ICT & Computing
Intent
Computing is an important part of what we do at Park Road Sale Primary School. We aim to equip children with the skills they need to enter the digital world they are growing up in. Our computing curriculum spans through everything we do at Park Road Sale from programming robots to creating collaborative documents and recording and editing videos.
We have won several awards and competitions through our use of computing including the Naace 3rd Millennium Learning Award for our innovative integration of technology throughout the curriculum. We share our expertise and support schools with their computing curriculum and lead the computing network for coordinators across from Trafford.
We aim for all children to become digitally literate – confidently able to access, use and create using a range of technology. Throughout school, children develop their basic computing skills through their use of laptops, PCs and tablets. They become confident in using computers with different hardware and learn to independently access our wide range of interactive learning resources.
Children learn to use computers creatively in their work including writing, art and science. They learn presentation skills including combining text and graphics and how to record and edit video. Children use sensors in science and videos to help them create campaigns to be elected to the school council. We also use a wide variety of software to practice skills and learn knowledge in maths, literacy, science and other foundation subjects.
Children learn computer programming skills using a range of programming platforms to control both hardware and on screen. These skills are introduced in nursery, where they use beebots to create simple algorithms, and reinforced and built on in each year group. For example, children in Year 4 learn to debug their programmes on scratch to create animations and games. In Year 6, children are able to apply their prior knowledge to use a Crumble controller to create and program their own physical computing project.
Children develop their understanding of computer systems throughout their time at Park Road Sale. In EYFS and KS1 they learn about how computers help us and the uses of computers beyond our school. In KS2, they further this knowledge to understand devices in our school network and how the internet and World Wide Web work.
Children are taught to use technology safely and responsibly and to respect others online. In EYFS and KS1, they learn about appropriate use of technology including keeping personal information private and where to go for help. In KS2, children develop an understanding that not everything online is true and learn the difference between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour online.
Through their development in all areas of the computing curriculum during their time at Park Road Sale, we hope each child will be equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to not only be confident users of, but the creators of technology of the future.
