The Curriculum Staff continue to deliver the computing curriculum using Purple Mash and there is evidence of it being taught across the school. Knowledge organisers are being used with increasing consistency and exposure to correct subject specific vocabulary is taking place as part of the learning.

This term, Safer Internet Day took place (11th February). The theme was ‘Too Good to be True?’, focusing on protecting oneself from scams. Classes participated in Safer Internet Day in a variety of ways such as completing quizzes, creating posters offering practical advice and taking part in discussions.

As part of CPD alternative schemes for computing were discussed with a range of different schools in the local area sharing their experiences. One scheme above all was notable for being both popular and effective in a number of settings. Teach Computing is offered by the National Centre for Computing Education (funded by the DfE) and prima facie would seem to address some of our concerns with Purple Mash. In order to see if the scheme is feasible in our setting we will undertake an audit of hardware, software and other relevant considerations to assess the possibility of using a different scheme of work.

The data shows an increase of 16.5% in the children who are EXS compared to Autumn and a slight increase of 0.5% in children achieving GDS.

Next Steps:

1. Complete audit/toolkit of Purple Mash against Teach Computing.

2. Trial a unit of work under the potential new scheme across the school.

3. Complete teacher/pupil voice about their comparative experiences of both schemes.

The Curriculum The new school year has started and computing continues to follow the embedded Purple Mash scheme of work. Use of Purple Mash ensures that the aims and requirements of the computing curriculum are taught across all year groups. A comprehensive progression of skills and knowledge, focusing on the three strands: computer science, information technology and digital literacy ensures fidelity with the schools curriculum and long term plan.

Staff and pupil voice has highlighted some key points for consideration. Both groups have found that the programs within Purple Mash can be difficult to use. The main reason cited for this being that Purple Mash’s programs are specifically designed to fit within their ecosystem. Therefore, they do not reflect the reality of computer software that adults are already familiar with nor the software that children are likely to use as part of their developing information technology exposure. Due to this factor, the Purple Mash applications are noted as not being user friendly - a key barrier to enjoying and engaging with the lessons.

Next Steps:

1. Research the viability of different schemes of work against Purple Mash.

2. Attend Computing leadership CPD

3. Ensure all staff are using Knowledge Organisers as part of each unit of work - emphasis on subject specific vocabulary

www.internetmatters.org

https://saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/parents-and-carers

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/