Computing
Computing at Gainsborough Primary and Nursery School
We have invested in programs to improve the teaching of computing both in school and at home. The main piece of software that we are using to deliver our teaching curriculum is called Purple Mash. This website can be accessed here
Your child has been given a log on which will allow them to complete tasks, games and homework in their own, secure area on the website.
Check out some of our work by clicking on the image below.
At Gainsborough, times tables are practised as much as possible. To help your child to learn their times tables fluently, we have provided everyone with a Times Tables Rockstars log on. This is a fun and engaging website where your child can explore learning their times tables while earning rewards by playing games with their classmates. They can even spend the coins they earn in the TTRS shop! Access the website by clicking here
At Gainsborough, we take internet safety very seriously. As well as teaching regular esafety lessons, we have also been lucky enough to have visitors come into school regularly to discuss safety online.
In computing, we will prioritise using hierarchical aspects such as programming, algorithms, understanding computers and data. Priority will also be given to using computing devices safely and responsibly.
Gaps in knowledge of how to use digital devices will be identified and addressed. Pupils will be given enough time to practise programming to secure and reinforce knowledge.
Intent
At Gainsborough Primary and Nursery School, we strive to prepare our children for a rapidly changing world through the delivery of dynamic, modern and exciting computing sessions. Our high-quality computing curriculum is designed to enable children to use rational thinking and problem solving to aid the understanding of our world while building on wider subject knowledge. Our curriculum design has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology which builds on our vision of a spiral curriculum. We intend for our children to use information technology to write code, design and debug programmes and access a range of content – all while continually building on and improving their computing vocabulary.
Implementation
Our Computing curriculum is sequential and builds on prior learning which is often revisited and reviewed. This helps our children to know more and remember more. It is comprised of three aspects: Digital Literacy, Computational Thinking and Information Technology – all of which encompass internet safety at their core.
Computing skills are taught both discretely and have a cross-curricular approach. In Reception and Key Stage 1, children are taught to use equipment and software confidently and purposefully and to communicate and handle information and to support problem solving. In Key Stage 2, our children extend their understanding of computing to advance communication, investigation and programming – with an underlying focus of navigating the internet safely in a respectful manner. This includes covering a range of issues such as anonymity, password protection, addressing negativity and reporting inappropriate behaviour.
Impact
Pupils at Gainsborough Primary and Nursery School are:
- Proficient users of technology who are able to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Equipped with the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively and safely.
- Skilled at problem solving and logical thinking.
- Driven by exciting learning opportunities which provide challenge and opportunities to investigate the wider curriculum.
Online Safety
At Gainsborough Primary and Nursery School we work extremely hard to inform our children how to keep themseleves safe online. Online safety forms a part of both the computing and wider curriculum for every year group. Below you are able to read our 'Online Safety Policy.'
For further tips and advice on supporting your children to use the internet safely, please see: https://parentsafe.lgfl.net/