Computing

Our vision for Computing at Applecroft

Computing is an integral part of everyday modern life – the skills, knowledge and thinking methods gained through high-quality engagement with this subject will have a great impact on our children's futures. As such, at Applecroft it is vital that our children are equipped with the Computing understanding, skills and knowledge, as well as the creativity and enthusiasm that they need in order to thrive and adapt in a world increasingly dependent on Computing.

Our vision is for inspiring, engaging and progressive Computing embedded across the curriculum using a range of devices with e-safety as an integral part of teaching and learning.

How do we teach Computing?

Currently, there is no statutory requirement to teach 'Computing' in the Early Years. However, at Applecroft, we feel this area of the curriculum is both important and relevant to our pupils everyday experience. Therefore, we have taken the decision to include 'Computing' in our Early Years curriculum.

In Nursery, we follow our own Computing curriculum which is written to compliment, and prepare children for the learning they will experience in Reception.

In Reception, we follow the Kapow scheme of work for Computing.

Both our Nursery and Reception classes provide children with daily opportunities for Computing skills to be developed through 'continuous provision'.

In Key Stages 1 and 2, we follow the National Curriculum for Computing and use the National Centre of Computing Excellence (NCCE)'s 'Teach Computing' Curriculum to deliver it. The NCCE Teach Computing Curriculum has been designed by experts in the Computing field and is regularly updated to reflect the ever-evolving world of Computing. Teachers are able to ensure there is clear progression and development of a range of skills and knowledge, with opportunities for challenge in every lesson.

Our Computing Curriculum is split into three key areas: Digital Literacy, Computer Science and Information Technology. Digital Literacy is taught during the autumn term and covers 'Creating Media' units. This includes looking at digital painting, digital writing, digital photography, making music and editing photo, videos and audio.

Computing Science is taught during the spring term and covers the 'Programming' units. This includes looking at moving a robot and robot algorithms, programming animations, quizzes and games.

Information Technology is taught during the summer term and covers the 'Computing Systems and Networks' and 'Data and Information' units. Computing Systems and Networks focuses on technology around us, the internet, sharing information and communication. Data and Information focuses on grouping data, pictograms, databases and data logging.

Keeping ourselves safe online is fundamental in our digital world. E-Safety is taught explicitly during each Computing lesson as well as being continuously embedded in all areas of school life.

Computing Road Maps

Computing In Action in the Early Years

Computing at Home

Many of us have very quickly improved our technological skills recently in order to continue working and stay in touch with loved ones - so what a perfect time to get our pupil's creativity flowing! Please involve your children in areas of your life where technology is now at the forefront (where possible!) - explain why we are using particular software and apps, what the benefits are of certain features and also how we still need to be careful and responsible online. Let's celebrate how important technology has become and how much scope there is for new ideas!

Please find below a range of resources which can support your child's development in computational thinking at home - some with a device, many without - have a look at some 'unplugged' ideas to engage with as a family, such as playing Twister, doing a jigsaw, following a recipe - all of these involve sequences and algorithms:

Without a device:

https://www.digitalschoolhouse.org.uk/computing-at-home-10-activities

https://www.barefootcomputing.org/homelearning

With a device:

Purple Mash – Entire Computing section (All pupils already have a log in)

Code4Life (Years 4, 5 and 6 already have log ins)

Interactive learning games from barefoot Computing

What is Computing Science - KS1?

What is Computing Science - KS2?

What is Digital Literacy - KS1?

What is Digital Literacy - KS2?

What is Information Technology - KS1?