Computing

The Computing Curriculum at Fairstead Primary

Subject Lead: Gavin Raynor

Intent

At Fairstead Primary School, we see the importance and value in teaching our children to be confident and proficient in Computing. It is an essential skill that allows learners to explore and communicate with a rapidly changing world. As our students grow and develop as the first generation of children with full access to digital technology and the internet, it is our aim to educate our pupils on how to become fully fledged digital citizens. Our children learn how to: be proficient in coding using blocks; use technology to connect with others; use technology to communicate with others; and use technology to collect, devise, construct and manipulate data. We also teach our children about the dangers of the online world, the potential threats they may encounter online, and what they can do to keep themselves safe, as well as show them what to do if something goes wrong.

Implementation

In EYFS, our curriculum is based on the EYFS Development Matters document for children from birth to age 5.  It is for all children, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. This curriculum is followed throughout Nursery and Reception.

Our teaching is based on the Characteristics of Effective Learning:

  • Playing and exploring
  • Active Learning
  • Creating and thinking critically

Understanding the World –People and Communities. The World. Technology.

In EYFS, the children find out about computers, programmable toys and other I.C.T equipment. They will have opportunities to use tablets and ipads, and access the interactive whiteboard.

This can be through adult-led activities or self-select activities during ‘child initiated play’, where they choose whether to play indoors or outside. During this time they have access to the wide range of activities and have time to enjoy sustained play and develop deeper thinking.

At Fairstead Primary School, classes in KS1 and 2 are taught a discreet computing lesson each week. These lessons cover the National Curriculum for Computing, with our children taught through the Teach Computing Curriculum (National Centre for Computing Education), incorporating the milestones in the CQ Essentials Curriculum, allowing children to:

  • Develop an understanding of instructions logic and sequences (Code)
  • Develop an understanding of how to safely connect with others (Connect)
  • Use apps and devices to communicate one’s ideas (Communicate)
  • Develop an understanding of databases and their uses (Collect)

These four ‘threshold concepts’ are woven into the Computing units we teach.

Our progressive curriculum has been carefully planned to allow opportunities for making links and building on prior knowledge.

Impact

Through carefully planned and implemented learning activities the pupils develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. They gain a firm foundation of knowledge and skills to see them equipped to take on further learning in High School.

Teachers and school staff are constantly assessing children’s progress and understanding through discussion and structured activities, adapting their practice accordingly. Children complete Proof of Progress tasks (POP tasks) or quizzes at the end of each unit in which they can show their knowledge, vocabulary and skills they acquired during the unit.  Floor books are used to collect examples of work, photographs and children’s verbal contributions. Children also save their work using Teams.