Computing
Computing enables learners to participate in a rapidly changing world.
Beehive Lane Computing Curriculum
Intent
The Computing curriculum is designed to prepare the children to engage knowledgeably and safely in the ever-changing world of technology. Each year group contains a set of progressive skills and knowledge that are challenging, engaging and accessible.
To ensure the children gain the relevant and varied skills, there is a balance of:
- Computer Science: children are taught how digital systems such as computers, networks and the Internet work;
- Digital Literacy: children are taught to use digital technology to access, create, manage and evaluate information;
- Information Technology: where children can collect, evaluate and analyse real data;
- Online Safety: children are taught how to access and use the Internet safely and appropriately,
We aim for the children to reach a suitable level ready for their education beyond primary school and as active participants in the digital world.
National Curriculum - Computing
Implementation
Our Computing curriculum uses the components of the Teach Computing curriculum which is comprised of different strands:
- Networks: how networks can be used to retrieve and share information, and they come with associated risks
- Creating Media: selecting and creating a range of media including text, images, sound and video
- Data & Information: understanding how data is stored, organised and used to represent real-world situations
- Design & Development: understanding the activities involved in planning, creating and evaluating computing artefacts
- Computing Systems: understanding what a computer is, and how its constituent parts function together as a whole
- Impact of Technology: understanding how individuals, systems and society as a whole interact with computer systems
- Algorithms: comprehend, design, create and evaluate algorithms
- Programming: create software to allow computer to solve problems
- Safety & Security: understanding risks when using technology and how to protect individuals and systems
The curriculum is closely designed to ensure clear progression of skills and that new skills build on those previously taught. Each unit of work has a clearly defined end point. As part of this progression, the same (or related) software may be used in subsequent year groups to enable children to embed key concepts and skills in their long-term memory, for example the use of Bee-bots in Yr R & KS1 and Scratch in KS2. The curriculum also contains strong links to other areas of the curriculum including mathematics, science, humanities, art and music.
Our facilities make certain that the learning environment is engaging and enables each child to access the lesson fully as each child has access to their own computer. Lessons are also enhanced by the use of iPads.
Impact
The impact of Computing is measured by the children’s progress but also their enjoyment. Our children enjoy their computing lessons and are confident in their use of a range of hardware and software. Computing lessons at Beehive Lane are full of enthusiastic learning, of children who can work independently and collaboratively and of children clearly progressing in their skills.
The children at our school are also knowledgeable and confident when discussing online safety. They value this aspect of computing and are respectful in their conduct online.