Computing at Bransty
At Bransty Primary School, we recognise the importance of Computing in every aspect of daily life. Computing is one of the core subjects taught in Primary Schools and recognise its importance as a subject and across the curriculum. We are aware of the need to prepare our pupils for the digital world and the potential that can be unlocked.
Knowledge and understanding of the Computing Curriculum is of increasing importance in children’s’ futures. Our Computing curriculum focuses on a progression of skills in digital literacy, computer science, information technology and online safety to ensure that children become competent in safely using, as well as understanding, technology. Through teaching computing we equip our children to participate in a rapidly changing world where work and leisure activities are increasingly transformed by technology.   Computing skills are a major factor in enabling children to be confident, creative and independent learners and it is our intention that children have every opportunity available to allow them to achieve this.  Our intention is that Computing also supports children’s creativity, resilience and critical thinking skills and cross curricular learning to engage children and enrich their experiences in school. Not only do we want our pupils to be digitally literate and competent but through our computing lessons we want them to develop an understanding of themselves as individuals within their community but also as members of a wider global community and as responsible digital citizens.
At Bransty Primary School, in conjunction with the aims of the National Curriculum, our Computing teaching offers opportunities for children to;
Confident in using code and can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including logic, algorithms and data representation
When coding, pupils can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
Effectively communicate and can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
Able to connect with others responsibly and are competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology
From Year 1 to Year 6 we use Purple Mash which is an online system covering all subjects across the curriculum but also provides a thorough and comprehensive computing curriculum scheme, which is continually updated in line with current practise. It allows teachers to deliver the computing curriculum through online resources including games, interactive quizzes, animation, data gathering and presentation. Purple Mash enables children to explore and enhance their knowledge in a fun and creative way. Whilst Purple Mash is our foundation for the computing curriculum we also supplement this when appropriate with other resources.
Computing is no longer part of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum but we still encourage children to explore computer programming by using BeeBots and iPads for selecting teaching games and research.
