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Computing

Computing Curriculum Statement

Intent

At Crowle CE First School, we aim to deliver a broad and balanced Computing curriculum that enables children to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding that will equip them for a rapidly-developing, technological world. We work hard to ensure our children become caring members of the digital world, confident users of modern technologies and committed to developing their ‘Computational Thinking’ skills. We aim to ensure that our Computing curriculum is accessible to all and that planned opportunities allow children to recognise and make connections between Computing and other curriculum subjects.  

By the time pupils leave our school, we aim to develop pupils who:

  • Are responsible, confident and creative users of technology, who apply computational thinking beyond the Computing curriculum.
  • Become digitally literate and are active participants in a digital world.
  • Know how to stay safe whilst using technology and on the internet, minimising risk to themselves and others.
  • Understand and follow agreed E-Safety rules, and know who to contact if they have concerns, including the use of report buttons.
  • Have repeated practical experience writing computer programs in order to solve problems, including logic & algorithms.
  • Ask and answer questions through collection, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information.
  • Understand how digital networks work & the services they provide.
  • Use search options effectively; understanding the need to evaluate the relevance of content.

Implementation

We teach discrete Computing lessons to develop knowledge, skills and understanding, but also provide a range of opportunities throughout school to employ Computing skills across the curriculum.

Early Years

 It is important in the foundation stage to give children a broad, play-based experience of IT and computing in a range of contexts, including off-computer activities and outdoor play.

Computing is not just about computers. Early years learning environments should feature IT scenarios based on experience in the real world, such as in role play. Children gain confidence, control and language skills through opportunities such as ‘programming’ each other using directional language to find toys/objects, creating artwork using digital drawing tools and controlling programmable toys.

Outdoor exploration is an important aspect and using digital recording devices such as video recorders, cameras and microphones can support children in developing communication skills.

 Technology forms an element of the EYFS goals (Understanding the world).  It aims to ensure that:

  •  children recognise that a range of technology is used in places such as homes and schools.
  • children select and use technology for particular purposes.

 Key stage 1

 In Key Stage 1, the children will learn:

  • What algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions. They will be taught to create and debug simple programs and use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs.
  • They will be shown how to use a range of technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content as well as recognise common uses of information technology beyond school.
  • They will be taught to use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.

Key stage 2

In Key Stage 2, the children will:

  • Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts.  They will use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs, use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and correct errors in algorithms and programs. Children will be taught to understand computer networks, including the internet, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration.
  • They will use search technologies effectively, learn to appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content.
  • Children will be taught to select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals.
  • They will use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

If you were to walk into a Computing lesson at Crowle CE First School, you would see: 

  • Confident users of technology who are able to work both independently and collaboratively as a team.
  • Committed learners who, when faced with problems in activities such as coding, will persevere to debug errors in code.
  • Computing hardware and software being utilised to enhance the learning outcomes of our children, across the curriculum.
  • Clear progression in technical skills.
  • A learning buzz as children engage in exciting activities such as coding, programming hardware such as BeeBots, or creating digital content such as images, videos or documents.

Impact

After the implementation of this computing curriculum, children at Crowle CE First School will have become respectful users of technology and will be digitally literate, allowing them to join the rest of the world on its digital platform.  They will be equipped, not only with the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively and for their own benefit, but more importantly – safely. Our children will show determination in overcoming problems that involve using technology. They will be equipped with the skills to work as part of a team to accomplish tasks and challenges involving technology that they will face in the future. Our children will have developed as curious learners, able to use technology to help them to meet and satisfy what they want to find out or do.

Curriculum Documents

Please find below curriculum documents that we use to support Computing at Crowle First School: