ICT at Rowdown Primary school

At Rowdown Primary School, we believe Computing should enrich, modernise and support our school’s curriculum. Children’s learning should be made more rewarding and inspirational by using ICT. Children’s confidence and progress in their computing skills is essential for them to maximise their learning in the curriculum and to prepare them for the challenge of a rapidly developing and changing technological world.

We believe that our vison is best achieved when ICT is taught both discretely and systematically as a subject (to allow for targeted development of basic skills) as well as through ample cross-curricular study opportunities to use and apply the developing subject knowledge, skills and understanding.

Discrete and systematic teaching of ICT

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. During their time at Rowdown our children should acquire and develop the skills associated with computer science in order to: 

• design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals;
• use logical reasoning to explain how algorithms work and detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs; 
• be able to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact; 
• acquire and refine the techniques e.g. saving, copying and checking the accuracy of input and output needed to use ICT.

As a consequence of our vision and values, we aim to teach our children to be responsible, confident and creative users of information and communication technology. We achieve this by having an inclusive program of teaching where all children can access the curriculum. Some of the skills we teach are listed below:

• basic computing skills – no technology can be helpful for learning if it can’t be used productively, confidently or quickly enough. Basic Computing skills include typing/keyboard/mouse/ organisation skills.
• Internet and e-safety skills – many of our children have an internet connected PC at home. Using the resources from the ThinkUKnow website, we take part annually in Safer Internet Day in February as well as incorporate specific e-safety teaching in the Computing curriculum. 
• Key skills - higher order skills that equip learners for life in the 21st century, which include problem solving, information processing, research and enquiry 

In addition, we aim to provide pupils with opportunities to use Computing equipment and software/web technologies to support a number of practical learning activities such as researching and creating multimedia content using a range of software packages as well as effective storage and retrieval of information through our secure ‘pupil share’ network.

Cross curricular links

At Rowdown, use of ICT is also embedded in other areas of learning. As children and teachers have access to laptops and tablet computers in the classroom, we are able to integrate Computing as part of our lifelong learning and everyday life. Cross-curricular links are made with other relevant topics of study. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and so wherever possible, it is used by children and staff to develop basic skills for enjoyment and research. In addition, ICT is used to support individual learners through targeted programs such as Lexia and Easimaths, being programs that our school has subscribed.

For a detailed overview of discrete teaching of ICT follow this link to our curriculum map, which provides a breakdown of the ICT curriculum by year group.

Click here to see examples of pupils’ work