“Man is still the most extraordinary computer of all.”  John F. Kennedy

The INTENT of learning Computing at Clearwell

We want our pupils to be MASTERS of technology and not slaves to it.  Technology is everywhere and will play a pivotal role 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 they best prevention for a lot of issues we currently see with the technology/social media is through education.

Technology can allow pupils to share their learning in creative ways.  We understand the accessibility technology can provide for our pupils.  Our curriculum needs to be balanced with the opportunity for pupils to apply their knowledge creatively which will in turn help our pupils to become skilful computer scientists.

We encourage staff to try and embed computing across the whole curriculum to make learning creative and accessible. We want our pupils to be fluent with a range of tools to best express their understanding and hope by Upper Key Stage 2, children will have the independence and confidence to choose the best tool to meet the needs of the audience and purpose of the tasks and challenges set by teachers.

How Computing is taught at Clearwell (Implementation)

• Knowledge and skills are incorporated across the curriculum and as well as individual computing lessons using iPads and laptops
• Across the whole school, children develop computing skills in a range of contexts,
• We use KAPOW as the main source of learning materials
• Pupils will be encouraged to upload their learning electronically using a range of tools including Class Dojo and their own area of the network.

The IMPACT of learning Computing at Clearwell

• Our children will enjoy and value the curriculum we deliver.  We will ask the WHY behind their learning and not just the HOW. 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 One Drive and 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.