Computing

Intent

Our computing curriculum aims to create engagement, understanding and creativity and in a subject that increasingly changes and shapes our world. We want to enable children to be fully prepared for the modern world, to be digitally literate and master computational thinking.

The school follows the Purple Mash Curriculum which develops learning across three strands which are:

• Computing Science

• Digital Literacy

• Information Technology.

We carefully choose units for each year group that carefully balance the three strands of computing content to ensure a spread of complimentary opportunities and skills and to ensure curriculum coverage. Pupils cover and revisit all areas from EYFS to Year 6. Opportunities are made to incorporate the computational skills into other subjects.

In the Spring term 2024, Year 6 will use the BBC Microsoft Micro:bit to create games of their own using their coding skills.

Implementation

In EYFS, children start to learn to stay safe online through stories such as Digiduck on Childnet. They operate simple technological toys called the Beebot and Robomouse, pressing buttons in sequence to gain desired outcome – the start of learning algorithms. They have access to our class set of ipads used to share our simple program MiniMash.  Code Monkey is used collectively on the interactive whiteboard. Children create content such as drawing a picture on screen using Smart Notebook drawing tools. They will learn to use the internet, with adult supervision, to find and retrieve information of interest on a plant or minibeast spotted in the environment.

In KS1, children begin by familiarising themselves to logging in, saving work and printing. They begin to explore technology around our world and how to effectively search online safely. Our units of work help children to understand the functionality of the direction keys and how to create and debug a simple set of instructions (algorithms). They learn to sort and group data using pictograms and use technology creatively to make pictures and music, learning to edit their work along the way.

In KS2, children use sequence, selection and repetition in programs; work with variables; use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work; understand computer networks including the internet; use search technologies effectively; select a variety of software and digital devices including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data; use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly. They will begin to present information to others using PowerPoint and upper KS2 will explore the use of AI technology.

High quality resources are available throughout the school for children to develop their learning. The school provides excellent access to a class set of iPads in every year group as well as a class set of Chromebook laptops.

Impact

• Units of work are sequenced along themes that build on work from previous years.
• Children comment on, assess and evaluate their own and peer’s work.
• Children are assessed termly by their teachers using unit quizzes on Purple Mash and, from this, groups of children are identified who need support to improve or further extend their learning.
• Children are given additional opportunities to practise skills within other subject lessons.
• Technology is incorporated into many lessons across all subjects which give children further opportunities to develop their skills.

Enrichment

2024 is an exciting year, the BBC have provided our school with micro:bits. The micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer designed to inspire creative thinking in children. It can be programmed in many ways and has multiple uses as it contains a variety of sensors.

Through the micro:bit, children in Year 6 are encouraged to explore ideas using real code. The device provides an authentic experience of the interaction between hardware and software giving children practical computer knowledge. Using it, they can see that what they do with the code on-screen has a direct impact on the device they are holding in their hand.

We are launching our first micro:bit project this Spring 2024.

 Acceptable Use Agreement KS2

acceptable use agreement ks2.pdf

 Parenting Guide - The Digital Online World

parenting in a digital world online.pdf

 Computing LTP

 

computing curriculum map 2023 2024 malihas version .pdf