Computing

National Curriculum[2014]: Computing
A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming.

 

INTENT

Computing Curriculum at Cottesmore
Statement of Intent
At Cottesmore we want our children to be fluent in their understanding of technology.  We want our children to know how technology impacts the world around them and importantly, how to stay safe whilst using this technology.  At Cottesmore we strive to model and educate our pupils to use technology positively, responsibly and safely.   As the digital world around us is ever-changing and expanding, we aim to equip our children with the knowledge and influence they need to begin to navigate the future pathways of this digital age, in secondary school and beyond.  

Students learn the three main strands of computing: information technology; computer science coding and digital literacy.  Units have been taken and adapted from the NCCE Teach Computing scheme. In EYFS and KS1, our children also learn key digital skills, such as mouse control and early coding, using Busy Things and Barefoot Computing. Our children are given opportunities to explore platforms to enhance IT skills, such as creating Stop Motion Animations, exploring physical systems by coding Micro:bits, as well as creating and understanding digital drawing packages. Coding projects offer our children creative freedom, from learning simple skills in Scratch to increasingly complex game building. Our computing curriculum is designed to be fun, engaging, progressive and coherent for all our children, with emerging cross-curricular links.

It is through these strands that our children become competent and skilled users of technology, understanding the ways in which it can influence and bolster our everyday lives.  We strive to inspire future Scientists, Engineers and digital pioneers by allowing our children the chance to dream. 

What Computing topics do we teach?
Computing at Cottesmore is a discrete subject and is taught by a specialist Computing teacher.

In Key Stage 1 children start by developing their digital skills and knowledge with a focus on logging in to different platforms, navigating devices and mouse control. They learn what multimedia is and how to use different media types to create their own comic adventures using Book Creator.

As children move into Key Stage 2 our Computing curriculum advances with them. Children cover media topics such as creating Video Trailers in Year 3, build websites looking at HTML and webpage features in Year 4 and record Podcasts in Year 6, all of which link to the issue of Climate Change.

Coding at Cottesmore spans all year groups, beginning with basic sequencing in Year 1, through to an introduction to Python in Year 6.

 

IMPLEMENTATION

How is Computing taught at Cottesmore?
We recognise Computing as a subject of its own. It is mostly taught by a specialist Computing teacher. Our curriculum has been created using some of the units given by the STEM NCCE scheme, as well as being created using the knowledge of the specialist teacher themselves and the consideration of children’s own capabilities. Lessons include unplugged learning, away from devices and technology; using iPads, often for topics such as Video or Photo editing; and units using the Computer suite, often for web-based lessons. As a result of this, Computing at Cottesmore is recognisable and different from other subjects. We give children the opportunity to develop their use of digital technology, teaching them valuable digital skills, readying them for secondary and beyond.

What does a Computing lesson look like at Cottesmore?

★ Computing at Cottesmore is often taught using digital devices.

★ Children’s digital skills are clearly progressed across the year.

★ Knowledge and skills have a clear progressive pathway across the school.

★ There is often a buzz of excitement as children engage in their lessons, create new programs or campaign video trailers.

★ Children are encouraged to collaborate and share their digital knowledge with each other.

Online safety is woven into lessons, from educating children about game and app age ratings to how to keep personal information private through to the consequences of online bullying and ways to behave when we are in the online world, whatever the device or circumstance. Children are taught the Online Safety mantra of Zip It, Block It, Flag It, to help them understand how to stay safe and report concerns.

Zip It, Block It, Flag It!

 

Trusted Adults & Helping Hands

In our EPR lessons, children learn to use their Helping Hand to name 5 adults they know and trust. In Computing we use our Helping Hands to understand who children can speak to about issues they experience online.

 

 

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Challenge in Computing

Through a clear progression of skills children are taught to thrive and achieve more from their Computing lessons. When children arrive already confident and proficient in the learning, they are encouraged to deepen their understanding and find ways to push themselves further with their learning. These children are often called upon to become the digital helper for the lesson, being shown how to follow the ‘driver vs navigator’ way of assisting others, ensuring they are able to explain their knowledge and the steps needed to achieve a similar level of understanding.

IMPACT

At Cottesmore, children progress in Computing by following and implementing small tasks, all of which help to progress and build their skills and knowledge. In Year 1, children begin their multimedia learning journey by learning to manipulate tools, add photos, videos and voice recordings on Seesaw, the learning platform used for homework and for evidencing the Computing curriculum. By the end of year 6, children independently make choices on the type of software or hardware needed to best present information, having experienced a range of software tools in their journey through the school.

In line with our whole-school approach to learning, Cottesmore Computing lessons are always adapted to the needs, knowledge and understanding of each class. Should children show a lack of understanding in lessons, learning is quickly adapted to suit their needs. Children and classes who show themselves to be more capable in certain subject areas are encouraged to further develop their skills and knowledge, for example by adding variables such as score counters or timers into basic games they are building.

Learning in Computing is seen as a journey, through children’s whole-school journey, as well as within each year group. Before building a complex game using block code, children learn sequencing through unplugged activities, they learn how to read and create flow charts, growing their programming knowledge from simple animations to complex games involving subroutines and variables.

 

Here is an example of the programming skills progression at Cottesmore:

 

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Here are some examples of children’s work across the school: