Computing

“The best way to predict the future is to invent it.”
Alan Kay, computing pioneer and education advocate

Intent

Through our Computing curriculum, we aim to equip children with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

We believe that computational thinking is a fundamental life skill that enables children to become effective problem-solvers, creative thinkers and resilient learners.

Through a range of purposeful and engaging experiences, children learn to create, evaluate and improve digital content while developing the confidence to apply their skills across a variety of technologies.

At the heart of our curriculum is a commitment to ensuring that children use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully, enabling them to become informed and responsible digital citizens.

Implementation

At our school, we provide a comprehensive, engaging, stimulating and inclusive Computing curriculum that enables all children to develop confidence, creativity and independence when using technology.

In Reception, children have access to tablets and begin to explore technology through play-based learning and carefully planned activities. As they move into Key Stage 1, children use class sets of Chromebooks alongside a range of age-appropriate hardware and software to develop their computing knowledge and skills.

Our curriculum is designed to make learning exciting and meaningful. Children develop their understanding of algorithms and programming using resources such as robot mice and Bee-Bots, learning to follow and create instructions while using positional and directional language. As their confidence grows, they begin to create and debug simple programs and explore coding through Purple Mash and Mini Mash.

Children are given opportunities to use technology purposefully across a range of contexts. These include:

• Programming Bee-Bots to navigate a set route using directional language.
• Producing digital artwork using a variety of tools and techniques.
• Researching information and presenting findings, for example when creating a museum box project.
• Composing and editing music digitally.
• Developing coding and problem-solving skills through age-appropriate programming activities.
• Creating, organising and presenting digital content in a variety of ways.

 

An important aspect of our Computing curriculum is teaching children how to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully. Online safety is woven throughout all areas of learning and is taught explicitly through dedicated lessons and discussions. Further information can be found on our Online Safety page.

Impact

Through meaningful, creative and engaging learning experiences, children develop the computational thinking, problem-solving skills and digital literacy needed to succeed both in school and beyond.

Our Computing curriculum supports and promotes our school values by encouraging children to demonstrate resilience, perseverance and independence when faced with challenges. Children learn that making mistakes is an important part of the learning process, particularly when debugging programs and finding solutions to problems.

As they progress through the curriculum, pupils become increasingly confident in using technology purposefully and responsibly. They learn to think logically, work collaboratively and communicate their ideas effectively. Whether programming a Bee-Bot, creating digital artwork or developing coding projects, children are encouraged to work together, share ideas and support one another in overcoming challenges.

By the end of Key Stage 1, children are confident users of technology who can apply their knowledge and skills across a range of contexts. They are equipped with the foundations of computational thinking, creativity and digital citizenship that will prepare them for the next stage of their education and for life in an increasingly digital world.

 

What do our children say about Computing?

• “I like coding because I love making football matches. The players move and I made one score a goal!”
• “I liked making a fun fact file, I thought it was really interesting.”
• “I enjoyed the Art because it was challenging. You have to dilute the paint to get the perfect colour!”
• “I liked doing Music because it was a challenge and I like creating my own music. It’s fun and you get inspired to make different types of music.”

 

Sometimes we buddy up in Computing:

• “My buddy helped me by pointing at the words I needed. We showed Carlos collaboration!”
• “I liked being a buddy in Computing and seeing how much people learn over the year!”
• “I buddied up with my friend and we were sounding the words out together. I asked him if he could find the letters on the keyboard. If he couldn’t find them, I showed him where they were. He is getting much better!”
• “My buddy helped me make the rabbit appear and disappear when we were doing coding!”