Computing
Curriculum Rationale
At Lightwater Village Schools we believe that by delivering a high-quality computing curriculum we will inspire & equip the next generation of computational thinkers to participate in the rapidly changing world where technology impacts the lives of us all daily and on a global scale.
Computing lessons are explicitly taught in our fully equipped IT Suite for years 2-6 in a dedicated weekly lesson by our Computing Specialist, with other opportunities built in for cross-curricular learning throughout the timetable where computing skills are used to enhance and strengthen learning. Year 1 has classroom based computing lessons initially in the Autumn term with a phased transition in Spring/Summer term to the using the IT Suite.
Our vision is for children to be confident users of technology so that we can strengthen their skills, knowledge and understanding that will enable them to develop a curiosity for learning and inspire creativity as resilient, critical thinking digital citizens, understanding their role and responsibilities in the digital landscape.
Curriculum Intentions
Early Years:
Even though technology is not a part of the EYFS curriculum anymore we recognise that it is important to give children a broad, play-based experience of Computing in a range of contexts, including outdoor play. In Early years, the children have access to an Interactive Whiteboard, iPads and Chromebooks but we recognise that it is not just about computers. Throughout the year the children gain confidence, control and language skills through opportunities to explore using non-computer based resources such as torches, bee-bots, lightboxes and cameras. Recording devices also support children to develop their communication skills. This is particularly useful with children who have English as an additional language.
In line with the National Curriculum, by the end of key stage 1 pupils should 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.
In line with the National Curriculum, by the end of key stage 2 pupils should be taught to:
- design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
- use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
- use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
- understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration
- use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content
- select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information
- use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.’
As stated in the National Curriculum: ‘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.’
In line with the National Curriculum for Computing, Lightwater Village Schools aim to ensure that all pupils:
- can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
- can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
- can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
- are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.
Curriculum Implementation
Our computing curriculum is designed by our Computing Specialist with elements drawn from the Teach Computing Curriculum - created by the Raspberry Pi Foundation on behalf of the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE).
It is split into 5 units:
- Computer Networks
- Creating Media
- Data & Information
- Physical Computing
- Programming
The units are designed to offer a broad range of engaging and exciting opportunities for the children to progress gradually as they move through the school building upon previous year’s learning (with most units covered by each year group) whilst also offering a variety of different opportunities to inspire and enthuse them. Differentiation is in place for tasks set including scaffolding for children that require more support and challenges for those that need to extend their learning.
The computing curriculum is further extended through extra-curricular computing clubs run at lunchtime by our Computing specialist. We offer Keyboard Skills Club for Year 3, and for Year 6 we offer Robotics Club with Sphero Bolt, Podcasting Club and Code Club where we give our pupils the chance to build on their block coding skills and their passion for coding by being part of a global network of free coding clubs specially designed for 9-13 year olds and developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
At Lightwater Village Schools we have a computer suite comprising of 16 networked computers with an interactive whiteboard. There is a podcasting suite with a mixing desk, sound recording equipment and 2 additional networked computers for audio editing. These resources are available for use throughout the school day for dedicated timetabled computing lessons and computing lunchtime clubs, as well as for cross-curricular use outside of these times. In addition, we have 40 iPads and 15 Chrome Books stored in charging bays in a dedicated IT store which can be booked out for use by all year groups. Physical Computing is taught with a set of 15 Sphero Bolt Robots as part of the curriculum and in an extra-curricular lunchtime club. In addition, we have 10 Chrome books available for SEND use to support literacy. Each classroom is equipped with a networked computer for the teacher to access and an interactive whiteboard. Internet access is available to all networked and Wi-Fi enabled devices throughout the school through a secure firewall.
At Lightwater Village Schools we are committed to keeping our children safe online in our ever-changing technological world. We understand that computing is an essential part of day-to-day life; therefore we ensure that children know how to use technology safely and responsibly, putting a high importance on e-safety as part of our PSHE Curriculum with termly lessons providing up-to-date age-related information which is reinforced throughout Computing lessons where relevant. Computing and safeguarding go hand in hand and we provide a huge focus on internet safety inside and outside of the classroom. In addition to this, we also take part in National Safer Internet Day in February.
Children have access to Seesaw which is an online classroom app which gives opportunities for home learning plus remote teaching and support where necessary. Pupils have passwords that can be used to access Seesaw from home and have been shown how to use them and how to keep their passwords safe from others in line with our E-Safety policy.
Lightwater Village Schools ensure that all children are provided with the same learning opportunities whatever their social class, gender, culture, race, disability or learning difficulties. All pupils have equal access to Computing and all staff members follow the equal opportunities policy. Resources and adaptations for SEN children and children of all abilities will be made available to support and challenge appropriately.
Use of our Computing curriculum supports our SEND and vulnerable pupils by providing them with real life opportunities, visual and verbal explanations and breaking learning into small steps. Additionally, the physical computing element of the curriculum supports and engages a diverse range of pupils in tangible and challenging tasks.
Curriculum Impact
Lightwater Village Schools believe that by delivering a high-quality computing curriculum we will inspire & equip the next generation of computational thinkers to participate in the rapidly changing world where technology impacts the lives of us all daily and on a global scale.
Lightwater Village Schools believe that Computing:
- gives pupils immediate access to a rich source of materials in school which may not be available elsewhere.
- can present information in new ways which help pupils understand, access and use it more readily.
- can motivate and enthuse pupils through a wide range of resources which in turn can help pupils focus and concentrate.
- can give children another platform to express their ideas which may not be in a written form.
- has the flexibility to meet the individual needs and abilities of each pupil.
- offers potential for effective group working supporting children through mixed ability pairs and differentiated tasks where relevant.
- ensures that pupils become digitally literate – that they are able to use and express themselves through technology safely, respectfully and responsibly and that they are at a level suitable for the future workplace as active participants in an ever-changing digital world.
Computing lead Mrs Young.
E-Safety
Digital technology is an integral part of the lives of young people today. Technology is a powerful tool, which opens up new opportunities. It is our vision that every pupil should be educated in how to use technology successfully and safely.
At our school we strive to ensure pupils:
- understand how to communicate responsibly online.
- are encouraged to share thoughtfully, considering what is appropriate to share.
- safeguard personal information, keeping it private.
- understand where reliable information comes from.
- know that not all information available on the internet is reliable or trustworthy.
- know who to talk to if something online appears questionable or upsetting.
At Lightwater Village Schools, E-safety is taught alongside PSHE and Computing. Each half term pupils focus on a specific area of E-safety through the Kapow scheme of work. These lessons are taught by class teachers as part of PSHE lessons. In this environment, pupils are able to share their personal experiences with a member of staff they trust to listen to and support them. Lessons change throughout the year to reflect and respond to trends in society.
E-safety is also an integral part of our dedicated computing lessons as pupils are expected to use the internet, work in partners to compete tasks and present their learning appropriately.
E-Safety for Staff
Our designated E-Safety co-ordinator is Mrs Hooker.
E-Safety for Staff
All staff receive e-safety training and adhere to our e-safety policy. Our staff work collaboratively with pupils and parents to reduce online risks for our pupils.
E-Safety for Parents and Carers
Home - INEQE Safeguarding Group offers a range of advice and resources for parents and carers to support e-safety practices.
How do I report harmful content? Report Harmful Content is provided by the UK Safer Internet Centre and offer an online reporting platform and advice if harmful content is found online. Please use the following link to Report Harmful Content - We Help You Remove Content.
