Computing

Intent

Our Computing curriculum is designed around the four key areas outlined in the National Curriculum - Computer science, Information technology, Digital literacy and Online safety. We understand that a high-quality computing education will equip our children to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of Computing is computer science, in which our children are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, the children will be equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content.

Implementation

We use the ‘Switched On Computing’ scheme of work to cover the curriculum. Staff understand the importance and necessity for our children to learn basic skills from early on to prepare them for more complex learning in the Upper Phase. Each unit in ‘Switched on Computing’ has six lessons and these are taught week by week. One hour per week is usually allocated to the teaching and learning of Computing over the course of each half term.  In the Early Years, children are provided creative activities that fit easily within EYFS setting and puts Computing at the heart of learning. Our children develop Computing skills through meaningful experiences that cover all the prime and specific areas of learning and development. In KS1, children continue their learning journey with the BeeBots, using them more precisely. They learn how to programme a BeeBot to reach a destination and begin to be able to debug when something doesn’t work out the way they imagined. They learn about online safety and what to do if they encounter something which makes them feel uncomfortable as well as what personal information is and why it is important we don’t share it with someone on the internet. Coding then progresses from BeeBots to a computer-based programme where children learn how to programme a variety of sprites.

In KS2, children continue this coding journey, not only making the sprites move, but interact with each other.  As children progress through KS2, the coding becomes more complex and they are able to create basic games with code. Their digital literacy skills are combined with English, science, history and geography and work is word processed and presentations are created using PowerPoint. Children learn how to use the hardware we have in school including cameras and webcams, where they are taught how to take and manipulate pictures, showing them that what they view in the media isn’t always accurate. The children are also taught internet safety throughout each year of KS2.

Impact

The impact of our Computing curriculum can be seen on displays around school, Computing portfolios and on the Student Shared drive. It can also can be measured by speaking to the children themselves. The teaching of the Computing curriculum enables our children to use a computer with confidence. Through the teaching and learning of Computing, our children leave primary school as confident, capable and creative users of digital technology, with a secure understanding of the fundamental principles of computer science and as safe, responsible and discerning digital citizens.