Computing
At The Hermitage Schools, we believe that every child should have the right to a curriculum that champions excellence, supporting pupils in achieving to the very best of their abilities. We understand the immense value technology plays, not only in supporting the Computing and whole school curriculum but overall in the day-to-day life of our school. We believe that technology can provide: enhanced collaborative learning opportunities; better engagement of pupils; easier access to rich content; support conceptual understanding of new concepts and can support the needs of all our pupils. This policy sets out our aims and strategies for the successful delivery of Computing. The use of digital technology, especially computers and computer systems is an integral part of the National Curriculum and knowing how they work is a key life skill. In an increasingly digital world, there now exists a wealth of software, tools and technologies that can be used to communicate, collaborate, express ideas and create digital content. We recognise that pupils are entitled to a broad and balanced Computing curriculum with a structured and progressive approach to the learning of how computer systems work, programming, creative media and data and information. This provides our pupils with the skills necessary to become creative, digitally literate, computational thinkers who can participate fully in the modern world. Where possible, we make explicit links with mathematics and science to enhance our Computing curriculum further.
Early Years
Pupils in the Early Years Foundation Stage, have access to a range of technology, including tablets and Bee-Bots within their continuous provision and have access to iPads and computers weekly. Pupils in the Foundation Stage will have experiences using a range of technology for a variety of purposes in both child-initiated learning and adult led activities. Opportunities for technology as a tool to support learning and teaching in all areas are identified in planning.
Key Stage 1
During Key Stage 1, pupils will use a range of technology in school and learn how to stay safe whilst using this. They will explore why different technology is used for different purposes and recognise common uses of information technology beyond school. Pupils will develop their understanding of basic subject-specific vocabulary relating to specific technology, coding and online safety. Pupils will learn how to become digitally literate by using a range of technology safely and understand the need to keep information private. They will learn what is meant by the term online safety and know who to speak to if they are concerned about something they have seen or heard online. Children will learn about what algorithms are and know how these can be implemented whilst using technology and also through unplugged devices to develop their computer science skills. Children will learn the importance of following step-by-step instructions to achieve a required outcome and will be able create and debug simple programs. The children will learn about the purposes of a range of technology and why some technology is used for certain tasks to develop their understanding of information technology. The children will have opportunities to browse appropriate websites safely, create digital media and understand how technology is used for data and information. Through this, the children will learn how technology can be used to find out information. The children will also have the opportunity to explore ways of organising their work and findings, using a range of programs such as Microsoft Office and Scratch.
Key Stage 2
At The Hermitage School, we provide exciting, purposeful and relevant opportunities and experiences in ICT, which allow our children to engage in an active learning process. The direction of this learning is led by both teacher and pupil, allowing for the learning to develop in a proactive and positive way.
Our curriculum is progressive and builds each year on what has been taught before. ICT is not seen as a standalone subject, rather, it is viewed as an intrinsic part of all of the learning that happens in school. By ensuring that the children are exposed to real life activities, where they can develop and use skills that have application in everyday life, we as a school can create confident and driven learners who view ICT as an invaluable tool to support their learning.
