In this section of the website, you will find information about our approach to teaching Computing at Howletch Lane Primary School.
At Howletch Lane Primary School, we use the Purple Mash scheme of learning for Computing as a basis for developing our knowledge and skills.
Purple Mash
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.
Your child will be given a Purple Mash login by their teacher.
Intent
Through the teaching of Computing we aim to develop the processes of computer systems, technologies, hardware and variety of software. We also aim to provide the children with opportunities to work through the essential elements and concepts of computer science, programming and data handling as well as building on the children’s research, communication and presentation skills. Computing will encourage creativity, logical thinking and problem solving and will have strong links with Literacy, Maths, Science and Design Technology.
Through the study of Computing, children will be able to develop a wide range of fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding that will actually equip them for the rest of their life. Computers and technology are such a part of everyday life that our children would be at a disadvantage would they not be exposed to a thorough and robust Computing curriculum. Children must be taught in the art form of ‘Computational Thinking’ in order to provide them essential knowledge that will enable them to participate effectively and safely in the digital world beyond our gates.
National curriculum for computing and our progress of skills within each milestone aims to ensure that all pupils:
o Are confident in using code and can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including logic, algorithms and data representation
o When coding, pupils can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
o Effectively communicate and can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
o Able to connect with others responsibly and are competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.
Howletch Primary School takes internet safety extremely seriously. We have an E- Safety Policy that provides guidance for teachers and children about how to use the internet safely. Every year group participates in lessons on e-safety and children understand how to stay safe when using technology.
Implementation
At our school we believe that a clear and effective scheme of work that provides coverage in line with the National Curriculum is essential to meet the requirements of our children in order for them to thrive. Teaching and learning facilitates progression across all key stages within the strands of digital literacy, information technology and computer science. In KS1, one of the ways we are teaching the pupils about the language and concepts associated with computer programming is by using Bee Bots and Pro-bots, which are simple programmable robots. Children in KS2 have access to the hardware (computers, tablets, and programmable equipment) and software that they need to develop knowledge and skills of digital systems and their applications. Computing is implemented across all aspects of our school curriculum, with one example being the use of Times Tables Rockstars during Maths lessons.
Wider curriculum: Opportunities for the safe use of digital systems through extra-curricular provision are offered with the school’s lunchtime online Maths clubs. A Digital Leaders club has proven to be an extremely popular lunchtime club, where children are able to extend their knowledge of the computing world around them. Members of the group have taken part in fundraising and teaching their peers new skills needed during computing lessons.
Displays: The importance of online safety and celebrations of the computing curriculum are shown through displays within the learning environment.
Parental Communication: Parents are informed when issues relating to online safety arise and further information/support is provided if required.
Safer Internet Day: As well as opportunities within the scheme of work, children will also spend time further exploring the key issues associated with online safety. Every child actively participates in a range of activities linked to being safe with technology during our ‘Howletch E-Safety Day’.
Trips and visitors: The school has a strong partnership with the city’s Apple store, with staff and children in regular contact with the Training and Education specialist of the branch. Six children last year excelled in a regional computing design competition, winning the first place prize of an iPad for each pupil.
Impact
Howletch Primary School takes immense pride in the teaching and learning of computing and strive to ensure that every child can become a confident user of technology, while being able to use it to accomplish a wide variety of goals, both at home and in school. Children will have a secure and comprehensive knowledge of the implications of technology and digital systems by the time they leave our school. This is important in a society where technologies and trends are rapidly evolving. They will be able to apply the British values of democracy, tolerance, mutual respect, rule of law and liberty when using digital systems, which will hold them in great stead in their future endeavours.
Computing in the Early Years:
It is important in the Early Years stage of schooling to give children a broad, play based experience of computing in a range of contexts, including outdoor play. Children in Early Years settings, experience a wide range of technologies throughout their play including; Ipads, computers, cameras, beebots and interactive whiteboards. They use these forms of technologies to access age appropriate software, to provide opportunities for mark making as well as supporting their imaginative play, often reenacting real life experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. Children thrive on the ability to incorporate technology into their learning and through careful planning of their continuous provision, Early Years practitioners are able to provide a number of devices for children to use competently and independently, to support child led learning. In addition to this, technology is a fantastic tool to enable children to build confidence, control and improve language development through specific online programs. Recording devices can support children to develop their communication and language skills further as well as building simple IT skills. This is particularly useful with children who have English as an additional language or children who struggle to communicate effectively
