Computing

Intent

At our school we want pupils to be masters of technology. Technology is everywhere and will have a pivotal role in our children’s lives. Therefore, we want to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, effectively, responsibly and safely. We want to provide our children with a broad and engaging curriculum that encompasses computer science, information technology and digital literacy. We also recognise that the best prevention for some of the issues that we currently see with technology/social media is through education.

We aim to achieve a balance between providing a knowledge rich curriculum along with plenty of opportunity for pupils to apply their knowledge creatively so that we help children begin their journey to becoming skilful computer scientists. We encourage staff to try to embed computing skills across the whole curriculum to make learning creative and accessible.

Implementation

We have created a comprehensive progressions document for staff to follow to best embed and cover every element of the computing curriculum for key stage one children. The knowledge/skills statements build year on year to deepen and challenge our learners. We have broken our computing curriculum into the three strands of Information Technology, Computer Science and Digital Literacy. Children in years 1 and 2 have two computing lessons every three weeks, but we also embed computing skills across the curriculum.

Information Technology:

• Word Processing/Typing
• Data Handling
• Presentations, Web design and eBook
• Animation
• Video and Photography

Computer Science:

• Computational Thinking
• Coding and Programing

Digital Literacy and E-Safety: (We also refer to Education for a Connected World Objectives for EYFS and KS1)

Impact

We want our children to enjoy the curriculum we deliver and be able to use technology effectively, confidently and safely. We want our pupils to consider the WHY behind their learning and not just the HOW. We want learners to recognise, discuss and appreciate the impact computing can have on their learning, development and life. Finding the right balance with technology is key to an effective education and a healthy life-style and we hope to provide children with the first early steps that they can then continue to build on in their next stage of education and beyond. We want children to be able to demonstrate their knowledge and skills by showcasing, sharing and celebrating their work.