Edge Hill Academy Computing Policy

 

Aims:

The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all pupils:

• can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
• can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
• can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology

 

Key stage 2 Pupils should be taught to:

• design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
• use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
• use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
• understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration
• use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content
• select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information
• use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

Curriculum

As a school we have use the Purple Mash Computing Scheme of Work. 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 a wide range of resources and allows children to develop skills in a cross curricular way.

 

Resources and Access

The school acknowledges the need to continually maintain, update and develop its resources and to make progress towards consistent, compatible computer systems by investing in resources that will effectively deliver the objectives of the National Curriculum and support the use of IT, computer and digital literacy across the school. Teachers are required to inform the computing subject leader and Academy technicians of any faults as soon as they are noticed. The resources and access we have in school is as follows:

• internet access in every classroom
• 29 laptops split between 2 laptop trollies (1 located upstairs, 1 downstairs)
• __ desktop computers in the ICT suite/library
• Touch screen interactive whiteboards in every classroom
• 1 weekly Computing session either in the ICT suite or with laptops
• Timetables for laptops and ICT suite to allow opportunity for crosscurricular use
• Academy Computing technician and Entrust Technician to support with technical issues throughout the school

 

Assessment and monitoring

• Teachers regularly assess progress through observations and evidence
• The children’s work is saved on the school network and the school’s Purple Mash account which can be assessed by teachers
• Children will have 1 piece of Computing work in their books as evidence that they are following the curriculum and meeting Computing outcomes
• Computing Lead and Headteacher will carry out Pupil learning conversations and book trawls to monitor children’s understanding of the Computing curriculum, coverage of the curriculum and progress of the curriculum
   

Safeguarding:

• Online Safety Online safety plays an important part role within our school. We ensure that the pupil needs are met by:
• Having a curriculum that is threaded throughout other curriculums and embedded in the day to day lives of our pupils.
• Through our Purple Mash scheme, children cover Online safety as a whole unit and it is also covered throughout over topic areas
• Training for staff and governors which is relevant to their needs and ultimately positively impacts on the pupils.
• Assemblies/Online Safety days in school to raise internet safety awareness and to keep children and staff up to date with current issues
• Through our home/school links and communication channels, parents are kept up to date with relevant online safety matters, policies and agreements. They know who to contact at school if they have concerns.
• Pupils, staff and parents have Acceptable Use Policies which are signed and copies are freely available.
• Our online safety policy clearly states how monitoring of online safety is undertaken and how any incidents/infringements are dealt with.
• Filtering and monitoring systems are in place for all our online access.
• Having Data policies which stipulate how we keep confidential information secure.

 

Roles and Responsibilities
Due to technology extending beyond the National Curriculum for Computing, there are key roles and responsibilities specific members of staff have.
 

Head Teacher

• Monitoring the implementation of the Computing Policy and its associated policies such as Safeguarding and SEND Policies.
• Securing technical support service contracts and infrastructure maintenance contracts.
• Approving CPD and training which is in line with the whole school strategic plan.
• Approving and setting budgets.
• Ensuring any Government legislation is being met.
   

Computing Leader

· Raise the profile of computing.

· Monitor the standard of Computing and feedback.

· Ensure assessment systems are in place for Computing and give a clear picture of Computing within the school.

· Maintain overall consistency in standards of Computing across the school.

· Report on Computing at specific times of the year to Governing body/Head/Staff.

· Audit the needs of the staff in terms of training/CPD

· Support staff with their day-to-day practice.

· Be aware of the latest educational technology initiatives.

· Create Action Plans for Computing.

· Manage the Computing budget and monitor spending.

· Review the Computing curriculum and develop as needed
 

Technician

· Conducts routine scheduled maintenance/updates on systems.

· Supports the administration and set up of online services.

· Fixes errors/issues with hardware and software set up, prioritising as needed.

· Routinely checks school filtering, monitoring and virus protection.

· Sets up new hardware and installations.

· Maintains network connectivity and stability.

· Supports the Computing Lead and Head Teacher with future infrastructure needs and associated projected costs