At HJS we aim to prepare our learners for their future by giving them the opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills that will equip them for an ever-changing digital world. Our computing curriculum focuses on progression skills in computer science, information technology, digital literacy and online safety to ensure that children become competent in safely using, as well as understanding, technology. These skills are revisited repeatedly to ensure that the learning is embedded and that the skills are developed.
At Hamstead Junior School teachers and children use the ‘Purple Mash’ Computing scheme, published by 2Simple. This scheme enables children to build on current knowledge to further develop their skills as they progress through the school. Every lesson in the scheme has been individually planned so that it can meet the needs of all our pupils. The core scheme is adapted by school so that it meets the needs of the children of HJS.
The scheme has been closely referenced against the 2014 National Curriculum attainment targets, to ensure progression and coverage.
The children’s knowledge and skills are taught in eight distinct areas:
Coding and Computational thinking;
Spreadsheets;
Internet and Email;
Art and Design;
Music;
Databases and graphing;
Writing and Presenting and
Communication and networks.
Children need to be logged onto Purple Mash with their own individual usernames and passwords so their work will be saved in their own folders automatically and can be easily reviewed and assessed by the class teacher. Children are taught how to use software and hardware, the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to apply this knowledge through all areas of the curriculum. Children use their knowledge to make links to the wider curriculum, for example, researching information in topic lessons, creating presentations and video reports in English.
In class children use IPads to access relevant apps and sites to support their learning across all curriculum areas.
