Computing

At Edgware Primary School, we understand the ever-increasing role that technology plays in everyday life, therefore it is vital that our children are presented with the wide ranging skills and applications of Computing.

Intent 

At Edgware, our intention is to provide our children with a computing education that enables them to be computer literate while understanding how to use technology across the curriculum and in their everyday lives safely. We want children to be able to use technology confidently so that they can use it in their future- in the world of work. 

Our curriculum covers core curriculum areas

These support the pupils to become confident in using technology while building their knowledge and understanding. We believe that teaching key skills in computing is key to preparing pupils for the digital world – nurturing digital literacy, logical and creative thinking, and independent learning.

As technology is everywhere and will play a pivotal part in pupils' lives, we support them in using technology positively, responsibly and safely. Children understand they have a choice when using technology and will be supported to make appropriate choices that are in accordance to our Edgware values promoting respect, responsibility and honesty.

Each year group is taught Online safety; they learn how to stay safe and learn how to report if they feel unsafe online. 

Implementation

We use the Teach Computing Scheme which is the National Centre of Computing Education.

There are different areas of core skills and knowledge covered each half term.

Each lesson is sequenced so that it builds on the learning from the previous lesson, and where appropriate, activities are scaffolded, such as the use of visual prompts, so that all pupils can access it and feel confident. Exploratory tasks foster a deeper understanding of a concept, encouraging pupils to apply their learning in different contexts and make connections with other learning experiences. As well as scaffolded activities, embedded within the lessons, teachers models to show children what they need to do so they can achieve each objective. 

Impact

By building on knowledge of computing science and how digital systems work, children are equipped to use information technology to create programmes, systems and a range of content. Our teaching ensures that children become computing literate, able to use and express themselves and develop ideas through information and communication technology at a level suitable for the workplace as an active participant in the future world. 

Children also know how to use technology confidently and safely, making safe choices when online and sharing concerns if needed. 

To see the full coverage of progression of knowledge and skills, please see the Subject Coding Overview document in Subject overviews. 

Subject Overviews

Examples within the curriculum

Playing and analysing educational games

Children are given time to play with educational games and create simple programmes.

This is based on algorithms behind the game. They are asked how many of the games are based on repeating pattern of question, response and feedback.

Pupils begin to design their own storyboard and design a prototype educational game in Scratch. They build their skills in coding, algorithms, debugging and presentation skills.

 Creating a toy

The children work together to design a simple toy that incorporates sensors and outputs and then create a online prototype of their toy in Scratch. Children are encouraged to discuss electrical items containing computers at home. They start to brainstorm ideas using mind maps. Pupils are given time to write up the algorithm for their toy's controlling program. The children use Scratch to draw the system components of their toy, drawing each part that the computer controls as a separate sprite.

Producing digital music

Children learn how to create digital music using online software and hardware. In groups, children are asked to brainstorm appropriate styles of music for their task. The children look at the idea of sequencing software, for example music software in short clips (samples) are placed in order. This is illustrated using Isle of Tune, online software. By using the software the children were able to compose, share and present their music to the whole class.

Pupils are also given the opportunity to create their own music. The school uses Audacity to record and create music samples. Children work in groups in using instruments to create their own music compositions. Pupils evaluate their music composition by sharing their work with the class and teachers.

Creating a web page

In Year 5, children learn how to create a web page using HTML coding. Pupils are taught about computer networks, world wide web and the Internet as well as using technology safely online. Pupils start becoming familiar with different types of web pages and how colours, styles and images are used in computer coding (HTML). They are asked to visit X-Ray Goggles and edit the school website homepage. Once pupils learn to code in HTML they can start making a web page using Thimble Editor. Year 5 pupils created a web page on rainforests.

Using Ipads

In Reception, children are using Bee-Bot app with developing algorithms and using step by step programming.