Computing

Computing Curriculum Rationale

 

Our vision is for all children to become confident users of technology.  To develop the skills, knowledge and understanding which enable them to use appropriate computing resources effectively and safely as both powerful tools for learning and prepare them for life in Modern Britain.

 

We achieve this Vision through the Computing Aims. 

 

Computing Aims

In our school we aim to:

  •           ensure all staff and pupils are confident, competent and independent users of technology;
  •           ensure all pupils understand how to keep themselves safe when using a range of                            technology, both through filters and monitoring in school and, more importantly, through              the E-Safety teaching that forms an integral part of the Computing Curriculum. 
  •           motivate and inspire pupils and raise standards;
  •           develop an appreciation of the use of technology in the context of the wider world;
  •           enrich learning and promote both autonomous study and group work;
  •           develop pupils’ ability to use technology appropriately and choose hardware and software              suitable for a particular task;
  •           provide continuity and progression in all of the strands of the Computing National                        Curriculum;
  •           encourage resilience through problem-solving and an ability to resolve technology issues.
  •           foster group work, sharing and collaboration between peers;
  •           care for and respect all equipment;
  •           ensure equality of access to technology.

The Computing Curriculum

The following core principles of the Computing curriculum underpin all computing teaching and technology use within Finstall First School:

  • Digital literacy
  • Digital Skills
  • Devloping an understanding of technology in the world
  • Technical understanding of how technology works
  • Safe and Responsible Use (E-Safety)

Curriculum Structure

To help to ensure that children have the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills, experiences and competencies with technology, the curriculum has been broken down into 8 key areas.

Using a computer- mouse skills, typing, etc

Using the internet - researching, finding information, etc

Communicating and Collaborating On-line- E-mails, Collaborative working, Video Conferencing, etc Creating and Publishing -Anything that involves presenting information in some way using ICT- word processing, presentations, blogging, websites, etc  

Digital Media -Photo editing and image manipulation, video and video editing, audio recording and editing and animation (some animation can also be programming)

Programming and Control -making something ‘happen’ using ICT (control, movement, etc)

Modelling and Simulations -Representing real life situations, scenarios or items on the computer

Using Data -Spread sheets (including using formulas), Databases and any other work which involves either sorting, presenting or manipulating data of some sort.

Our school is well equipped to provide children with a good introduction to the uses and applications of Computing in Reception, Key Stages 1 and 2. All classrooms are equipped with PCs and SMART Boards. Children have access to iPads and Netbooks to use anywhere around the school, supporting learning in every year group with a wide range of programs and apps.  The ICT Suite enables children to have access to 16 computers in a whole class teaching situation, which is a particularly useful for teaching more specific computing skills.  

 

Year 4 - Kodu
Year 4 have spent four weeks using Kodu, a piece of Microsoft software designed to teach basic coding skills.  They have designed 3D worlds, added characters and objects and then added the coding needed to allow them to interact with their world.  
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Year 4 - Blogs
Year 4 have been creating their own blogs within the School Website.  The children had to think about the structure, layout and content of the blog, but also learnt about copyright and the importance of getting consent before using an image online.  
 
On the final week the children will publish their blogs for the other children to comment on.