Computing

At Cogenhoe Primary School we provide the pupils with a high-quality computing education that equips them with skills in computational thinking and the creativity to understand and cope with the technological changing world.

The core of our computing lessons 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 that include a range of content. We aim for our pupils to become digitally literate, so that they are able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology.

For further information, please see the Safeguarding & Online Safety section of our website or speak to Mrs Reeve or Miss Sartain our Online Safety & Computing Lead.

Computing Intent:

The Computing Curriculum at Cogenhoe is designed (through the use of Teach Computing) to develop children’s knowledge, understanding and application of computing skills, which will be held in their long-term memories. A wide breadth of different skills and topics are covered in an engaging way to explore key strategies and methods. These skills are: investigate and interpret by using the web safely; build on previous understanding, but also ensuring that children can use technology in a safe manner; understand how to use different forms of technology and applications.

We consider the background of our pupils to give them appropriate and ambitious curriculum opportunities, such as the creation of our child-led magazine, ‘Cogenhoe Cheer’, which uses many different skills and software. Throughout the school, we use and explore current technological advances and safety issues, which give children a deeper awareness and understanding of computing.

Cognitive science tells us that working memory is limited and cognitive load is too high if we rush children through content; therefore, we believe and ensure that our children are able to master the basics first.

Computing Implementation:

We use the Teach Computing scheme of work, which supports the breadth of study for each year group with a focus on specific knowledge categories. Learning is most effective with spaced repetition; each year progresses on the previous, enabling children to gain different skills. Retrieval of previously learnt content is a frequent and regular feature of all computing lessons. The learning is brought to life by the use of different gadgets, applications and online resources.

Computing Impact:

Learning is a change in long term memory; therefore it is impossible to see impact in the short term. However, it is essential that online safety and digital resilience is consistently taught, so that our children have the confidence to deal with situations that may arise; it is ever changing and therefore needs to be kept up-to-date. Through repetition of the key concepts, children connect topics together and revisit knowledge categories in many ways. Children connect knowledge and build an understanding of the computing and safety, so they can leave Cogenhoe as competent technology users. They are successfully capable to interact with the world around them and draw upon the many benefits that technology can bring to our every day and working lives for the future.

Online Safety:

At Cogenhoe, we appreciate that online safety is of paramount importance. Therefore we ensure to teach about online safety each half term as well as addressing thought other lessons and assemblies. To help support us, it is important that the messages about online safety are being talked about at home as well.

Whilst, as a school we do not promote the websites that are mentioned in this next video, there are some very good tips for parents to ensure that pupils are kept safe online.

Please open the documents below for further information in relation to Online Safety. A copy of our policy can be obtained from the office.