Computing

Computing Lead: Mrs Green and Miss Woolf

Vision

At Menorah Foundation School, we understand that our pupils have a variety and range of digital experiences already through everyday life and that it will continue to play an immeasurable part in our children’s futures. It is important to us that the children understand how to use the ever-changing technology to express themselves, as tools for learning and as a means to drive their generation forward into the future.

Our school’s aim is to equip children with the relevant skills and knowledge required to understand the three core strands of computing: computer science, information technology and digital literacy.

How We Teach Computing at MFS

Our scheme of work for computing is adapted from the ‘Teach Computing’ curriculum and covers all aspects of the National Curriculum. This scheme has been adapted and designed to ensure that every child has a ‘world-class’ computing education in a culture which fosters inclusion and champions the value of diversity.

The curriculum aims to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to thrive in the digital world of today and the future. The curriculum can be broken down into 3 strands: computer science, information technology and digital literacy. 

• Computer science: the understanding of coding and programming across a range of physical devices and digital resources.
• Information technology: the range of skills required to operate and manipulate specific programs, systems, and content.
• Digital literacy: the knowledge required to use technology safely and to evaluate and react to any potential risks of the online/digital world. 

A key part of implementing our computing curriculum is to ensure that safety of our pupils is paramount.  Each child will become a responsible, competent, confident and creative user of a range of devices, learning how to use the Internet in a safe and respectful way. They will understand the necessary precautions to take, to stay safe and know where and how to seek help. At our school we believe it is essential that all pupils gain the confidence and ability that they need in this subject, to prepare them for the challenge of a rapidly developing and changing technological world. 

Children at MFS have access to the hardware (iPads and programmable equipment) and software (Scratch) that they need to develop knowledge and skills of digital systems and their applications. Pupils are encouraged to work both independently and collaboratively whilst learning about the 3 key areas.

Teaching and learning at MFS facilitates progression across all key stages within the three strands. Children will have the opportunity to explore and respond to key issues such as digital communication, cyber-bullying, online safety, security, plagiarism and social media.

The use of ICT will enhance and extend children’s learning across the whole curriculum whilst developing motivation and social skills. 

Impact

The implementation of this curriculum ensures that when children leave MFS school, they are competent and safe users of ICT with an understanding of how technology works. 

We encourage our children to enjoy and value the curriculum we deliver. We will constantly ask the why behind their learning and not just the how. We want learners to discuss, reflect and appreciate the impact computing has on their learning, development and well-being. 

We measure the impact of our curriculum through reviewing pupil’s knowledge and skills through our online evidence folders and by observing learning regularly. In addition, progress is clear when children are able to talk confidently about their work, and are confident to share their work with others.