Plan-Do-Review Computer Science

Young learners at the Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy have been pushing their own learning forward in Computer Science. The learners from the Portland Academy have been setting their own targets as a part of special 'Plan, Do, Review' approach to learning. The practice which includes the pupils using a range of digital devices such as PCs, Laptops, iPads and Chromebooks to support learning is proving really popular with pupils and staff alike.

Teacher and Leader of Southwell Campus at the Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy, Jackie Thomas explains how, "During plan-do-review, children are encouraged to take the initiative, solve problems, work with others and accomplish their goals'.

Academy Director for Change and Innovation, Gary Spracklen, explains how, "This is not about children sitting passively in rows waiting to be told what to learn. In following this process, we see the children realise that they can make things happen and that their choices and ideas are respected. This helps develop their self confidence and a sense of control and independence. It's been great to see children in this unit of work ask questions of themselves like 'What does HTML mean?', 'Who invented Google?' and 'What languages make a computer work?'. No question is too complex and learners are encouraged to use the resources in the room and beyond to support them.

Speaking about her Computer Science Plan-Do-Review work, Year 5 pupil Ellie said, 'I have learnt that we all need to work as a team. I thought I did well but struggled with some of it. Next time, because of this work, I will be more confident'. 

Plan-Do-Review — Structure - Plan-do-review is devoted to planning time (plan), work time (do), and recall time (review). At planning time children meet in small groups. Each child then decides what to do during work time and then shares this plan with the others in the group.

During ‘do’ work time children carry out their plans, alone and/or with others, and then clean up. At recall time, the last of the three-part sequence, children meet again with their planning-time group to share and discuss what they learnt during work time.