Computing

Intent

All pupils at Brentside Primary Academy have the right to have rich, deep learning experiences that balance all the aspects of computing. With technology playing such a significant role in society today, we believe ‘Computational thinking’ is a skill children must be taught if they are to be able to participate effectively and safely in this digital world. A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems.

At Brentside Primary Academy, the core of computing is Computer Science in which pupils are introduced to a wide range of technology, including laptops, iPads and interactive whiteboards, allowing them to continually practice and improve the skills they learn. This ensures they become digitally literate so that they are able to express themselves and develop their ideas through information and computer technology– at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world. 

We teach a curriculum that enables children to become effective users of technology who can:

• Understand and apply the essential principles and concepts of Computer Science, including logic, algorithms and data representation.
•  Analyse problems in computational term, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems.
• Evaluate and apply information technology analytically to solve problems.
• Communicate ideas well by utilising appliances and devices throughout all areas of the curriculum.

Internet Safety

Brentside Primary Academy 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.  You may find the following links useful to help your child stay safe online at home:

Implementation

The curriculum leader provides a long term plan for each year group, which also outlines useful resources and support for teachers. Teachers, as a part of their planning process, plans the following: 

• A knowledge organiser which outlines knowledge (including vocabulary) all children must master.
• A cycle of lessons for each subject, which carefully plans for progression and depth.
• A low stakes quiz which is tested regularly to support learners’ ability to block learning and increase space in the working memory.
• Challenge questions for pupils to apply their learning in a philosophical/open manner.

Impact

 Our Computing curriculum is high quality, well thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression. If children are keeping up with the curriculum, they are deemed to be making good or better progress. In addition, we measure the impact of our curriculum through the following methods: 

• A reflection on standards achieved against the planned outcomes.
• Children can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation.
•  Children can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems.
•  Children can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems.
• Children are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology (school values)
• Pupil discussions about their learning; 

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.

You can start using Parent Portal today by following the 3 simple steps below:-

Step 1: Enter URL on your child’s login card.

Step 2: Click ‘Register as a parent’.

Step 3: Enter the ‘Parent Code’ on your child’s login card and follow additional instructions.

Login cards can be obtained from the school office

Homework on Purple Mash

The homework sheet is uploaded to Purple Mash on a Monday. This sheet contains all the homework tasks for the week, including spelling lists and tasks set on Purple Mash.

Accessing the Homework Sheet

1) Go to the work button at the top of the Purple Mash screen

2) Select class, then your child’s class

3) Select Homework folder

4) Documents will appear in the window, select the date for this week.