Computing

Intent

Our Computing curriculum is designed to provide sequential learning experiences taught through explicit computing lessons. It covers the three pillars of computing knowledge:

Computer Science

Information Technology

Computer Literacy.

Our Computing is broadly based on the Purple Mash Scheme but we have evaluated it's sequence and appropriateness and adjusted it to ensure it meets the needs of our pupils and lays the foundations for learning in KS2 at Kingmoor Junior School.

Our Tree of Learning shows how our curriculum forms the foundations for learning in Kingmoor Junior School and was planned with Junior School staff. We aim to help prepare children for a rapidly changing world through the use of technology and recognise that technology can allow pupils to share their learning in creative ways.

Through the study of Computing, children develop a wide range of fundamental computing skills, knowledge and understanding that will equip them for the rest of their life. 

Following the findings of the Practical programming in computing education NCCE Academic Board, Feb 2022 we strongly believe that:

Technology. Programming is also about acquiring mastery over technology through making the computer carry out your own instructions. In today’s world much technology is digital technology, and thus owes its existence to programming. Only by understanding programming can a child deeply understand the possibilities and limitations of existing technology

We want to model and educate children on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely. The National Curriculum for Computing aims to ensure that all pupils: 

• Can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation 
• Can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems 
• Can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems 
• Are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication

Implementation

From the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), they learn basic skills including knowing how to operate simple equipment to completing a simple program on a touchscreen or ipad. These skills are built upon as they progress throughout the school and by the time they finish Year Two, the children are confidently using a range of skills such as creating and de-bugging simple programs, using technology to create digital content and identifying/reporting inappropriate online content.

In Key Stage 1, Computing is planned for weekly as an explicit lesson. Our curriculum breaks the Computing curriculum down into different topics to teach throughout the year although this has been adapted to meet the needs of our children and to ensure our curriculum prepares them for future learning at Kingmoor Junior School. The Purple Mash scheme directly corresponds to the school’s progression of knowledge document which helps teachers by identifying knowledge children need learn and remember.

In EYFS, children learn to recognise that a range of technology is used in places such as homes and schools. They will learn to be able to select and use technology for particular purposes. EYFS have access to a range of Physical Computing resources including codapillars, Beebots, OZObots, metal detectors and cameras.

In Year 1, children learn that an algorithm is a set of instructions used to solve a problem or achieve an objective. They can work out what is wrong in a simple algorithm when the steps are out of order and can write their own simple algorithm. The children are taught to physically sort, collate, edit, present, search through, re-order and re-structure items using a range of given criteria. Children understand what is meant by technology and can identify a number of examples both in and out of school. They develop an awareness of online safety using their own private usernames and passwords for Purple Mash and understand the importance of keeping information, such as their usernames and passwords private and actively demonstrate this in lessons. 

In Year 2, children will be able to explain that an algorithm is a set of instructions to complete a task. They will be able to turn algorithms of more than one step into code and show an awareness of the need to be precise in their designs so that algorithms can be successfully translated into code. Children will learn to create a program that achieves a specific purpose and identify and correct errors, as well as predicting and describing cause and effect in a program. Children are taught to organise data into pictograms and binary trees and use these tools to sort information, manipulate their data, answer questions and retrieve data. Children will be able to effectively retrieve relevant, purposeful digital content using a search engine and will have developed an understanding of how to use email safely and responsibly. They also know how to report inappropriate content to their teacher

We also use technology to enhance and develop learning across the curriculum. Teachers use ipads along with apple classroom to provide activities that promote learning in a range of subject areas. 

Mental Health and Online Safety

For most children, the internet is part of their everyday life. We have have an important role to play in helping pupils to use the internet in a safe and positive way.  Online safety has a high profile at Kingmoor Nursery and Infant School for all stakeholders. We ensure this profile is maintained and that pupil needs are met by the following:  

• A relevant up-to-date curriculum which includes Online Safety as an integral part
• A curriculum that is threaded throughout other curriculums and embedded in the day-to-day lives of our pupils.
• Training for staff and governors which is relevant to their needs and ultimately positively impacts on the pupils.
• Scheduled pupil voice sessions and learning walks steer changes and inform training needs.
• Through our home/school links and communication channels, parents are kept up to date with relevant online safety matters, policies and agreements. They know who to contact at school if they have concerns.
• Pupils, staff and parents have Acceptable Use Policies which are signed and copies freely available.
• Our online safety policy (part of our safeguarding policy) clearly states how monitoring of online safety is undertaken and any incidents/infringements to it are dealt with.
• Filtering and monitoring systems for all our online access.
• These are our E Safety Rules 

Impact

• Children will have a greater understanding of how technology makes a difference in all aspects of life - at home, at school and in the workplace 
• Children will develop Computing skills that can thoughtfully applied in a range of different situations, with children developing increasing independence in the choices they make over which technology to use to help them reach the desired outcome.
• As they progress through EYFS and KS1, children will become increasing confident in the application of their digital skills, becoming increasingly efficient and effective communicators, collaborators and analysts, showing imagination and creativity in their use of ICT in different aspects of their learning and life beyond school. 
• We will be able to see that the children know more and remember in more in computing, through evidence in their online folders, other subjects and pupil voice.
• We will also see they are able to recall prior learning and apply it. Children will then start their next year of learning with the necessary skills and knowledge to build upon.