Computing 

INTENT

With technology the absolute driver in today’s ever-changing world, it is of paramount importance that all things “computing” are fully embraced and pupils can access a broad and balanced computing curriculum.  

We aim to ensure every child can explore and enjoy computing, by providing an ambitious, creative and engaging curriculum, developed by an experienced specialist teacher and building on the National Curriculum guidelines. We believe that confidence in computing is the result of an understanding of the subject in its totality.

Our teaching of Computing follows these main strands:

Computer technology looks at what computers are, how they have evolved and what innovations are taking place that may impact the future (just think quantum computers!!). 

Computational thinking is explored and developed through a range of programming tools and languages. 

Information technology allows the children to understand how a variety of software and devices can be used for different purposes. They will learn what software is available, what each is capable of, and how to use the different software. 

Digital literacy is taught discretely and reinforced in all subjects.  Children’s online activity and behaviour will be different both within and across the age ranges, and the following will be taught flexibly in order to support learning that is relevant to the children’s online behaviour and experiences - self-image and identity, online relationships, online reputation, online bullying, managing online information, health, well-being and lifestyle, privacy and security, copyright and ownership.  

IMPLEMENTATION

We provide children with access to the hardware (laptops, iPads, programmable equipment) and software that they need to develop knowledge and skills of digital systems and their applications 

We aim to deliver an ambitious, unique, clear and effective scheme of work that provides coverage in line with the National Curriculum.  Computing lessons aim to provide as wide a range as possible of digital activities, ensuring that all children will gain a broad understanding, but more importantly, be enthused in areas in which they may already show an interest, or be enthused into areas new to them. The digital world is huge and expansive, and we want to ensure our teaching accommodates every child’s dreams and aspirations. 

Children will have the opportunity to explore and respond to key safeguarding issues such as digital communication, cyberbullying, online safety, security, plagiarism and social media – e-Safety being revisited at the start of each lesson.  Parents are informed when issues relating to online safety arise and further information/support is provided whenever required.

Early Years Foundation Stage  

explore, discuss and recognise that a range of technology is used in places such as homes and schools.  

interact and tinker with age appropriate computer software and develop their fine motor skills whilst doing so. In their role play areas they can use technology and understand its purpose. In guided practise, they will be able to explore how the keyboard and mouse works and how to program a Beebot to move and turn in different directions 

be exposed to the understanding of internet safety as they explore the world around them and how technology is an everyday part of their learning and understanding of the world. 

Key Stage 1  

Building on from EYFS knowledge of precise instructions they will learn supporting computing vocabulary as well as use pictorial code.  

They will begin to write their own simple algorithms like getting ready for school and making a sandwich. When designing simple programmes children will have a growing awareness of needing to be precise with their algorithms so that they can be successfully converted into code. 

Beebots will feature heavily to allow children tinkering and purposeful application in computer science. They will begin to evaluate and fix errors, which supports our promotion of a growth mind-set for all children. 

Children will continue to identify a variety of examples both in and out of school and understand what is meant by technology. This will lead into discussions about the difference between objects that use modern technology and those that do not. They will continue to explore the location of letters on a keyboard with increasing confidence and have practise logging on and off using passwords.  

Key Stage 2

Computer technology.  Children learn about some of the pioneers in computing (real people), explore the hardware and investigate the binary number system.  In addition, the internet and the world wide web are explored, together with all the applications that these technologies have made available such as eMail, Blogging, Searching and Social Media. With this exposure, children are better equipped to understand just what the technology is, what it is capable of, and how to use it effectively and safely. 

Computational thinking using the programming tools Scratch, Logo, Python Turtle, Flowol, Python and HTML. 

Information technology covering areas such as data manipulation (spreadsheets and databases), presentation (PowerPoint, Sway, Word and photo-editing), audio (SonicPi and Audacity) and image creation (2Paint, animation and GIFs, vector graphics and 3D imaging using Blender). As a natural part of this, they will also explore the storage and retrieval of digital data through file management. 

Digital literacy taught termly with age appropriate content, and revisited at the start of every lesson 

IMPACT

As children progress through the school, they will develop a progressively deeper knowledge, understanding and appreciation for what technology is available, and how they can use this technology.  

It is fully accepted, and more so expected, that different children will excel or struggle in different areas – the intention being to expose the children to the vast range of topics related to computing. Some may excel in programming, some in graphics, some in audio, some in presentation… such is the range of uses technology makes available.  It is however hoped that every child will find at least one area that enthuses them to develop their skills further in later life. 

Programmers of tomorrow are the wizards of the future