In computing, pupils achieve well. This is because knowledgeable teachers deliver a well designed curriculum. This curriculum steadily develops pupils’ knowledge. Topics are frequently revisited to ensure that pupils remember as much as possible. Pupils learn about all aspects of computing including coding. For example, Year 5 pupils learn about conditional loops and changing variables.

(Ofsted Report December 2019)

Computing Curriculum Intent

At Thomlinson Junior School, 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.
 

Computing Curriculum Implementation

As a school, we have chosen the Purple Mash Computing Scheme of Work from Year 3 to Year 6. The scheme of work supports our teachers in delivering fun and engaging lessons which help to raise standards and allow all pupils to achieve to their full potential. We are confident that the scheme of work more than adequately meets the national vision for Computing. It provides immense flexibility, strong cross-curricular links and integrates with our own assessment procedures.  Furthermore, it gives excellent supporting material for less confident teachers.

In addition to this, we also have a  relevant and up-to-date Online Safety Curriculum which is progressive from Year 3 to the end of Year 6.  By using the National Online Safety planning and resources, formed directly in line with the learning objectives from the UKCIS Education for a Connected World Framework, we can be confident the children follow and clear and comprehensive programme of study.  These plans are regularly updated to take into account the ever-evolving nature of the online world.  

Computing Curriculum Map

The curriculum map for computing at Thomlinson Junior School gives an overview of what is taught in each year group at each point in the year.  This includes both units taught through Purple Mash and the National Online Safety programme.  Computing skills are also developed discretely through the daily use of devices as part of the teaching programmes for other subject areas.  

Computing Curriculum Impact

At Thomlinson Junior School, our computing curriculum aims to:

• Provide an exciting, rich, relevant and challenging Computing curriculum for all pupils. 
• Teach pupils to become responsible, respectful and competent users of data, information and communication technology. 
• Provide technology solutions for forging better home and school links. 
• Enthuse and equip children with the capability to use technology throughout their lives. 
• Teach pupils to understand the importance of governance and legislation regarding how information is used, stored, created, retrieved, shared and manipulated. 
• Utilise computational thinking beyond the Computing curriculum. 
• Give children access to a variety of high-quality hardware, software and unplugged resources. Equip pupils with skills, strategies and knowledge that will enable them to reap the benefits of the online world, whilst being able to minimise risk to themselves or others. 
• Exceed the minimum government recommended/statutory guidance for programmes of study for Computing and other related legislative guidance (online safety). 
• Instil critical thinking, reflective learning and a ‘can do’ attitude for all our pupils, particularly when engaging with technology and its associated resources. 

Inclusion in Computing

At Thomlinson Junior School, we aim to enable all children to achieve to their full potential. This includes children of all abilities, social and cultural backgrounds, those with disabilities, EAL speakers and SEN statement and non-statemented. We place particular emphasis on the flexibility technology brings to allowing pupils to access learning opportunities, particularly pupils with SEN and disabilities. With this in mind, we will ensure additional access to technology is provided throughout the school day and in some cases beyond the school day.
 

Purple Mash

Your child has access to Purple Mash, a whole world of fun and exciting learning opportunities in one safe place.

What is Purple Mash?

Purple Mash is a comprehensive suite of online learning tools and content, designed to be used by Primary aged children in the classroom and at home.

Find out more here: https://2simple.com/parents

What should you do first?

To begin with, it’s a good idea to log in to Purple Mash with your child.  We suggest the following:

• Familiarising yourself with the menu icons.
• Looking at any set tasks that have been given to your child (2Dos).
• Finding out about Class Blogs and Display Boards accessible via the Sharing Icon.
• Exploring the grammar, maths and spelling activities which match to the National Curriculum.
• Play one of many fun, educational collaborative games such as 2Race.
• Delve into the Science area and find out about all the areas of Science it covers.
• Investigate the Topics area to support securing their knowledge of the wider curriculum.
• Tour the Computing area trying out some of the tools such as 2Code, 2Go and Logo.
• Get creative in the Tools section, from making an animation to building a printable 3D model.
• Dive into Serial Mash (an online library of books).
• Learn through play in Mini Mash (For children aged 3 to 5).

How can you get more involved?

As a parent, you can find out about your child’s learning on Purple Mash and support them beyond the classroom by registering with Parent Portal.

Parent Portal allows you to easily see the learning your child has been doing on Purple Mash, including any comments on work from teachers, homework (2Dos), rewards and so much more. You will never miss out on being informed of your child’s learning as Parent Portal sends all registered users a weekly digest email. You can start using Parent Portal today by following the 3 simple steps below.

1. Enter URL on your child’s login card.
2. Click ‘Register as a parent’.
3. Enter the ‘Parent Code’ on your child’s login card and follow additional instructions.

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s class teacher via Class Dojo.

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.

National Curriculum in England, DfE 2013