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Computing Curriculum
Computing at Penpol School is led by Jacob Woolcock
Computing at Penpol School
Why do we teach Computing at Penpol School?
At Penpol we realise that Computing is about far more than just learning how to make text bold or how to create a slide presentation. Yes, these are key skills – but at its core Computing is about preparing our students for the world of tomorrow by embracing and celebrating the technology we have today. These students are growing up into a world where computers won’t necessarily exist like we know them now, instead replaced by new and un-imaginable technologies. So we firmly believe that we need to set our children up to succeed in this rapidly-changing world by delivering an innovative, dynamic and hands-on Computing curriculum that goes above and beyond to ensure every child feels confident and excited about using technology safely in the future.
We approach this subject in a creative and practical manner, encouraging students to embrace technology at every turn. We aspire to help them discover a love of problem solving through their coding lessons and to give them the ability to explore a wealth of digitally creative lessons and topics across a variety of different devices and technologies.
At Penpol School we know the transformative impact this subject can have on our students. Digital technologies have the power to break down boundaries – both geographically and socio-economically. We are able to reach out and interact with the world and this creates dynamic and exciting opportunities for our students going forwards. They are living in a world where technology is improving at record pace and when they are seeking employment in the future it is certain that technology will form a bit part of their roles.
How is Computing taught at Penpol School?
Computing is taught by a subject specialist at Penpol School during the class teachers PPA release time. This approach ensures that each class is given a high-quality and specialised curriculum with a focus on the year-by-year progression.
Through a wide variety of dynamic projects and lessons the children will be faced with problems and challenges which will require their problem solving and critical thinking skills to solve. Creating safe opportunities for children to make mistakes and then to re-attempt the challenge is a key part of Computing and is something we actively encourage at Penpol. Lessons are bought to life by using real-world examples, discussions and scenarios which the children can relate to and enjoy.
We embrace the creativity of every child and know that each problem and challenge will have multiple different solutions. We encourage children to really consider the best tool for the job and to not be afraid of trying a different approach if one particular method doesn’t work as they had hoped.
Learning in Computing will take a variety of forms – whether it be whole class learning in our dedicated Mac Suite or outside creating content with our iPads. We encourage smaller group tasks, projects and activities where children are able to support and learn from their peers. We also aspire to offer more in-depth and extra-curricular activities such as our FIRST LEGO League teams which give the children even more opportunities to solve real world and relevant problems with their critical thinking skills.
What will we see from the teaching of Computing at Penpol?
Children will develop hugely important skills in critical thinking, problem solving, resilience, teamwork and precision through their Computing lessons. They will be encouraged to understand mistakes and bugs in their programs – and to share this learning with their peers. They will be able to solve complex challenges without a second thought and create content that looks professional and meets a purpose, unaware that they are working well beyond the standard expected of them at this level. They will be excited and enthused about technologies of all types and will be imagining a future career which involves the skills they are learning every lesson at Penpol.
We are preparing our students for the future by ensuring they leave us as forward thinking, creative and confident individuals who aren’t afraid of technology, who understand that it is a tool for them to embrace and that they can use it to create things we can only begin to imagine.
NEWS FROM COMPUTING:
Concepts taught in Computing at Penpol
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Digital Programming
Using instructions to solve problems, complete challenges and automate tasks. Problem solving to understand where and why existing programs aren’t working and developing ideas and systems to create the desired outcomes in both digital and physical applications.
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Digital Technologies
Using physical hardware to understand the fundamental building blocks of computers & digital networks. Realising how hardware works on our own devices as well as in larger networks opens up a greater understanding, including that the internet is a global network which connects us all.
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Digital Safety
Using the Internet and related technologies safely and responsibly. Understanding the potential risks and discovering how to use the internet effectively to help with research, communication and other key activities.
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Digital Creativity
Using a variety of technologies (both hardware and software) to create meaningful and relevant content that fits a brief. Discovering how multimedia can play a key part in sharing messages or conveying information and how technology allows for interactive experiences.
Other Documents
Computing Technologies at Penpol
At Penpol we are fortunate enough to have developed a wide variety of learning resources over the years to help us deliver this curriculum. We aspire to give our students access to technologies and experiences that they wouldn’t perhaps have access to every day, including:
iMacs
iPads
Logitech Crayons
Micro:Bits
LEGO WeDo 2.0 Robotics
Sphero SPRK+
Sphero Indi
MakerBot Replicator+
LEGO Spike
Prime Robotics
Green Screens
Online Safety
Learning how to use the Internet safely, how to talk to people about concerns and how to be responsible digital citizens is a huge part of our Computing curriculum. Each year we dedicate a whole half term to exploring this vital topic and use the Be Internet Legends program from Google and ParentZone to support with this learning. Through these lessons children will cover topics such as:
- Being aware of what they are sharing and with whom, including what information is safe to share and what information should be kept private and offline.
- Understanding how to protect their data and how passwords help with this.
- Understanding that things on the internet may not always be as they seem and how to spot signs that something might not be quite right.
- Discussing cyberbullying and other nasty behaviour online and how we can overcome this through correct support and open conversations.
- How to reach out and ask for help or support if necessary through a trusted adult, either at home or at school.
Being safe online has never been more important and it’s something which we’re always happy to talk about at Penpol. We encourage our pupils to have honest conversations both at school and at home about their internet usage including discussing any potential problems that may arise. By encouraging these conversations we believe we are in a better position to support and protect our students from any potentially harmful situations that may arise.
Computing Teaching Staff
Jacob Woolcock
Teacher and Computing & Digital Learning Coordinator
Paul Hudson
ICT Technician
Useful Links
in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 from the Department for Education
Be Internet Legends A free program including games and useful information, made by Google. We use Internet Legends at Penpol as a core part of our e-safety lessons. This software is free to use at home.
This page was last updated 3 months ago