Computing
Intent
We live in a world where technology is changing the lives of everyone. Through the teaching of computing, we equip our children with the skills to participate in a rapidly changing world.
As a ‘School of Enquiry,’ we enable children to discover, explore, analyse and present information in a variety of different ways whilst enabling the children to develop the skills necessary to use information in an effective way.
We endeavour to ensure our children to be confident, creative, safe and independent learners within computing.
Implementation
Using support from teachcomputing.org, our children begin their journey with technology in Early Years, with access to iPads, ChromeBooks and BeeBots, Teachers facilitate children’s curiosity with challenge and modelling how to use the equipment carefully and safely.
As a ‘School of Mastery’, we believe in not putting on a ceiling on a child’s learning, and this in turn results in the children enjoying their learning, we also offer a multi-sensory approach to computing with access to high-quality resources. By focusing on the neurological pathways, we are mindful to not expose the children to an extended period of screen time, instead giving regular brain breaks to ensure our children are stimulated.
In KS1 children continue their journey with the BeeBots, using them more precisely. Using our iPads, 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 onto a computer-based programme, Scratch, where children learn how to programme a variety of sprites.
In KS2, children continue this coding journey, becoming experts in the functionality of devices. As children progress up KS2 the coding becomes more complex, and they can create basic games with code. As a ‘School of Oracy,’ their digital literacy skills are combined with English, science, history and geography and work is word processed and presentations are created using PowerPoint/PicCollage/GoogleSlides. The children are also taught internet safety throughout each year of KS2. They know how to keep themselves safe online and what to do if they come across something that makes them uncomfortable.
Online Safety is regularly taught and discussed, and our children are aware of how to behave safely online and also react to situations that cause them distress or make them feel uncomfortable. We celebrate Safer Internet Day each year.
Impact
Children will be confident users of technology, able to use it to accomplish a wide variety of goals, both at home and in school.
Children will have a secure and comprehensive knowledge of the implications of technology and digital systems. This is important in a society where technologies and trends are rapidly evolving.
Children will be able to apply the British values of democracy, tolerance, mutual respect, rule of law and liberty when using digital systems.
Computing Progression of Skills using teachcomputing.org