Computing
A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. 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.
We offer a structured sequence of lessons, helping teachers to ensure that they have covered the skills required to meet the aims of the National Curriculum. The content allows for a broad, deep understanding of computing and how it links to children's lives. It offers a range of opportunities for consolidation, challenge and variety. This allows children to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science. They develop analytical problem-solving skills and learn to evaluate and apply information technology. It also enables them to become responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information technology.
Online Safety
At Tavistock Primary School, we know that Online Safety is more important now than ever before and that our children need a relevant up-to-date knowledge of how to stay safe online. We recognise that internet, mobile and digital technologies provide a good opportunity for children and young people to learn, socialise and play, provided they are safe. The digital world is an amazing place, but with few rules. It is vast and fast moving and young people’s future economic success may be partly dependent on their online skills and reputation. We are, therefore, committed to ensuring that all pupils, staff and governors will be able to use internet, mobile and digital technologies safely.
Our Online Safety curriculum, which is progressive from Early Years to the end of Year 6, is taken from the Education for a connected world document. Each half term has a whole school focus and, during their time at Tavistock Primary School, children will become aware of the online word, its role in their daily life and how to be a good online citizen.
Online safety is taught within all computing lessons but also each specific foci is taught discreetly through 2 lessons each half term. Teachers plan lessons that involve lots of discussion and debate around key questions and vocabulary. Through up to date knowledge shared by teachers and the children’s own experiences lessons are engaging, relevant and informative.
Lessons are planned around the outcomes listed in the Online Safety Curriculum map and Computing Curriculum map. Children are assessed through a process of ongoing formative assessment, where individual teachers are able to pick out through careful monitoring, which skills, knowledge and understanding children have shown and which areas may need more attention in future lessons. The subject leader monitors the effectiveness of Online Safety teaching through a cycle of pupil interviews, staff questionnaires, evidence book dips and planning scrutiny. This monitoring cycle allows the subject leader to make any necessary changes to the planning, implementation and assessment of Online safety within school and to update the action plan. The subject leader keeps up to date with curriculum changes, up and coming or new apps/programmes and safeguarding issues through training, reading and research. This information is then fed back to staff through CPD.
Please use the documents below to find expectations for each year group and further detail about what children in each year group will learn.