What is our aim with Computing at Springfield? (Intent) Technology is forever changing. At Springfield Juniors, we prepare pupils for this changing digital landscape. The Computing Curriculum at Springfield Juniors engages pupils through using a range of digital devices and allows learners to develop their knowledge with online safety. We take pride in developing global citizens who make appropriate choices in both the online and offline world.
Within Computing sessions we aim to support pupils by:
Using technology appropriately in a safe, considered and respectful way, reaping the benefits from an online world.
Identify the exciting changes in a complex online world, but discuss the challenges and risks which appear from this.
Encourage responsible actions online and identify methods of how concerns can be raised with appropriate parities.
Build the transferable skills required in the computing curriculum across other subject areas.
Pupils gain a greater understanding of coding through regular lessons with our subject specialist. Learners are also able to apply their knowledge using exciting hardware in school.
How do we support all learners? We strive to meet the needs of all pupils, whatever their ability or level of need. Children have the right to progress and reach their potential. We make adjustments to the teaching of computing to meet the needs of those children who have disabilities, English as an additional language or special gifts and talents. We use the FFT website to identify which pupils are making progress and are able to meet the expected standard for individual year groups.
We offer different opportunities for pupils who are Gifted and Talented and work collaboratively with others school across the Children’s Endeavour School Trust:
differentiation occurs in class to ensure that all learners are catered for. Adaptation to how the lessons are delivered and the hardware used is made regularly to meet the needs of all pupils.
enrichment activities are something which we are keen to promote within our school. Events with other CET schools provide networking for pupils and staff alike.
targeted extra enrichment to build on skills learnt in the classroom e.g. CrumbleBot club and enrichment at BT.
digital devices are used to support the learning of all pupils and additional hardware is deployed if it is necessary for all pupils to make progress.
Learner groups, including EAL and Pupil Premium, are analysed through school data and relevant action is taken to ensure that all groups are catered for appropriately.
What does this look like in our classrooms? (Implementation) A clear progression of skills is implemented for pupils from Year 3 to Year 6. Skills, within coding lessons, are continually revisited and are built upon to ensure that pupils make, or exceed, expected progress. Pupil friendly targets are also available in pupil folders so they are able to identify what targets they need to meet by the end of each academic year.
Pupils are making links across the curriculum. During sessions using CrumbleBots, pupils build upon their levels of resilience to ensure that they adapt their approach and make relevant changes; team work is also evident when pupils discussed relevant changes and work collaboratively with a partner. The algorithms used also allow them to apply a logical mathematical approach to how devices are coded. Amendments are made, focusing on the strength or motors and also reflecting upon how this relates to angles when motors are set at different percentages.
Parents are strongly involved with computing in school. Due to recent Covid restrictions, parent meetings in school have not been possible. However, a number of events have occurred:
-regular newsletters to parents via Arbor to support them in their knowledge of Google Classroom. -online safety updates are provided regularly to support parents with pupil devices at home. -live sessions with our School Liaison Officer has been provided to parents to outline key online safety issues. -the school has registered with National Online Safety to provide a range of online resources and also relevant CPD, including videos.
A range of resources are used by pupils to implement their learning: CrumbleBots, programming software, including SCRATCH and iPads. Newly purchased data loggers are also being used within Science lessons to provide a hands-on approach to learning. The capacity of hardware in school is increasing and we will shortly have laptops to be used by a third of the school at any one time.
Here our Year 6 pupils used data loggers in science lessons.
What are the outcomes for learners? (Impact) The impact of pupil performance is beginning to be monitored closely at Springfield Juniors. Across the year, a cycle has been created which focuses on looking at pupil outcomes, pupil perceptions and shared collaboration across CET and feeder schools. The role of the subject lead is also one which should promote a passion for computing across the school and someone who can be utilised to share good practice and key skills with teaching staff and pupils alike.
There are a number of positive outcomes from the Computing curriculum:
-Workshops and regular newsletters provide parents/carers with appropriate steps to safeguard pupils online. -Becoming a National Online Safety School allows all stakeholders to access relevant, up-to-date information which can be utilised at any time of day or night. -Regular visits from the School Liaison Officer allow parents to enhance their knowledge of online safety and support pupils at home. -A culture of openness is being created in school where pupils can share concerns they have online. Self-referral forms are available to pupils in all classes which allow them to have a clear voice. -Regular enrichment opportunities, CrumbleBot club, ensure that pupils are able to apply their computing knowledge by seeing a clear, concrete outcome. Groups of pupils are chosen on a half-termly basis. -Assembly themes carefully focus on online safety themes and revisit skills discussed in class. All assemblies are then uploaded to the school website to ensure that they are available for parents too. -The subject leader cycle allows the computing lead to regularly identify strengths within the curriculum area and then make any relevant changes. -Regular access to electronic devices allows pupils to apply their computing skills, including coding, but also support those learners with SEND who may have had changes to the curriculum made e.g. iPad apps which increase letter sizing or coloured backgrounds. -A comprehensive website at https://www.springfieldjuniors.org.uk/online-safety.html allows for all stakeholders to find relevant information easily.
Mr Reynolds, Computing and Online Safety Lead, would be more than happy to discuss any of these areas further.
Here are some of our Year 5 pupils in action at CrumbleBot Club. The challenge was to program the CrumbleBot to spell the different letters of 'Springfield'. Videos of this to follow!