Intent

Computing is a significant part of everyone’s daily life and children should be at the forefront of new technology, with a thirst for learning what is out there.  Computing at Castle Primary School will 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 be able to develop a wide range of fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding that will actually equip them for the rest of their life.

Children leaving in Year 6 will know how to keep themselves safe in a technological world. Our children will be digitally literate and confident in using a broad range of devices, hardware and software. It is important that children understand the role technology takes in the modern world, and will continue to take this into the future. By the time the leave Castle Primary School, children will be equipped to use technology for meaningful purposes.

Here at Castle we strive to provide pupils with a dynamic computing experience. Technology is all around and we encourage children to embrace it and develop early links with new and established forms, whether at home or in school. The more interaction young minds have with the ever changing world of computing the quicker they will develop fine motor skills, manual dexterity and a love for technical knowledge.

Implementation

Children at Castle Primary will bhave to oppertunity to develop their confidence and competence in programming, coding, algorithms and various programming languages (Java, HTML). It is important that they have an understanding of hardware and software including programming Arduino Boards, Raspberry Pi and using Bee Bots for KS1. All children have the opportunity to use word processing in a variety of contexts across the curriculum.

Coding  - skills and knowledge of coding are taught through the development of intergrated code structures and algorithms through various programmes

Examples of codes used: Scratch, Code.org, Flowol, Mozilla, Thimble

Programming - children are taught how to use programming languages which then develop into Apps and games

Examples of languages used: HTML, Java, Python

Technology - this knowledge enables our children to develop the use of intergrated systems, create hardware and use robotics

Examples of robotics used: Arduino, Beebot, Lego WeDo

Digital Design - children are able to explore a creative curriculum and how we can intergrate technology with film and animation

Examples of digital designs used: Animate it, Photostory, Scratch, Monkey Jam

Computing planning is monitored every term by the Computing Lead, to ensure that the relevant skills for the Key Stage are being taught. A wide range of programs are used appropriately to support the skills being taught in Computing lessons - all children do not use the same program for an area of Computing skills. As part of our medium-term planning, we evaluate the children’s outcomes against its assessment criteria. Meetings with Subject Leads will also ensure that the use of Computing across the curriculum is planned for and evaluated.

At Castle Primary School, Computing is an integral part of our skills-based curriculum. Children have access to laptops, Flowol, Scratch, Coding Softwares, Beebots, Lego Wedo equipment, Web-cams, Computers and Visualizers for animation activities, Arduinos and Raspberry Pis. Teachers use Computing to support teaching and learning in all curriculum areas, and children are also taught skills in explicit Computing skills-based lessons. The school uses a bespoke Scheme of Work to support planning and teaching of Computing skills. In Computing, as with all subjects, in order to develop the continuity and progression of teaching and learning, a balance between whole class, individual and group work, and direct teaching is required. Pupil investigation and skills practice is planned throughout the school, which is regularly reviewed by the Computing Lead. Computing in the Foundation Stage is planned in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, and with a focus on the understanding of the World’ area of learning and E safety. When appropriate, the Computing Lead will support members of staff with planning and teaching.

Impact

Much of the subject-specific knowledge developed in our computing lessons equip pupils with experiences which will benefit them in secondary school, further education and future workplaces. The use of presentation and creative tools and critical thinking, computing at Castle Primary School gives children the building blocks that enable children to pursue a wide range of interests and vocations. They will be creative, confident, competent and responsible users of technology, preparing them for life and work in today’s society.

SCRATCH

CODE.ORG

EDUCATION CITY

 SCRATCH JR

EDUTOPIA

TYNKER