Intent:
Computing at Cupernham Infant School intends to develop ‘thinkers of the future’ through a modern, ambitious and relevant education in computing. We want to equip pupils to use computational thinking and creativity that will enable them to become active participants in the digital world. It is important to us that the children understand how to use the ever-changing technology to express themselves, as tools for learning and as a means to drive their generation forward into the future. Whilst ensuring they understand the advantages and disadvantages associated with online experiences, we want children to develop as respectful, responsible and confident users of technology, aware of measures that can be taken to keep themselves and others safe online.
Our aim is to provide a computing curriculum that is designed to balance acquiring a broad and deep knowledge alongside opportunities to apply skills in various digital contexts. A computing curriculum taught through effective learning experiences, will help to build the foundations of these skills through EYFS to the end of KS1 to a suitable level for preparation for KS2, and looking even further for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
Aims:
In the Early Years, Children are taught to recognise that a range of technology is used in places such as homes and schools and that they need to select and use technology for particular purposes.
The National Curriculum for KS1 Computing aims to ensure that all Pupils:
Implementation:
Our teaching implements the computing National Curriculum which is comprised of 3 main parts: Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. Knowledge and skills are taught progressively, allowing the children to embed their learning over time.
Computer Science (CS) teaches the principles of information and computation. It involves creating and debugging simple programs using algorithms. At Cupernham Infant School we introduce the language of Computer Science in different contexts. We begin with using precise verbal instructions (algorithms) to get a friend to a certain point across the room or explain how to make a sandwich. We then move on to using the Bee-Bots and then creating their own game using Scratch coding. The children will need to ‘fix’ their games and Bee-Bot programmes as they go wrong, ‘debugging’ their own algorithms.
Digital Literacy (DL) involves using ICT purposefully as a tool for learning. Our children learn to use the internet to search for information, use the keyboard to type text, make modifications to their work including changing the font size and colour, and to save and retrieve their work. The children use iPads to take their own photos and videos and learn to manipulate these images.
Information Technology (IT) is the understanding of how ICT is used beyond school and how to keep safe on the internet.
At Cupernham Infant School
At Cupernham Infant School, computing is taught through an exciting curriculum work but also has cross curricular links with many subjects such as Maths, Design & Technology and Science. We use technology across all areas of learning and children are given opportunities throughout the year to adapt their work digitally. The school has sufficient computing resources, our children have access to a bank of laptops and iPads to support their learning. We use Purple Mash, Espresso and other software packages to aid teaching and learning. In Yr. R, our children have access to iPads and programmable toys such as Bee-Bots, remote control cars to begin experimenting with. We have interactive whiteboards in every classroom and these are used daily to further enable and enhance learning.
We teach e-safety as an explicit part of our curriculum through Computing and PSHRE. We discuss issues such as keeping personal information private, trusting people and sources online, treating others online as we would in real life, posting images online, and what to do if anything makes children feel uncomfortable online. We also use the Hector’s World and Lee & Kim’s Adventure cartoons to introduce children to e-safety issues, as well as stories such as Smartie the Penguin and Digiduck’s Big Decision.
Skills are taught in a progressive way and are developed year on year to ensure that attainment targets are met by the end of each key stage. The children develop their computing knowledge and skills by revisiting and building on previous learning.
Impact:
The impact of our exciting is regularly monitored and reviewed. The children enjoy their computing and digital literacy and value the curriculum we deliver. We want our children to leave Cupernham Infant School:
Computing Subject Overview 2023-2024
Computing Skills & Progression 2023-2024
Helpful Information: