Our children are living in a world surrounded by devices, and technology is changing the lives of everyone. Computing within schools can therefore provide a wealth of learning opportunities and transferrable skills within the Computing lessons and across other curriculum subjects. Through the study of Computing, children will be able to develop a wide range of fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding that will prepare them for KS2 and equip them for the rest of their lives. Children must be taught in the art form of ‘Computational Thinking’ in order to provide them with essential knowledge that will enable them to participate effectively and safely in the digital world beyond our gates.
During their time in EYFS and KS1, the children will learn how computers and computer systems work; they will design and build programs, develop their ideas using technology and create a range of content.
The computing curriculum is divided into three key areas:
The school has a computer suite, installed in 2015, situated in year 2. This comprises of 15 computers and a teaching computer with interactive whiteboard, these are predominantly used by KS1, and we have a small suite of computers in the EYFS. We also have a class set of ipads, which are used throughout EYFS and KS1.
Computing is taught primarily linked to thematic units. The overview below maps out which thematic units feature in this subject.
Computing is taught through a combination of subject knowledge and development of specific skills and competencies. All children participate in a dedicated online safety lesson each half term. The majority of computing sessions take place in the computer suite or classroom and some take the form of an ‘unplugged’ lesson (teaching computing skills without the use of technology e.g. sequencing).