Computing

We believe that computing capability is an essential skill for life and enables learners to participate more readily in a rapidly changing world. The skills we learn in computing are transferable across the curriculum; they are taught in computing lessons, but then used across subjects, just as we do with reading and writing. Our global themes of Environment & Sustainability and Identify & Diversity provide further opportunity for children to apply learning in real and relevant contexts.

How is Computing taught?

We follow the national curriculum and use the NCCE’s Teach Computing progression model to ensure our curriculum is ambitious, relevant and based on the latest research and evidence.  Units of learning are then localised and made relevant to the learning happening in each year group. Each year group learns through units within the same four themes and all learning objectives have been mapped to the strands, which ensures that units build on each other from one key stage to the next. 

Alongside progression in knowledge, skills and understanding, we also aim for children to be inspired by computing and new learning; to be independent in the application of their knowledge and skills; and be confident in using technology to enhance the learning of other subjects.

In Years 1-6, lessons are taught weekly, commonly in half term units and children will understand how their learning links together across lessons, terms and year groups by regularly revisiting prior learning. When computing is not timetabled, children apply learning from their computing curriculum in other real-life and relevant contexts, deepening their learning and embedding core skills. From the outset, pupils are engaged in enquiry led learning and at the end of each journey, children are supported to reflect on their progress, to analyse and self-evaluate independently or with others.

In EYFS children develop their understanding of how to use a computer, for example mouse skills and opening and closing a program. They are introduced to basic coding skills through using Beebots.

In Year 1 pupils continue to develop their keyboard and mouse skills. They begin to look at data and information by labelling, grouping and searching. They develop their understanding of a range of tools used for digital painting through projects such as Microsoft Paint and Paint. They also begin to look at digital writing and look at technology all around us.

In Year 2 children continue to develop their knowledge of computing systems and networks. They learn to recognise that different devices can be used to capture photographs, use a computer to make music and begin to organise data.

At Greenfields, in Year 3, pupils continue to build on the skills they have been taught in KS1. They build on their digital literacy skills, continue to build their coding and debugging skills, use databases and learn to create stop frame animation.

In Year 4, pupils practise their photo and audio editing skills, as well as using data loggers. They continue to enhance their coding skills through learning about repetition and loops in code.

In Year 5, pupils use Crumble to write code which powers a 3D model which links to their Design and Technology project. They are introduced to video editing and drawing with vectors.

In Year 6, pupils have the opportunity to further their digital literacy skills. They build on their coding knowledge to write a program to power a moving vehicle with links to Design and Technology, as well as creating a web page and using previously learnt skills to further their data and spreadsheet knowledge. 

Online Safety

At Green Oaks, we are committed to safeguarding children, our online safety strand of the computing curriculum is a substantial programme and is continuously taught throughout the year. We utilise Project Evolve to support teaching each aspect of online safety as follows:

• Self-image and identity             
• Copyright and ownership                            
• Privacy and security
• Online relationships                           
• Health, wellbeing and lifestyle           
• Online reputation
• Online bullying                           
• Managing online information

Parent briefings and additional guides are sent out to support parents to keep their children safe online at home too.

Coding

To enhance our computing curriculum, we run an annual coding club after school. If you are interested to find out more about this, please contact the school office.