Computing

At Regent Farm First School we recognise that pupils are living in a rapidly changing world, in which ICT is playing an ever-increasing role. We aim, therefore, to equip children with the skills to adapt to new technology and to give them confidence to use ICT to further their learning and to assist them in everyday life.

The school’s aims are to:

Within the area of the curriculum:

Meet the requirements of the National Curriculum programmes of study for Computing at Key Stage 1 and 2.
Provide a broad, balanced and challenging curriculum for all pupils.
Provide an enjoyable curriculum for all pupils.
Enhance and enrich learning in other areas of the curriculum by cross curricular use of ICT.

Within the area of computers science:

Provide a structured, progressive approach to learning how computer systems work.
Develop pupil’s computational thinking skills (such as logic and problem solving) that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Within the area of digital Literacy and using computers:

Develop the understanding of how to use computers and digital tools respectfully and safely.
Develop the skills necessary to become digitally literate and participate fully in the modern world.
Equip pupils with the confidence and skills to use digital tools and technologies throughout their lives.
Stimulate interest in new technologies.

How do we teach computing?

We teach both discrete Computing lessons to develop knowledge, skills and understanding but also provide a range of opportunities throughout school to employ Computing skills across the curriculum.

Early Years

It is important in the foundation stage to give children a broad, play-based experience of IT and computing in a range of contexts, including off-computer activities and outdoor play.

Computing is not just about computers. Early years learning environments should feature IT scenarios based on experience in the real world, such as in role play. Children gain confidence, control and language skills through opportunities such as ‘programming’ each other using directional language to find toys/objects, creating artwork using digital drawing tools and controlling programmable toys.

Outdoor exploration is an important aspect and using digital recording devices such as video recorders, cameras and microphones can support children in developing communication skills. This is particularly beneficial for children who have English as an additional language.

Technology forms an element of the EYFS goals (Understanding the world). It aims to ensure that:

children recognise that a range of technology is used in places such as homes and schools.
children select and use technology for particular purposes.

Key stage 1

In Key Stage 1 the children will learn:

What algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions. They will be taught to create and debug simple programs and use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs.
They will be shown how to use a range of technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content as well as recognise common uses of information technology beyond school.
They will be taught to 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.

Key stage 2

In Key Stage 2 the children will:

Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts. They will use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs, use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and correct errors in algorithms and programs. Children will be taught to understand computer networks, including the internet, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration.
They will use search technologies effectively, learn to appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content.
Children will be taught to select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals.
They will use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

If you were to walk into Computing lessons at Regent Farm you would see:

Proficient users of technology who are able to work both independently and collaboratively as a team.
Determined learners who, when faced with problems in activities such as coding, will persevere to debug errors in code.
Computing hardware and software being utilised to enhance the learning outcomes of our children, across the curriculum.
Clear progression in technical skills.
A learning buzz as children engage in exciting activities such as coding, programming hardware such as BeeBots and MicroBits, or creating digital content such as images, videos or podcasts.

What is the impact of our computing curriculum?

Children will have developed as respectful users of technology. After the implementation of this computing curriculum, children at Regent Farm will be digitally literate and able to join the rest of the world on its digital platform. They will be equipped, not only with the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively and for their own benefit, but more importantly – safely.
Our children will show determination in overcoming problems that involve using technology.
They will be equipped with the skills to work as part of a team to accomplish tasks and challenges involving technology that they will face in the future.
Children will have developed as curious learners, able to use technology to help them to meet and satisfy their what they want to find out or do.