At Walmley Infant School we want each child to have high-quality computing education equipping pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. Through the learning of computing is computer science, in which learners are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, learners are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
Computing
Intent
Implementation
In Computing lessons, children use iPads and other ICT resources. Computing is integrated into many subjects of the curriculum to enhance the children’s skills and confidence when using resources. As pupils progress through school their computing confidence, understanding and independence grows.
Lessons in Computing include teaching input which recalls information from previous lessons as well as teaching the children new skills they will need to meet each objective. As well as this, children will have independent time to complete the task set which can be differentiated to meet the needs of the learner. At the end of the lesson, children will take part in a plenary. This can involve an additional opportunity to review and consolidate learning or begin to think about the next step.
In order to share key vocabulary and definitions with parents, we complete a half termly Subject Knowledge Organiser. This organiser also contains any key aspects of the curriculum that will be taught that half term.
Key vocabulary
Algorithm Coding Debug E-Safety Programme Sequence
Early Years Foundation Stage
Although the technology strand has been removed from the EYFS, technology plays a vital role in life in the 21st century, therefore pupils will be taught to:
- Operate simple equipment
- Use technological toys with knobs or pulleys, or real objects
- Make toys work by pressing parts or lifting flaps to achieve effects such as sound, movements or new images
- Know that information can be retrieved from technological devices
- Interact with age-appropriate computer software.
Key Stage 1
In Key Stage One lessons pupils will be taught to:
- Understand what algorithms are, how they are implemented as programs on digital devices, and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions
- Create and debug simple programs
- Use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
- Use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content
- Recognise common uses of information technology beyond school
- Use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.
For further information including Inclusion, Unicef Rights and British Values in Computing please see our ICT, Computing and E-Safety Policy.
Impact
In Early Years there are now no expectations for assessment in computing, however as a school we offer the use of technology to support other areas of the EYFS.
In Key Stage One children are assessed according the National Curriculum programmes of study and is supported by the use of end of block assessments. Through-out school, Tapestry is used as our assessment tool in order to track progress. Achievements and skills assessed against the Computing expectations taken from the National Curriculum will also be reported to parents on the annual report.
We monitor computing by undertaking learning scrutinies, lesson observations/learning walks and pupil voice. This helps us measure the quality of curriculum coverage as well as the quality of teaching and learning.
When children leave our school at the end of Year 2, they will have the skills and knowledge to use basic technology confidently. They will also have an understanding of why computer science is important beyond school as well as being able to create and edit basic programmes and use digital media to research, edit and create. Not only will they have these knowledge and skills, they will also understand the importance of staying safe online, knowing what to do if they have any concerns.
