At Derwent Vale Primary and Nursery School, we understand that a high-quality computing education is essential for pupils to understand modern information and communication technologies, and recognize the importance of using these skills to become responsible, competent, confident and creative participants of an increasingly digital world.

Intent

We intend that children should master Computing to such an extent that they could go on to have careers within this field and make use of their computing skills effectively in their everyday lives. Our Computing scheme of work enables pupils to meet the end of Key Stage attainment targets in the National Curriculum. The EYFS unit provides opportunities for pupils to work towards the Development Matters statements and the Early Learning Goals. Our children will be taught this in a way that ensures progression of skills, and follows a sequence which builds on previous learning.

Implementation

Our scheme of work is broken up into five key areas for KS1 and KS2. It follows a spiral curriculum; as such, these areas are revisited and skills and knowledge are built upon each year. Each of the key areas follows the statutory requirements outlined in the National Curriculum. These areas are as follows:

• Computer Systems & Networks
• Programming
• Creating Media
• Data Handling
• Online Safety

The Computing National Curriculum outlines three main stages of computing: Digital Literacy, Information Technology and Computer Science. Each unit of work follows these three stages to form a complete unit of work, and each lesson sequence is underpinned by technical knowledge and encompasses the contextual, historical and technical understanding required for each strand. Units are methodical and follow a step-by-step approach, which usually begins with exploration of new programs, modelling of the skills required to correctly use this, and then pupils will move on to create their own outcome of the project. We want to ensure that Computing is embedded in our whole school curriculum and that opportunities for enhancing learning by using technology are always taken.

Whilst technology is no longer a specific area in the new EYFS framework (2021), having the opportunity to develop computing skills at an early age can foster interest and confidence in technology and give pupils an advantage going into KS1. It is taught in Reception and Nursery through child-initiated and adult-led activities. They improve their fine motor skills, learn about logical reasoning and how to give simple instructions. With adult support, they learn how to debug simple sets of instructions when things go wrong and use BeeBots to practice giving simple commands.

In KS1 and KS2 Computing is taught in blocks, which means pupils will study a whole unit across the span of a week. Each year group is taught at least 5 units of Computing across the year. Children record their work using our online learning platform, Showbie. Children’s work and picture collages of lessons are stored in individual classroom folders on Showbie, and these are available to access through class-teacher logins, where they are available for reference and assessment purposes.

In Key Stage 1, pupils will begin looking at the parts which make up a computer. Our pupils will begin to explore different aspects of computing, they will look at algorithms and understand how they are implemented. This will then feed into their learning on debugging and problem solving. Children will start to experience computing as a more creative area, whereby they will look at creating media through the use of Stop Motion software. Pupils will gain valuable life skills in word processing, online safety and the importance of creating strong passwords and knowing who to go to for advice when they are concerned about something online.

In Key Stage 2, our pupils start to build on their previously learnt skills and knowledge, looking more closely at programming and coding. Pupils will continue to develop their creative skills using technology, learn to compose emails, create databases and what happens inside a computer. Children will be given the opportunity to explore and tinker with new software whilst being given the guidance needed to produce quality pieces of work. Pupils will learn about key moments in history where computing advances were made, such as Bletchley Park and the Mars Rover. Pupils will acquire further knowledge on online safety, more specifically focusing on how the internet affects us, how it helps us and how we use the internet safely and responsibly.

Impact

Children at Derwent Vale enjoy and value Computing and know why they are doing things, not just how. Children will understand and appreciate the value Computing in the context of their personal wellbeing and the creative and cultural industries and their many career opportunities. The Computing curriculum contributes to children’s personal development in computing skills, independence, judgement and self-reflection. This should be seen in them being able to talk confidently about their work, and sharing their work with others. Pupils should leave the school equipped with a range of skills to enable them to succeed in their secondary education and be innovative and resourceful members of society.