Computing
Intent
The intent of our Computing learning is to teach a rich and varied curriculum, which actively encourages a knowledge of the three areas of computing (Digital Literacy, Computer Science and Information Technology). To do this we follow the Teach Computing scheme of work. Children at Shakespeare Primary School should be able to use and engage with a range of modern technology.
We believe Computing is an essential part of the curriculum; a subject that not only stands alone but is woven and should be an integral part of all learning. Computing within schools can therefore provide a wealth of learning opportunities and transferrable skills explicitly within the Computing lesson and across other curriculum subjects.
Through the study of Computing children will develop skills, which will be essential for their life in the modern digital age. Children should be exposed to a thorough and robust curriculum, so they are not at any disadvantage when using technology. We recognize that all children must now be computer literate and strive to achieve levels in line with the requirements of the National Curriculum by the time children enter secondary school.
Implementation
Click below for a more detailed breakdown of each unit.
In each year group a one-hour session of Computing will be taught weekly. The curriculum is split into half termly blocks of six learning objectives required to meet the standards for each year group. Elements of cross-curricular learning will be implemented where appropriate for the development of computer skills.
Lessons will have a strong emphasis on coding and the use of electronic control and algorithm design when using a computer. From Year 1 children will be taught the meaning of the word algorithm, how to debug their commands and how to reason logically. This knowledge will form the backbone of the coding taught throughout the school. The school will use Scratch as the coding language of choice for Computer Science which can be accessed from Year 1 using Scratch Junior on iPads, through to Year 6 – using the full Scratch package. It is anticipated that children will be ready to progress to the full Scratch package by Year 3.
Throughout their time at Shakespeare, children will learn to both create digital media and interact with a range of software packages. This will include use of the internet and online tools as well as sound, images and presentation packages. Certain skills (such as digital art, music technology and web design) will be developed as the children move up the school and covered more than once. Others will be stand-alone modules which will allow the children to adapt to a range of unfamiliar software and hardware and develop their overall IT literacy.
Digital Literacy is a recurring theme throughout the Computing curriculum. This learning will also include lessons about the mechanisms behind the internet and the web coding that underpins these systems. Children will also be taught about computer hardware and how to use technology correctly and safely.
We are aware of the dynamic nature of Online Safety throughout school life. Children’s knowledge of Online Safety will be regularly assessed using the Project Evolve online safety tool. This will allow us to respond pro-actively to children’s Online Safety knowledge gaps in each year and teach lessons designed to fill them. Online Safety forms an essential aspect, not just of Computing, but of life in general. Online Safety will be discussed in every lesson involving children’s use of the internet and Online Safety knowledge will be developed throughout the Computing and PSHE curriculum. Our PSHE curriculum (SCARF) contains many online safety lessons and an overview of the progression of Online Safety outcomes taught in these lessons throughout school can be accessed below.
Progress in Computing will be judged half termly through observation, summative tests and discussion with children. Teachers will record each half term how far each child has progressed through current year group expectations.
Impact
After the implementation of the Computing curriculum is it expected that children will be digitally literate and able to progress to further learning at secondary school. They will be equipped to make the right choices about the technology they use for their own benefit. They will understand the risks and challenges involved with the online world and social media. We consider safety to be our highest priority in the teaching of Computing and it is important to staff at Shakespeare that children understand the consequences of actions online. After the teaching of this curriculum children should be confident learning about and approaching new technology for it to be a benefit to them for the rest of their lives.
Our Work in Computing
Have a look below at all the Computing work we have been doing.
We have been making picture collages for the four seasons on our iPads.
Year 2 have been enjoying Scratch on the iPads xx
Year 2 loved their computing session on Friday. They enjoyed playing lots of different maths games.
We have been competing in Fleetwood High School's coding competition. It was also nice to see some of our ex-pupils helping out on the day too.
In computing we have been creating a picture from a story we have read in English called 'Tadpole's promise.'
Year 2 have been looking on Google Earth! We found our school and looked for our houses. Some of us found where we have been on holiday!
In year 3 we have been using scratch. We have created code for individual sprites to form a conversation.
Year 2 LOVE isle of tune! We made some amazing tunes x
year 2 have been copying and pasting images onto their PPTs!
In Computing year 2 have been learning how to make a PPT!
In year 2 we have been using the laptops in class to research animals for our Science topic!
EYFS have had a great week exploring beebots and our lightboard.
This week we have been programming the Lego robots to move in different ways across a mat. Children had to complete different challenges to reach various points.
In Year 5 we have used our coding skills to make the Lego robots sing and dance. Then we set them all off at once to make a disco.
Technical word of the week in EYFS... Algorithm!! We have been programming our Beebots to move around the floor and they did some synchronised moves to music!! We have learned so much in such a short space of time and equally importantly... Had so much fun!! We have also been bought a Quick Reaction Board. We have been testing our reactions and seeing how many taps of the buttons we can get before we make a mistake! It's great for our concentration and reaction skills.
In our computing lesson this week year 2 have been learning all about a digital footprint and how to be safe when using the internet.
Year 3- Today, we talked with Mrs McGough about online safety. We came up with some fantastic ideas about how to stay safe online.
11.2.22- Year 2 has their online safety talk with Clare this afternoon! We listened so well and came up with great ideas on how to stay safe online!
Safer Internet Day 2022. Even at our age we love using computers, iPads and all things technological. This is why it’s SUPER important that we learn how to keep safe when using computers. Mrs McGough came to speak to us all about being safe online. We listened to a Digiduck story.
In EYFS we have been using online games to enhance our learning during our shape work, inspired by the book 'The Perfect Fit'.
In Year 5 we have used Terragen to create 3D worlds and produce pictures of them.
In Year 4 we have used "Scratch" to make a character (Sprite) move in different ways using different commands.
our EYFS children are super keen to use and explore technology...
In year 2 we have been using word on the computer! We changed the font, font size and font colour!
In Year 3 we have been learning how to code and debug using Scratch!
In year 6 we have been upskilling our coding skills to create working calculators. We have also used a digital paint program to create Christmas calendars. We have completed online safety posters for our digital literacy topic which discusses cookies and terms and conditions.
