision & Aims
Our aim is to become an "e-confident" school where Computing is integrated effectively in the planning, teaching, learning and assessment of all areas of the Curriculum. Our goal is to generate pupils who are independent, confident and responsible users of Computing in order to prepare them for life in an increasingly IT rich world. We aim to further develop the potential Computing has upon teaching and learning, thus making a significant impact on both our pupils and staff.
To this end we undertake to:-

  • follow the N.C. guidelines ensuring that all children receive a minimum entitlement of key experience regardless of gender or ability.
  • enable all children to enjoy using Computing equipment and software purposefully
  • encourage children to use Computing skills and equipment independently
  • foster children's awareness of Computing in the wider world
  • build on and develop existing knowledge through skills taught in each year group to maintain continuity and progression

Delivery ofComputing
We at Madley Brook Primary School, are committed to providing a broad and balanced structured curriculum which gives the pupils relevant experience and understanding of Computing to equip them to live in today's society.
Learning with Computing at the Foundation Stage

In the Foundation Stage classes, (Receptionand Nursery) Computing is taught as an integral part of the topic work covered during the year. We relate the Computing aspects of the children’s work to the objectives set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum planning. Pupils have the opportunity to use computers in the classrooms, interactive whiteboards, CD players, Net-books and iPads from the Computing suite, programmable toys including Bee-bots, and digital cameras.

By the end of the Foundation Stage pupils are expected to recognise that a range of technology is used in places such as homes and schools. They should also select and use technology for particular purposes. Through discussion, play and practical application children should demonstrate that they know about technology and its use in their life and local environment. Pupils will choose the technological opportunities around themselves as a tool to enhance andextend their learning.

(Early Learning Goal 15)

Learning with Computing in KS1 and KS2

The National Curriculum divides Computing into 3 clear sections – Computer Science (CS), Digital Literacy (DL) and Information Technology (IT), and states:

The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

The National Curriculum’s aims are:

  • [All pupils] can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation. (CS)
  • [All pupils] can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems. (CS)
  • [All pupils] can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems. (IT)
  • [All pupils] are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology. (DL)

Key Stage 1
Pupils should be taught to:

  • understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions
  • create and debug simple programs
  • use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
  • use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content
  • recognise common uses of information technology beyond school
  • use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.

Key Stage 2
Pupils should be taught to:

  • design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
  • use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
  • use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
  • understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration
  • use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content
  • select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information
  • use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

The Knowledge, skills and understanding of Computing (addressed in the National Curriculum) are planned and taught as part of the creative curriculum and skills teaching, which is regularly reviewed and used by all staff. New developments will be trialled and embedded if successful.
Careful planning will include activities which support learning for pupils with a diverse range of needs & abilities as well as ensuring continuity throughout the school and progression from one year to the next.
At Madley Brook Primary School, we believe that there are considerable benefits to be gained from using Computing to support learning across the Curriculum. Our staff use Computing skills, software and equipment in their teaching, where appropriate, in order to raise standards across the Curriculum.
Roles and Responsibilities
The roles and responsibilities with regard to Computing are as follows:-
The Headteacher & SLT are responsible for -

  • ensuring there is a shared vision for Computing within the school
  • ensuring consistent implementation of Computing Policy & Internet Policy
  • ensuring staff access to IT and identifying Computing support needed by individual staff

Computing Co-ordinator is responsible for -

  • the day-to-day implementation of the Computing Policy, e-Safety Policy and aspects of the subject leaderaction plan as well as the implementation of Computingskills teaching
  • reviewing the Computing policy, e-Safety Policy & skills teaching
  • Computing monitoring which includes classroom observations, scrutiny of work and planning and discussions with pupils
  • co-ordinating the integration of Computing into the curriculum, ensuring continuity and progression throughout the school
  • co-ordinating Computing training for staff to raise awareness, build on experience and develop confidence
  • working with subject co-ordinators and staff to encourage the use of Computing as a teaching & learning tool across the Curriculum
  • overseeing equipment maintenance and liaising with our IT technician
  • co-ordinating the purchase and allocation of Computing resources depending on budget priorities

Teachers are responsible for -

  • reporting IT faults in co-ordinator's book, kept in the Computingsuite
  • the assessment of pupils
  • meeting the statutory requirements
  • curriculum development
  • implementing the health and safety policy and practice
  • integrating effective use of Computing into curriculum subjects.

Our Parents and Carers
Madley Brook Primary School has links with the community through our school website and Blog pages. Our website has information, resources and links for parents and carers. All newsletters are regularly sent out via ParentMail. We encourage our parents and carers to be kept well-informed of Computing developments in our school. All new developments are discussed in newsletters and on the school website. Parents and carers are invited to speak to the Computing co-ordinator or view our policies if the need arises. Parents and carers have the opportunity to view our e-Safety Policy.
Teaching and Learning Styles
We believe that Computing can help to make learning more differentiated and customised to individual needs, and deliver a more engaging, exciting and enjoyable learning process that encourages better learning outcomes. We therefore promote e-learning, which is the blending of traditional & Computing-based forms of teaching and learning.
Teachers will use a variety of strategies depending on the need of the children or child. Computing can facilitate whole class teaching, grouped work, individual or paired work. We believe that Computing has the potential to enhance different kinds of learning and support pupils with SEN (more & less able) & disabilities.
We encourage the use of Internet to support teaching & learning. All staff have an email address and email is used by some classes within the curriculum. The school haswireless Broadband to enhance the use of the Internet.
Access to Computing & Equal Opportunities
We value equal opportunities for all of our children and believe that all Computing resources should be fully accessible to all learners, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
We aim to provide a growing range of Computing equipment to all pupils, meeting a diverse range of individual needs. This is regularly monitored regardless of age & ability.
Recording, Assessment and Reporting
There is a whole school approach to assessing all aspects of Computing capability. Pupils' Computing skills are assessed informally during lessons and all progress is recorded on an assessment sheet every half term. New targets are discussed with the children as the need arises.
Before report writing, year groups will look at statements to show coverage and usage of Computing skills.
Managing Resources
Hardware is deployed through the school following discussions with staff on a needs basis and new software is acquired as the need arises for it. The purchase of hardware and software may depend on the availability of finances.

Governors have a commitment to ensure sufficient funds are made available either through capital or revenue funding to equip the school with relevant and up to date equipment.

Health and Safety
Pupils will be made aware of -

  • hazards and risks to themselves and others when using IT eg. IWB, Internet
  • the steps they take to control risks eg. Rules for the Internet, Rules for the IWB.
  • the action to be taken if risks occur
  • how to manage their environment to ensure health and safety of themselves and others.

Staff Development
We recognise the need for, and will endeavour to provide ongoing staff training to encourage professional development and ensure a well balanced delivery in the classroom. Annual Staff development is incorporated into the Computing subject leader's Action Plan, taking into account the needs of the school and staff.
Repair, Replacement and Insurance
The school will undertake to replace computer equipment in order to maintain the current ratio of computers:pupils. Due to the cost of replacing equipment it is vital that all Computing equipment is adequately insured. Equipment will continue to be repaired as long as it is economically viable to do so.