Why do we learn computing?
A high-quality computing education equips 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. 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. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils 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.
(National Curriculum, 2014)
Our approach
Our Computing curriculum focuses on preparing our pupils for a rapidly changing world, in which work and other activities are increasingly transformed by access to varied and developing technology. Through Computing, we teach children to learn how to store, manipulate, retrieve and present information which may consist of text, numbers, images, sound or other signals. These skills are taught through topics consisting of communicating information; handling information, modelling and control based on the ‘Switched On’ schemes of learning.
Aims of the computing curriculum
- Use computational thinking and creativity to understand & change the world
- Understand & apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science
- Analyse problems in computational terms and have practical experience of writing computer programs to solve these
- Become digitally literate; responsible, competent, confident and creative users of ICT
Year 3 - Computing
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
|
We are programmers: Programming an animation |
We are bug fixers: Finding and correcting bugs in programs |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
| We are presenters: Videoing performance |
We are vloggers: Making and sharing screencast presentations |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| We are communicators: Communicating safely on the internet |
We are opinion pollsters: Collecting & analysing data |
All Year 3 Subjects Next Year 3 Subject- Modern Foreign Languages
Year 4 - Computing
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
|
We are software developers: Developing a simple educational game |
We are toy designers: Prototyping an interactive toy |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
| We are musicians: Producing digital music |
We are HTML editors: Editing and writing HTML |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| We are co-authors: Producing a wiki |
We are meteorlogists: Presenting the weather |
All Year 4 Subjects Next Year 4 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages
Year 5 - Computing
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
|
We are game developers: Developing an interactive game |
We are cryptographers: Cracking codes |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
| We are artists: Fusing geometry and art |
We are web developers: Creating a website about cyber safety |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| We are bloggers: Sharing experiences and opinions |
We are architects: Creating a virtual space |
All Year 5 Subjects Next Year 5 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages
Year 6 - Computing
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
|
We are adventure gamers: Making a text-based adventure game |
We are computational thinkers: Mastering algorithms for searching, sorting and mathematics |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
| We are advertisers: Creating a short television advert |
We are network technicians: Exploring computer networks including the internet |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| We are travel writers: Using media and mapping to document a trip |
We are publishers: Creating a yearbook or magazine |
All Year 6 Subjects Next Year 6 Subject - Modern Foreign Languages