Computing
Preparing our children for an ever evolving digital world.
The computing units are well sequenced to provide a coherent subject scheme that develops children’s skills and knowledge of the ever-evolving world of technology using programming, exploring computer systems and creating media. Key aspects and concepts across the computing curriculum also include digital literacy, information technology and computer science. Projects are placed alongside other subject projects where there are opportunities for making meaningful connections. For example, Year 3 teach the computing systems and networks unit alongside the colour and contrast art project, to allow children to experience the way different programmes may be used within other subjects.
Lower Key Stage
Autumn term begins with the unit Computing systems and networks. Year 3 are challenged to develop their understanding of digital devices by focusing on the inputs, processes and outputs. Year 4 is given the opportunity to explore the internet to learn about content ownership and keeping networks secure. Moving to the end of autumn term, Year 3 and 4 use a range of different techniques to create media. Year 3 use stop-frame animation to create story-based animation, whilst Year 4 use audio production to produce a podcast and are given the opportunity to edit and receive feedback. Spring term introduces children to the first unit of programming. Year 3 use Scratch to explore the concept of sequencing and Year 4 look at creating programs with repetition, shapes and patterns. Data and information finishes off our spring term, with Year 3 looking at branching databases and Year 4 looking at data logging. To finish off our year, the summer term gives children the chance to create their own media using different software and look at the final programming unit. Year 3 create their own piece of work using digital publishing software as well as exploring the links between events and actions. Year 4 considers the impact of photo editing and the concept of repetition when designing and creating a game.
Upper Key Stage
Similar to Lower Key Stage, autumn term begins with the computing systems and networks. Year 5 progress into understanding the computer systems and how information is shared across devices and looking into how inputs, processes and outputs are different in real-world systems. In this unit, Year 6 explore how data is transferred over the internet and how it facilities collaboration and communication online. The next unit of creating media means Year 5 are given the opportunity to create short videos in groups, whilst Year 6 are introduced to the creation of websites, leading them to design and evaluate their own website. The first programming unit in the spring term sees Year 5 and Year 6 use variables in programming through games. This is followed on by the data and information unit. Year 5 look into how flat-file databases are used to organise data and Year 6 are introduced to spreadsheets and how they can be used across the curriculum. In the summer term, Year 5 begin by creating vector drawings, supporting them to create a more complex piece of work. For the year 6 creating media unit, they develop their knowledge and understanding of using computers to produce a 3D model. Our final computing unit of the year has Year 5 using programming to learn about the If, Then, Else structure and how it creates different outcomes within programs. Year 6 finish the Key Stage Two computing curriculum by bringing a number of elements from all years together to use the micro:bit.
