Intent

At Milking Bank Primary we want pupils to be masters of technology. Technology is everywhere and will play a pivotal part in students' lives. Therefore, we aim to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely.

As technology continues to evolve, we recognise the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the world our pupils will live and work in. We are committed to supporting pupils to understand what AI is, how it is used, and how to engage with it safely, critically and ethically. This includes recognising both the opportunities AI presents for creativity and learning, as well as the importance of questioning information, protecting personal data, and using AI tools responsibly.

We want our pupils to be creators, not just consumers, and our broad curriculum encompassing computer science, information technology and digital literacy reflects this. 

We want our pupils to understand that there is always a choice when using technology, including AI tools, and as a school we utilise technology to model positive use. We recognise that the best prevention for many issues associated with technology, social media and AI is through education, awareness and open discussion.

We recognise that technology can allow pupils to share their learning in creative and innovative ways. We also understand the accessibility opportunities technology provides, enabling all pupils to engage more fully with learning.

Our knowledge-rich curriculum must be balanced with opportunities for pupils to apply their understanding creatively which in turn supports them in becoming skilful and thoughtful users of technology, including emerging tools such as AI.

We encourage staff to embed computing and digital literacy across the curriculum to enhance creativity and accessibility. This includes developing pupils’ ability to select and use appropriate tools effectively and responsibly. By Upper Key Stage 2, we aim for children to have the independence, confidence and critical awareness to choose the most suitable tools to fulfil tasks and challenges set by teachers.

Implementation

At Milking Bank Primary, we feel the majority of computing should be embedded across the curriculum. Teachers have the freedom and flexibility to incorporate computing as isolated skills lessons as well as cross-curricular themed lessons. Teachers follow the National Curriculum  to ensure coverage and progression across the key stages. Each year group also completes Online Safety modules and specialised Coding modules, using the Purple Mash Computing Scheme for assistance.

Computing is an integral part of life at Milking Bank with children having many opportunities to access IT in their lessons. This gives them the flexibility and choice with their learning as they have freedom about ways to present their work.

Online Safety is a high priority for all of us and we have an active pupil leadership group  who support the computing lead. We also enjoy celebrating events like Safer Internet Day together.

Impact

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 wellbeing.

Finding the right balance with technology is key to an effective education and a healthy life-style. We feel the way we implement computing helps children realise the need for the right balance and one they can continue to build on in their next stage of education and beyond. We encourage regular discussions between staff and pupils to best embed and understand this. The way pupils showcase, share, celebrate and publish their work will best show the impact of our curriculum.

We also look for evidence through reviewing pupil’s knowledge and skills digitally through tools like Google Drive and Purple Mash as well as observing learning regularly.

Progress of our computing curriculum is demonstrated through outcomes and the record of coverage in the process of achieving these outcomes.